About
Heavily influenced by her mother, a bridal gown designer, Mairead learned the value of hand made clothing at a young age. Whilst studying textile design at the National College of Art and Design, where she graduated with a first class honours degree, she explored the process of making through various constructed textiles before falling in love with knitting. Having learnt the basics of knitting as a child she developed a large repertoire of technical hand stitches before teaching herself how to use both single and double bed domestic knitting machines. Inspired by Irish craft Mairead began to fuse technical processes together to create innovative, tactile surfaces. Combining knitting, embroidery and weaving techniques she created hybrid garments that echoed many crafts. Designing for both men and women, she strives to create clothing that has a cool, contemporary aesthetic whilst remaining authentically Irish.
Mairead won the UCD Young Designer of the Year Award 2017 and was shortlisted for the Future Makers Awards and Supports 2016. Her graduate collection HomeComing was featured on TV3’s Xpose, Totally Dublin, Wow Berlin Mag and On Homme Magazine. She is a member of the Design and Craft Council of Ireland and the Institute of Designers Ireland.
Exhibitions / Shows
The Knitting and Stitching Show RDS 2016
NCAD Graduate Showcase June 2016
Now and Then Fashion Event May 2016
SPACE (s) ? March 2016
The Knitting and Stitching Show RDS 2015
Sew…? May 2015
The Knitting and Stitching Show RDS 2014
NCAD Core Year Showcase 2013
