About Me
I’m Ciara, a womenswear designer from Norwich University of the Arts
I’m Ciara a womenswear designer from Norwich University of the Arts. My main interest lies within the intricate construction of lingerie pieces, paired with extravagant accessories. I take the time to create in-depth research when creating my collections, uncovering many layers of thought-out inspiration that when combined creates an intricate narrative.
Through creating my collections, I have taken the time to explore different elements of womenswear. Through my studies, I have always found myself gravitating towards creating lingerie pieces and delicate hand-draped garments. I wanted to explore how I can consider sustainability within my designs and devised a manifesto for myself that calls for making pieces that retain their value. Metal from my final major collection served as the basis for this concept.Large metal sculptures that I made are not only works of art in and of themselves but also will always hold value due to their substance.
INSPIRATION
Graduate collection ‘Behind the Symbols of Perfection’
My inspiration behind this project comes from a series of conversations that I have retained with my oldest friend Katy who studies dance. Through many conversations that Katy and I have exchanged, we have been able to discuss traumatic experiences that they have gone through and how they use dance to allow them to express their emotions. As we are both students of different art forms, we will always find ourselves discussing our work. Katy has also been a huge part of my personal life.
It was important for me to use dance in this current project as a way for me to connect to this collection on a personal level without it being an obvious link.Although Katy is very passionate about dance, they have expressed to me the physical and mental challenges that they have faced. The physical demand has resulted in bruising, pulled ligaments, shin splints, broken toes, dislocated shoulders, nerve damage and broken ribs. My collection explores this damage and signifies my friendship with Katy.
MY WORK
PORTFOLIOS
Concept board
Concept development
Draping on the body
Concept development
Fashion illustrations
Concept development
Accessorie development
Collection line up
Final outfits
Final outfits
Final Accesories
DETAIL
Behind the curtain
Watch the threads unravel as the story of the broken ballerina transports the audience into the realities of the life behind the curtain. Explore the vulnerability of these performers through the hints of lingerie that is unveiled through the movement of the ballerina. The intricate top stitch details and subtitle satin lining represents the delicate state of the individual who is selected for the performance.The overwhelming volume of fabric that puddles beneath the performer is stitched from the remains of disregarded fabric from the undressing of the ballerina once the performance is complete. Lastly, the heavy metal pieces explore control and constriction that the Abonnes put each ballerina under both on and off stage, the pieces are created from mushrooms and explore control through a natural form. All elements work together equally to tell a story of not only individuality but also conformity.
The value of an item is subjective to an individual but the impact that it has on the environment is not.
Graduate Fashion Week in partnership with:
