Caoimhe Hill

Caoimhe Hill, an NCAD Fashion Design student, won the Design Award for her collection that “combines modern functionality with traditional craft skills, displaying an original and innovative approach to fashion”.

Tell us about your collection?

My collection is called Flotsam and Jetsam. I entered my graduate collection into the competition. It was based on my hometown of Kinsale in Co Cork.

I focused it all on the durable utilitarian attire of Kinsale fishermen, and then this idea of beachcombing, which is something my mom does: collecting seashells and washed-up items that come on to the beaches in Kinsale.

It was about incorporating what was available and all based on the idea of sustainable design.

What kind of materials did you use?

I used a lot of cottons and linens and then I also used a lot of tulle. Then also I use this technique called macrame which is like rope knotting. I had cotton ropes and nylon ropes which I knotted together to incorporate different techniques.

What was it like to win the Design Award?

I didn’t expect it at all. I had applied for a materials award, which is worth €500, so to receive the Design Award of €1,000 instead is just amazing.

I won a prize earlier this year, a €3,500 bursary and internship with River Island in London, so hopefully this prize can help me with that.

What’s next for you?

I am setting up a new website coming out soon, so hopefully I might sell some pieces through that. Another student and I are going to work on a collection over the summer too. Then on 21 October start my internship with River Island. CL