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Juliet Webster

National College of Art and Design

I’m a recent Fashion Design graduate from the National College of Art and Design based in Dublin, Ireland, with a focus on womenswear. My work is deeply rooted in Irish heritage, particularly the maritime communities of the West of Ireland. I draw inspiration from traditional practices like seaweed gathering and natural dyeing, as well as the raw textures and silhouettes of currachs and coastal landscapes. My designs merge historical narratives with a modern, avant-garde edge, influenced by designers such as Ann Demeulemeester, Comme des Garçons, and Rick Owens. I work primarily with natural materials—leather, wool, silk, and fur—crafting garments with a high level attention to detail and finish. My recent collection pairs knitwear with structured leather outerwear, balancing drape with volume to create pieces that are both sculptural and wearable. I aim to challenge conventional ideas of femininity through textural contrast, desaturated tones, and an emotional depth that reflects both personal identity and place. I’m particularly interested in craftsmanship and process, from hand-finishing and textile manipulation to the technical construction of garments. I approach design with a focus on storytelling, connecting the past with the present and infusing each piece with meaning beyond aesthetics. For me, fashion is not only an art form but also a medium through which cultural memory and innovation intersect. This competition is an opportunity to share my perspective with a wider audience and to continue growing as a designer committed to pushing boundaries while honouring the traditions that shaped me.

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Ceird na Cruatan - Craft of Hardship

Category: Apparel

Competitions: Fashion Competition 2025

'Ceird na Cruatan' reflects on the craft, resilience and quiet beauty of rural life in Connemara, Ireland. Drawing from my heritage, this collection reimagines Irish folk tradition and culture through a contemporary lens. My research began with my grandparents and a desire to explore their hometowns of Leenane and Leitir Móir in Galway, Ireland. Through folklore archives, I discovered the material culture of these coastal communities: the Currach, a traditional boat, as a symbol of the West of Ireland, the practice of seaweed gathering, and basket weaving — all of which inform the collection’s textures and forms. Wool and leather were chosen for their natural and durable qualities, reflecting the need to withstand the wild climate of the West of Ireland and using what the land could provide. Native Irish plant dyes, such as heather and oak, were used along the surrounding landscape to inform the muted palette. Woven leather details reflect the tradition of basket weaving. Look 1 - Cliabh - Creel, consists of a Leather jacket with laser cut hand woven panels, the shape of the currach influencing the silhouette of the sleeves. Boiled wool skirt that was plant dyed with heather, oak bark and iron pays homage to the petticoats of the women in the West of Ireland. The skirt was laser cut and hand woven with leather lacing to mimic the details of petticoats worn by boys on the Aran Islands off the West coast of Ireland. A sheepskin shearling collar was chosen with the history of sheep farming in mind, sheep being the only animals able to withstand the harsh landscape. Finally paired with handmade leather pampooties, a traditional shoe won on the Aran Islands. Look 2 - Feamainn - Seaweed, consists of a Felted knit top with wool and silk knitted strapping gathered and layered inspired by the tradition of seaweed gathering in Connemara, Ireland. Different wools were chosen for different textures, including felting lambswool which was a tradition done in the West of Ireland for durability. All wool was hand dyed with native Irish plant dyes that were used in the west of Ireland, found from research from the Irish National Folklore Archive. Leather trousers, with the silhouette of a currach resting on the shore, have laser cut hand woven panels as a nod to basket weaving. Handmade leather pampooties, a traditional shoe worn on the Aran Islands complete the look. Look 3 - Naomhóg - Coracle, consists of a lambskin leather mini dress with layered laser cut appliqué. Laser cuts were traced from the skeleton of the Currach, gathered to create texture also echoing bunches of seaweed. Boiled cashmere trousers with laser cuts woven with leather lacing, ruched at the bottom inspired by the traditional cropped, gathered trousers of the fisherman from the West. How they tucked up their trousers to keep them dry as they waded in and out of the sea. Paired with leather pampooties, a traditional shoe from the Aran Islands. By interpreting these folk traditions through design, my aim is to keep these cultural crafts alive — continuing to speak not only of the past, but to the present.

In association with Arts Thread

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.