Juliet Webster

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.