Profile: Emma Carmody – Only Natural Design Competitions

Emma Carmody

Limerick School of Art and Design

I am a fashion and textile designer from County Kerry, Ireland, and a recent graduate of Fashion Design with Applied Textiles at Limerick School of Art & Design. My work is rooted in knitwear and textile development, with a strong interest in how clothing can carry memories, tell stories, and create emotional connections. Growing up on a farm has had a lasting influence on my practice. Much of my work draws from rural life, family history, and childhood memories, exploring the relationship between tradition and contemporary fashion. I enjoy working closely with materials and developing textiles through experimentation, often allowing the qualities of the yarn or fabric to guide the design process. Natural materials play an important role in my work. I am interested in creating pieces that are made with care and intended to last, whether through thoughtful construction, repair, or the use of biodegradable fibres. I am particularly drawn to knitwear because it allows me to combine technical problem-solving with a hands-on approach to making. Through my work, I hope to contribute to a more thoughtful and sustainable fashion industry while creating designs that feel personal, tactile, and meaningful.

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Tidemark: Coastal Remains

Category: Apparel

Competitions: Fashion Competition 2026

'Tidemark: Coastal Remains' is a knitwear look inspired by the landscapes, history, and material culture of the Irish coast. Drawing from fishing heritage, seaweed textures, traditional Aran knitwear, and vintage swimwear, the project explores the traces left behind by the sea and the relationship between people and the coastal environment. Natural materials were central to every stage of the design process. The look combines 100% deadstock linen and 100% mohair, with the mohair naturally dyed using logwood. Extensive sampling was undertaken using natural dyes including logwood, hibiscus, rhubarb root, and black walnut shells to explore the range of colours achievable without synthetic dyes. The final palette contrasts deep navy tones with rich rusty reds, reflecting both the sea and coastal plant life. The garment was developed through knit sampling, textile experimentation, and zero-waste knitting techniques. Textural surfaces inspired by seaweed and marine growth were created through hand-manipulated knit structures, while cable details reference traditional Irish knitwear. The design incorporates adjustable elements and durable natural fibres intended to support longevity and continued wear. Sustainability informed both the material choices and construction methods. By using natural fibres, natural dyes, and deadstock materials, the project aims to reduce reliance on synthetic textiles while celebrating the unique qualities of renewable resources. At the end of its life, the garment can biodegrade naturally, offering an alternative to conventional synthetic fashion products. Through combining traditional craft, contemporary knitwear design, and natural materials, 'Tidemark: Coastal Remains' proposes a slower and more considered approach to fashion, one that values durability, material integrity, and a deeper connection to place.