Ms. Christine O'Donoghue de Vries
Basic information
Project Title
Full project title
Category
Project Description
The "We Share the Same Sky" collection is inspired by lockdown, the "sky" our heirloom and a notebook belonging to my grandaunt, a nurse in WW2 London. We live and work in different towns, cities and fields, we have different dreams but we share the same sky. In an attempt to look at the bigger picture, fabrics were chosen not only for their heirloom quality but because they support social goals, female artisans and require little/no chemicals in cultivating the crops.
Project Region
EU Programme or fund
Description of the project
Summary
The "We Share the Same Sky" printed and woven collections were designed by sustainable Irish artist/designer & farmer Christine O'Donoghue de Vries. They are limited edition pieces made to order in Ireland. The scarves with artwork by Christine are printed and handcrafted in Italy. The collection was directly inspired by current events, the idea of the "sky" as the planet's heirloom and us having a shared resposibility to take care of it. It was also inspired by a notebook kept by Christine's grandaunt, a nurse based in WW2 London, drawing parallels with shared experiences during current events and the meaning of "home" as experinced by those unable to return home due to the pandemic. It's aim then is to provoke thought, inspiration and joy. In an attempt to look at the bigger picture Christine has included fabrics (mulberry silk, banana fibre, Irish linen &hemp) celebrating the work of mostly women artisans and handweavers from different parts of the globe. Woven fabrics were chosen not only for their heirloom and aesthetic qualities but because they support social goals -empowering women through work and/or they required little to no chemicals in the cultivation of the crops. According to a report by the United Nations on Rural Women Day 2020, rural women in particular have been adversely affected by covid 19 . Rural women are entrepreneurs, artisans, workers, teachers, farmers and "key to building resilient, peaceful and sustainable communities" . It is imperative that the livelihoods and wellbeing of rural women are supported in the wake of the pandemic and the "We Share the Same Sky" collection aims to reflect this too . The invaluabe and essential work of nurses and frontline workers is also highlighted and it is hoped that their working conditions will be changed for the better in line with their contribution to society.
Key objectives for sustainability
There are several objectives which have been achieved in terms of sustainability
1. Hightlght climate change
The theme of the collection
2. Sustainable fabrics heirloom minimum impact buy less and better quality
3. Elevate the status of craft/weaving
4. Elevate the contribution of women especially rural women
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Key objectives:
1. Luxury fashion can also be sustainable and support social goals.
Through thorough research of the traceability of fabrics and the use of proven natural and durable fabrics House of Kerry's new collection is highly sustainable and provides a range of options for the conscious consumer. The use of handwoven fabrics -mulberry silk and banana fiber from India and Cambodia supports women's empowerment through work.
2. Highly artisanal flair
The collection has a high artistic flair which transcends functionality into the realm of wearable art. The cut of the pieces was a gentle nod to the liberating post war era of WW2 with cinched in waists, peplum detail and v neck dresses to give a very elegant feminine silohouette.
3. Highly creative images to enhance the experience
Christine worked "virtually" with a team of creatives to bring the collection to life in a series of highly creative images.Please see below.
Key objectives for inclusion
Fashion is a very accessible medium for everyone to appreciate not just for its aesthetic beauty but also a way of communicating designs with meaning which can give rise to wider positive social benefits. Fashion collections are presented largely on digital platforms, websites and social media and this makes it accessible to a wide audience.
The pieces in the "We Share the Same Sky " collection highlight the value of the work of women craft workers around the world, in particular and the need to value those skills in a consumerst world. The pieces are handcrafted with care by an artisan with over 30 years experience made to order in Ireland. Artisanal works are more likely to stand the test of time, cherished for their aesthetic value. The collection is coming from a philosophy of its better to buy less and if you must buy, buy something you love and will last a long time. The item although higher in cost initially than other products, will because of its artisanal value withstand the test of time.
Results in relation to category
Category 5. Products and lifestyle
It is difficult to assess fully at this point the full impact of the project as society is still affected by lockdown and I am continuing to work on the visibility of the project.
However, I can say that I have created 100% sustainable luxury collection influenced by current global events and influenced by global policies. Traceability of the fabric is thoroughly researched and the contribution of artisanal craft workers especially women are highlighted. Artisanal, well made and woven fabrics will stand the test of time, leading to a pattern of buying less, less overall energy/resources spent in the production of goods and also eliminate waste as the product will be cherished for longer. As only natural(biodegradable), breathable and durable fibres are used it means the product can be recycled and upcycled if necessary.
How Citizens benefit
From start to finish of the project, from weavers to printers to stylist, photographer and model, I have realised that it is mostly women from diverse backgrounds and countries that I have been working with on the creation of the pieces and albeit a small project, women have benefited through work from theproject.
One of the objectives of the collection is to inspire and provoke thought . Social media is my main way of communicating my designs and ideas and my designs have been well received. I have also had my work mentioned in local media and the collection appeared on Design Ireland's (global platform for the very best of Irish design) social media.
Innovative character
The project is innovative in that it incorporates innovative fabrics such as organic/cruelty free mulberry silk woven with banana fibre and Irish linen woven with hemp highlighting fabrics which can be dated to ancient times in a new and interesting way.
The collection is innovative as through the medium of fashion and visual art it aims to be inclusive and relevant - it deals with diverse themes relevant to global sustainable policies which are relevant everywhere.
The project is innovative as it is rich in storytelling. Some of the titles of the pieces are in the Irish language "Eala Meán Oíche" (Midnight swans) drawing on our rich heritage and beautiful old names. Each piece has its own story. The "Paddington to Killarney" trenchcoat in Irish linen hemp union is inspired by my grandaunt ticket home from WW2 London to Killarney. My watercolor painting of "Cill Áirne" meaning Church of the Sloes (Killarney in English) is woven by a "Masters in Linen" in Ireland. The latter is a sign of excellence and means from farm to fibre to fabric was produced in Europe. The prints created by Christine's work are highly innovative and are influenced by reminders of home and the wonderful biodoversity of the area where House of Kerry is situate. The Raptor v Amphibian printed dress is a watercolor painting of the protected species of hen harrier and smooth newt and the inclusion of the old heirloom weatherclock in the old farmhouse, a reminder to act on climate change.
