The annual Griffith College Fashion Show is a hotbed of new designer talent. Last month’s showcase maintained this proud tradition. One highlight was the succession of stunning, doll-like designs by Maria Lola Roche. We’re quite certain you’ll hear of that name in the future.

The Griffith College graduate has been creating a stir in the Irish fashion world for a while. Her intricate, ambitious pieces have garnered huge respect in the industry.
She was named UCD Young Designer of the Year 2012. Last year top Italian designer Marco Vincenzo from Fendi chose Maria’s design, ‘Ribbon’, as one of the pieces short listed for the Irish Peroni Awards.
This year Maria secured a place among the ten finalists at the 2013 DIT Vodafone Awards.
Her latest collection is a striking combination of ruffles, cages and corsetry, that evokes classic regality and powerful sensuality. There’s a sense of history within the classic hourglass shapes - but also an edgy modernity that make the designs extremely covetable, and very ‘now’.
“With this collection I explored my fascination with the form that all humans exist in from birth to death,” she says. “A form that contributes to our identity and embodies the abstract. The visual focus was on certain parts of the body, in particular the ribcage. Exploring the ribcage’s negative and positive space led me to create contemporary bespoke haute couture designs that push the boundaries of fashion, and become pieces of art instead of mere clothes.”
Regarding bespoke haute couture and bridal pieces. To book a consultation, application forms can be collected in Rare Clothing Store, No 53 Dawson Street, Dublin, IE. and Young Irish Couture boutique in the Powerscourt Centre, Dublin. Alternatively an application form can be sent out by emailing [email protected] or you can ring +353 (0)85 167 1177 to book an appointment. All contact details are on website www.marialolaroche.com