First coming to prominence in 2014, Ciara Silke’s beautiful silk scarves are hand-designed in her Galway studio. Her interest in art emerged early.

“I’ve always loved to draw and paint,” she reflects. “Art is my passion; colour, texture, pattern. I realised the possibilities of art meeting fashion while in NCAD. The key moment to my mind was when I visited the Musée des Arts Décoratifs – a museum of the decorative arts and design in Paris, where there was a Christian Lacroix exhibition. The work was fascinating and meticulous. He had hand painted fabrics before constructing them into perfect works of art. The place was alive with brightly painted ball-gowns. It was hugely inspiring; l will never forget it.”

Silke studied printed textile for fashion in NCAD, and when a chance arose to move abroad and work with legendary designer Diane Von Furstenberg, she couldn’t resist.