Fashion Interview: Amie Egan

Designer Amie Egan has always had an artistic side, one that was encouraged and cultivated during her childhood in Dublin.

“I’ve always been interested in art, as a child this was the most exciting and fun thing to play at,” Egan says. “Growing up, ‘playtime’ was always about painting and ‘making’ with my sisters. There’s a lot of creativity in my family; a lot of artists and architects. I think my appreciation for design and fashion was a more subconscious growth. I associate clothes with memories. I love making something that has such a close connection with the human body. We all wear clothes and these clothes can enhance our human experience.”

Egan studied at NCAD, and even as a young graduate, her potential was evident – and justly rewarded!

“The year I graduated from college I won the Persil Irish Fashion Award and bursary,” Egan reveals. “The brief was titled ‘A Day at the Park’. Designers were required to design a spring/summer outfit for both a mother and child suitable for a day spent at the park. Winning this was overwhelming as my designs were produced and sold in Dunnes Stores throughout Ireland.”

More recently, Egan was a finalist at the Irish Fashion Innovation Awards in Galway in the ‘Ones to Watch’ category.

Her current project is CREATE at Brown Thomas, Dublin. CREATE is a project that gives a platform to emerging Irish designers to present and sell a collection in Brown Thomas, one of Ireland’s most prestigious stores. CREATE runs from July 3rd – August 12th.

Egan’s collection is beautiful and intriguing; a collection of garments that are oversized yet minimalist in design, rendered utterly unique through striking painted fabric choices and embellishments.

“My focus is on outerwear. I tend to create oversized coats that are dramatic yet wearable.,” says Egan. “I also develop fabrics through painting, printing, knitting and other experimental surface application. This part of the process is really fun and freeing. I just go by instinct it’s all about exploring what feels right for my aesthetic, it’s quite personal. I believe creating your own textile is an important part of designing a truly original garment. I am excited by elements that are bold and embody a raw energy.”

This energy inspires Egan to use her work to advocate for social issues. “Fashion is so vibrant and exciting; it’s about change; adapting to or responding to environmental, political, cultural and social change,” says Egan. “Design, identity and expression are powerful tools. I’m inspired by designers who use their platform to start a conversation, for example Vivienne Westwood and her ‘Save the Arctic’ campaign. She is an energetic and cultured designer but also a passionate educator. I also admire Christopher Raeburn who has built a sustainable brand based on his ‘remade’ philosophy. Up to 30 per cent of Raeburn’s collections are garments refashioned from surplus fabrics. Waste and environmental damage are design flaws. I’m inspired by designers who are working to overcome this and build a more sustainable industry.”

This passion for the environment and the Earth is also evident in Egan’s designs; particularly her latest collection.

“I am interested in the human relationship with the land and I assign roles to the wearer such as Traveller, Hunter, Gatherer, Gardener. As an Irish designer, I embrace our cultural infatuation with the ever changing weather. For AW18 I’ve developed wax cottons and coated textiles inspired by the colours and textures of Irish landscapes enhanced after heavy rain or snow fall. Garments reference elements of traditional Irish country-wear as well as Arctic dress.”

Egan’s AW/18 collection ‘OUTSIDER’ is available at CREATE Brown Thomas, Grafton Street Dublin. For more information, visit amieegan.com or her Instagram, @amieegandesign