Fashion Interview With Designer Edel Traynor

Designer Edel Traynor grew up in the countryside, and as a young tomboy, “fashion wasn’t on my radar!” But she was always creative and loved using her imagination to design entire worlds. “I absolutely loved building huts and forts and creating different realities. We were always very creative in making our own entertainment.”

Traynor’s mother was an accomplished seamstress and upholsterer, and taught Traynor and her sister to be resourceful and artistic – skills which eventually led Traynor to study Architecture in DIT. But after two years of study, Traynor decided to change.

“I was drawn to fashion design as I needed something more hands-on and instantaneous,” she reflects. “I chose Grafton Academy as I was really interested in the construction and finishing of garments. I left with a great understanding of pattern work and graduated from the diploma course in fashion design in 2013.”

Traynor worked as a design assistant for Danielle Romeril after she graduated, and loved the process of working with another designer.

“Her work was always innovative and exciting,” she enthuses. “It was such a great insight into a small but successful brand. In the future, I’d love to work with more designers on collaborative projects. I don’t just see myself as a fashion designer, so I would love to explore more design opportunities.”

Given Traynor’s rising success, it’s likely that she will get her wish. Since launching her contemporary womenswear label, her modern, minimalist pieces have attracted awards galore. In her first year of working on her own label, she won the overall Future Makers award; an initiative funded by the Crafts Council for emerging makers. She also scooped two awards for constructed textiles at the RDS Craft Awards in 2017.

Traynor has a minimalist approach to life and fashion which is evident in her work.

“My ethos in life is buying little and buying well,” she explains. “My style, both in my clothing and my home, reflects this. It doesn’t necessarily mean buying expensive pieces, but understanding the quality of the purchase. I have a list of designers who I will buy from in the future, or have already bought from. Knobbly Studio, Eny Lee Paker, Cecilie Bahnsen and Craig Green are designers who create beautiful pieces. I think the luxury of an item is that it feels like hands have worked on it, and that time and consideration have been put into it – and these designers all have this in common.”

Of course, creating simplicity isn’t easy, requiring effort and thought, and Traynor values the design process and the opportunity to contemplate her pieces.

“I love the initial stages of designing, before any restrictions come into play,” she notes. “I like creating mini-textile swatches and seeing how I might develop them into the collection. My collections have evolved from the idea of creating modern, timeless pieces, so I work with cottons, silk, wool and leather. My garments have a minimal feel, but it’s the subtle details that the wearer appreciates. There’s a utilitarian feel, so the silhouettes are oversized and easy to wear. They’re not loud designs, more quietly confident.”

To buy one of Traynor’s quietly confident pieces, visit EdelTraynor.com or visit her studio and the Chocolate Factory on Kings Inn Street.