The Impact of Fashion was a series of talks and creative workshops exploring the history of fashion through museum collections but also looking at the impact the fashion industry has on our mental health and the environment.
The jam-packed programme began with the brilliant Eliza McKee, a PhD researcher from Queens University, and and Heather McGuicken from North Down Museum. Heather helped us explore North Down’s fashion collection while Eliza shared her research on clothing practices in Ulster’s past and how can we learn about sustainability from that time.
Following this, textile artist Grace McMurray taught us the art of mending and introduced us to so many ways in which we can add life to old clothes and accessories that need some TLC.
We were graced with local illustrator Jamie Beard‘s creative presence as he provided an unbelievable session exploring his inspirations from different cultures and art periods that shape his style and work.
Charlotte McReynolds, Curator of Art, and Eliza McKee gave us exclusive back-stage virtual access to the La Belle Epoque exhibition’s origins and development, from where the idea began to how the duo created mannequins to display the beautiful, elegant pieces in the exhibition.
Finally we were blown away by an honest, insightful chat with Lucinda Graham, a local designer and stylist who has carved her way into the fashion industry here in Northern Ireland. Her work ethic and drive to build a creative career here was inspirational.
