My name is Conor O'Brien and I am a recent graduate of Fashion Design at the National College of Art & Design in Dublin. My graduate collection 'Cara Coirp, Friend of the Body' is a collection based on filling the emotional gap between the self and self-image (something I've always struggled with), particularly in relation to body dysmorphia, by unapolagetically distorting conventional silhouette and emphasising common 'problem areas' of the body, which so many of us are so insecure about. My graduate work and design philosophy at large is one based around authentic size-inclusivity, which is so currently lacking. In both my graduate work and my slow-fashion knitwear brand (my own name) I strictly emphasise the use of natural fibres; I am one of the first brands in Ireland to offer knitwear made using the elusive fibre of the Galway sheep. I believe in using luxurious fabrics in luxurious quantities, enveloping the body in beautiful drape. I dress myself in and attempt to design clothing which will live a circular life, from earth to garment and eventually back to earth. I'm inspired by the work of Christian Dior, La Belle Époque and the 1890's and my favourite designers include Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto.
