Caoimhe Murphy
Briar Thicket

My work explores the themes and imagery of self-protection, defiance and resilience in Grimms’ fairytales. Briar Rose, Rapunzel and The Twelve Dancing Princesses are models in establishing the type of audacious, romantic woman wearing the collection. These idealised young women overcome entrapment, briar thickets and vengeance before realising their fate. Each piece comprises layers of silks and tulle, with leather and acrylic providing both embellishment and armour. Laser-cutting, varnishing, and perspex-moulding are some of the key processes that drive the work, making it distinctive. The result is a dramatic, avant-garde collection, envisaged as bespoke womenswear.

BA (Hons) Fashion Design

1 of 5 - Close up laser cut beetle dress in silk, cotton and tulle with perspex embellishment
2 of 5 - Black and blush laser cut beetle dress in silk, cotton and tulle with perspex embellishment
3 of 5 - Varnished organza waterfall dress with leather thorn embellishment
4 of 5 - Laser cut perspex earrings and thorn embellished dress
5 of 5 - Leather thorn skirt with varnish dipped organza bomber. All photographs by Doreen Kilfeather