Interview edel traynor fashion designer

Anglo-Celt: When did you become interested in fashion?
Edel Traynor: I can’t pinpoint when I became interested in fashion. I’ve always been headstrong about what I wanted to wear (whether it was good or bad) and attempted to make clothes but I had never thought, growing up that I would be a fashion designer. It may not have been the 'done’ thing in rural Meath.

AC: How did you make the leap towards studying fashion?
Edel: I first started out studying Architecture in DIT and while I enjoyed the course I realised it wasn’t what I wanted to work in. I had had an inkling before starting Architecture that I would like to study fashion but decided on, what I thought was a safer option, design. So after nearly three years of studying I made the decision to switch courses. After taking some time out to work and decide where I was going to study, I began the Fashion Design course in The Grafton Academy.

AC: How did you find the course?
Edel: The course at Grafton Academy is very good. I was really interested in learning about the practical side of things as I had some design background already (from the architecture course). I had never done any pattern work or that much sewing so I needed to have the focus on pattern work and on the finishing of garments. I was lucky to have a great tutor, Colin Atkinson, who was very particular with our finishes. If a zip was a millimetre out of place we’d have to rip it out and start again.

AC: What is your own fashion taste?
Edel: I guess I’m quite practical in my approach to what I wear myself. I want to be comfortable but look as smart and as effortless as possible. I wear a great deal of black because I don’t have to think about what matches in the mornings and nobody can see when I’ve spilt my coffee on my top! I rarely wear warm or heavy clothes. I instead layer up my clothes to create a touch of interest amongst the black.
AC: Can you describe the style of your work?
Edel: I would describe my work as fresh, minimal, tailored. They are pieces to feel comfortable in and still feel good in. I look to art mostly for inspiration. When I was creating one of my graduation collections I had been looking at collages and the work of Ernesto Artillo. I wanted the looks to layer and interlock like his collages. For my spring summer '15 collection I wanted that same feel of overlapping layers but with more angular, clean lines.

AC: What do you love about being a designer?
Edel: I think the initial part of designing, researching ideas and sketching is my favourite part. It’s before any practical obstacles get in the way and I can just think and design freely! I really enjoy photographing the collection at the end. Seeing it all come together and styling it on a model is the fun part, and of course it’s really rewarding any time that I see someone wearing my garments.

AC: What is challenging about being a designer?
Edel: It’s probably the work that goes in between the start and the end of a collection. I’m a one woman show so that means designing, researching fabric suppliers, deciding on fabrics, doing up all the patterns, numerous toiles, cutting out all the garments, sewing the garments up… the list goes on. I’m only starting out so I know that I need to work hard to make it work but it will get easier as I go on.

AC: How do you go about getting your designs into shops/boutiques?
Edel: The ideal way to get stocked in shops is to showcase collections in the showrooms during fashion week in London or Paris. This is obviously quite expensive to do but it is reaching a global audience and it’s where all the buyers and press are at the one time. For the moment for me, it’s just about approaching stores. There are more opportunities for young designers now in Ireland but it’s still a tough market.

AC: Where can we find your collection?
Edel: My S/S15 collection is on sale in Dipili Boutique and selling well. I am also stocked in Atelier 27. It’s an Irish designer collective which is a part of Om Diva Boutique. I approached both stores and showed samples of the collection and I’m delighted they took my designs.

AC: If you had the choice to work with any designer in the world, who would it be and why?
Edel: I think someone with really interesting designs and tailoring like Yohji Yamamoto, or maybe Comme des Garcons for the madness. I’m not sure if there is one designer that has an influence on my work, sometimes we’re subconsciously influenced. But I do love the work of Craig Green and Marques Almeida. They both have a strong look.

AC: Who would you love to dress?
Edel: I would love to have FKA Twigs wear my stuff. She’s an all-round artist and a cool, cool girl.

AC: What are your hopes for your future career?
Edel: I am very much at the early stages in my work, I know I will be working hard but I won’t forecast my future just yet. I would love to see my designs sold in Dover Street Market but at the moment I am happy based in Dublin.