Our Interview with Irish Designer AMANDA GROGAN - Winner of Mittel Moda 2010
So last week we brought you the news that a fantastic young Irish designer by the name of Amanda Grogan, had not only been chosen to be a finalist on the prestigious Mittel Moda design competition, but had actually won the 2010 title! Amanda was a in a group of 23 finalists from all over the world who were chosen to exhibit and present their designs in front of the 30 event judges. Having only just completed her NCAD degree earlier in the year, this is an unbelievable leap for the young designer and for her career. But of course it is also a huge coup for Irish fashion in general and Amanda has said that she hopes it will "spark even further international interest in Irish fashion". As well as being awarded a cash prize of €10,000, Amanda has also been given the amazing opportunity of showcasing her collection at Milan Fashion Week. This week we caught up with Amanda to find out about the whole exciting experience and of course we will be catching up with her after Milan Fashion Week too!
Amanda Grogan – the Irish winner of the 2010 Mittel Moda Award! …(we’re so proud!)
www.mittelmoda.com
www.amandagrogan.com
Q: How did you find out that you had been selected to travel to Italy for the final?
A: I submitted designs in April and found out by email a few weeks later. I just couldn’t believe it! I was so excited. I think I read the email about five times before I told anyone in fear that I read it wrong! To be one out of 23 finalist was such an honor in itself.
Q: What was the whole experience like for you? Was it daunting?
A: Well the presentation certainly was daunting! All of the finalists had five minutes to present their work to the 26 judges. These judges were some of the most influential and well-respected people in the fashion industry so of course I was a bit nervous. But no one knows my work better than I do, so I knew what I wanted to say; I talked them through the inspiration of my collection, the materials used, the silhouette, the movement and the liquid rubber technique that is the most prominent technique of my collection. The whole experience of Mittelmoda was just amazing. Meeting designers from all around the world that share your passion for design and see so many exciting collections was just brilliant. All the finalists’ work was so different, we all genuinely supported each other and there was such a great atmosphere!
Q: How was it announced that you were the winner?
A: The fashion show was held outdoor at night time in a beautiful square in Gorizia, Italy and the presentation of the Award was held at the finally of the show. I was so shocked I can hardly remember my name being called out! All I can remember is my friend that was sitting next to me screaming in my face with excitement and getting summoned onto the catwalk! It was so surreal- I was in shock!
Q: Can you describe your collection to us?
A: This collection is called Cut, Sealed and Cauterized. The clinical, scattered crime scene installations of Barry Le Va were the main visual inspiration for my collection. He displays layers of heavy felts, whole bolts of cloth and shattered glass scattered across studio spaces. My collection reconstructs this visual aesthetic using wools, cashmere, and leathers, cleanly cut, and sealed with liquid rubber to create a stretched layered and weighted silhouette. Fine nettings and silks are graphically weighted with trapped wools and dense areas of the liquid rubber in clean geometric shapes. The pieces are very easy to wear, they bounce as you walk and are anchored in areas showing the curves of the female form. The overall effect is a clean, sophisticated, unconventional aesthetic where movement is of key importance.
Q: How many more pieces will you have to add to the collection to get it ready for Milan?
A: I have no number in mind at the moment, I just want to keep developing the collection and keep pushing my ideas. I feel like what I showed at Mittelmoda was just a taster.
Q: How do you feel ahead of the Milan showcase?
A: I’m incredibly excited. If you had told me this time last year or this time last month that I would be showing in Milan Fashion week I would never have believed you. It’s an incredible opportunity.
Q: What do you think will be next for the Amanda Grogan collection?
A: My ultimate plan is to set up my own label in the very near future or to have creative control or input into a label and brand ethos I admire. Hopefully Mittelmoda will open these opportunities and has showcased my abilities and passion for design.
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