The bright, airy space of the Loft Studios in Dublin 8 is the perfect venue to host the exhibition by ABSOLUT vodka in homage to the new limited edition mode bottle; elevating fashion as art.
ABSOLUT has collaborated with fashion for over three decades beginning in 1987 and worked with many infamous names such as Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs and Versace. Now it has decided to collaborate with the best of fresh home grown Irish talent.
Drawing inspiration from the iconic ABSOLUT Vodka bottle, five designers, (Sorcha O’Raghallaigh, Natalie B Coleman, Helen Steele, Eilis Boyle and Simone Rocha), created their own bespoke piece for the project all curated by the stylist Aisling Farinella.
Sorcha O’Raghallaigh creation was a dazzling gold chain-mail and crystal dress with jump rings and chain detail. Natalie Coleman designed a chic black lambskin leather dress with Carrickmacross lace detailing. Helen Steele’s design was a blue and black fighting eagle printed satin down filled cape with a black leatherette dress and silk crepe printed leggings. Eilis Boyle’s displayed a flowing white silk organza dress dyed and stained with a grey pattern. And finally Simone Rocha designed a trapped lace dress with a silk crepe de chine skirt and a plastic trapped lace collar.
The exhibition also includes some rare pieces from the ABSOLUT mode fashion archive showcased for the first time in Ireland including a pair of knee high latex boots designed by Manolo Blahnik, a Versace dress worn by Naomi Campbell and a Hugo Boss suit. Fashion as an art form for a vodka brand is an unusual idea but a brilliant way to support and showcase the youth of Irish design. The ABSOLUT mode showcase runs from the 15 to 20 November in The Loft, South Studios, Dublin 8 and is open daily from 11am to 7pm. Best of all, it’s free.
Sophia Purcell
