As a finalist for the 2023 Woolmark Prize, Robyn Lynch was asked with exploring the concept of “dialogue”, which she decided to do through stereotypes – or rather the deconstruction of stereotypes. For her FW23 collection, Lynch decided to take inspiration from her home country, Ireland, reinterpreting the stereotypical shamrocks and leprechauns into a symbol of pride.
GREEN WAS THE COLOUR
Of course, green comes to mind when someone thinks of Ireland, whether because of its natural sights or its famed-paraphernalia. Lynch used an array of different green hues to create her collection, from pale pistachio to deep sage. Green was juxtaposed with different shades such as on a sweater in a khaki green with two light green stripes going across the chest paired with an almost neon green scarf.
A NEW LIFE FOR IRISH SYMBOLS
Rather than using the stereotypical symbols that most people associate with Ireland, Lynch opted for a more subdued representation of her country, though there was crewneck sweatshirt that featured a massive shamrock. While nodding to Ireland through graphics, such as a patchwork of sheep on a sweater, Lynch also looks at Ireland through a functional lens, offering an array of warm winter outerpieces appropriate for the rainy Irish weather.
MERINO WAS THE STAR OF THE SHOW
This season, the Irish designer created almost all of her collection using merino wool, a key fabric to the Robyn Lynch universe. Apart from being soft to the touch, Merino wool has many benefits which have been highlighted by Lynch: “The fabric absorbs UV radiation and is both 100% biodegradable and renewable”. An extra bonus for Merino wool is that it’s fire resistant, so you’ll never see those sweaters go up into flames.
MODELS WALKED TO THE SOUND OF THE HARP
To accompany the looks, Lynch enlisted the Irish emerging artist Róisín Berkeley to create a custom soundtrack just for the show. Berkeley performed her soothing sounds live on the harp at the beginning on the runway as each model walked past her. Robyn Lynch’s Irish representation encompassed all details from the show, from the clothing right down to the instrument that was performed.
More on CULTED
See: AHLUWALIA’S FW23 COLLECTION WAS A SOUNDTRACK OF PRIYA’S LIFE
See: FASHION EAST’S FW23: REINVENTING EVENINGWEAR AND FUNCTION AT ITS FINEST
