The Colourist: Winners of the Irish Heat of the International Design Competition announced
We’re excited to reveal the winners of the Irish Heat of the International Design Competition.
This year’s competition, Climate Threads, invited participants to respond to the challenges of climate change through innovative textile design, combining creativity with sustainability and commercial awareness. Hosted at the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin on 12 June, the Irish Heat showcased a diverse range of creative responses from NCAD students, exploring themes of heritage, environmental responsibility, storytelling and material innovation.
The heat was judged by Amy Kerr, winner of the Irish Heat in 2021, alongside Deirdre Williams of Stitch Saves 9, who previously received an SDC Silver Medal in recognition of her ‘enthusiastic service to the Society and industry, especially the International Design Competition in Ireland’.
Congratulations to our Irish Heat winner
Huge congratulations to Dan Casey, whose project ‘Renewal in Ruin’ impressed judges with its thoughtful exploration of ageing, material longevity and sustainable textile surface design.
Drawing inspiration from derelict buildings and weathered surfaces, Dan’s collection challenged traditional perceptions of deterioration, celebrating the textures, colours and stories that emerge through the passage of time. Using natural materials including leather and linen, combined with handcrafted techniques, the project promoted a more conscious approach to fashion centred on durability, craftsmanship and emotional connection.
Through a sophisticated use of colour inspired by rust, oxidisation and naturally aged materials, Dan’s entry demonstrated how textiles can communicate heritage, transformation and sustainability while encouraging consumers to value longevity over disposability. By championing garments and materials designed to evolve over time rather than be replaced, the project offered a compelling response to the competition brief, highlighting how durability and responsible consumption can play an important role in reducing fashion’s environmental impact.
Highly commended
Highly commended was Mia Brennan for her project called ‘HAUT’, a collection of constructed textiles for fashion that explored sustainable, cruelty-free alternatives to animal skins through the use of natural fibres, dyes and innovative textile techniques.
Runners up
Congratulations also go to joint runners-up Camille O’Connell for her project ‘Lir’, a collection inspired by Irish folklore that explored themes of resilience, transformation and connection to the natural environment, and Anna Murtagh for her entry ‘From Petals’, which examined the impact of climate change on floral ecosystems through expressive print design and colour storytelling.
Looking ahead to the International Grand Final
Following his success in the Irish Heat, Dan Casey will now represent Ireland at the grand final of the International Design Competition, hosted at the William Morris Gallery in London this November.
The global grand final will bring together winners from across China, Singapore, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, New Zealand and the UK, showcasing the very best emerging talent in textile design from around the world.
We wish Dan every success in the competition and congratulate all finalists for their exceptional work.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Irish Heat, your submissions were exceptional!