Naturally dyed and printed work triumphs in Ireland heat of SDC International Design Competition
Hannah Talt, winner of the SDC International Design Competition’s Ireland heat, wowed our judges with her entry focused on sustainable textiles and eco fashion.
The student of the Dublin-based National College of Art and Design presented ‘Natural Chromatic’, a collection of women’s spring and summer wear in silks, linens and cotton, naturally dyed and printed in calming and relaxing colours.
Fellow NCAD students Allie Moran and Eva Kerley were highly commended in this latest round of the global contest. Their tutors at the institution, a long-running SDC college member, are Andrew Campbell and Rachel Tuffy.
The judges for the heat, organised by Paul Santokhi, were Susie Page, Design Manager at Magee Weaving, and Deirdre Williams of the Fashion and Design Hub.
They said: “Hannah sourced organic dyes from the Irish habitat and her own garden. The resulting colour palette displayed a rich array of tones and beautifully complemented the flowing silky bases with intricate print markings and placements.
“The use of natural dyes without additives, combined with naturally printed and hand-drawn elements, highlighted her organic approach.
“The inclusion of elements such as bog cotton and materials from Europe added depth and authenticity to Hannah’s work, further enhancing the connection to her chosen themes and natural inspiration.”
Hannah commented: “I was delighted to win the Irish heat of the SDC International Design Competition and will be excited to represent NCAD and Ireland in the Grand Final.
“I was honoured that my collection ‘Natural Chromatic’ was chosen, as it is a naturally dyed and printed collection. It is an amazing opportunity to share my sustainable collection and promote sustainable textiles and eco fashion.”
Hannah continued: “I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the SDC and this competition for providing a platform that celebrates innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainable practices.
“This victory would not have been possible without the support and inspiration of my lecturers and technicians who have played an instrumental role in shaping my creative journey.”
Upcoming heats include Bangladesh, Singapore, South Africa and India. They will take place before early September, when the Grand Final will take place. The overall winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the SDC’s Day of Celebration in York on 17 November.
This time themed Colour For Good: For planet and people, the competition is globally recognised, and has helped to launch the careers of many creative textile careers over the years. Entrants outline their work on up to four A2 boards, from concept through to development and finished design, inclusive of colour palette, alongside a 500-word commentary.
Photo credit of Hannah Talt to Mark O’Sullivan