Ruairi McCaffrey

RUAIRI MCCAFFREY

FASHION BA (HONS)

Titled the C a t a l y s t Autumn/Winter ‘18 collection, Ruairi Oliver McCaffrey has explored the concept of capture and escape with his designs, with the collection being a reflection and reaction to the de-evolution of ideas and tolerance in the developed world.

Ruairi, who is originally from Fermanagh in Northern Ireland, has interests including photography and kayaking, and when designing the collection, explored protection, comfort, functionality all fed through a prism of vulnerability to subvert its original context.

He looked at the relationship with garments and their purpose when designing, as well as comfort and restriction, taking motifs such as quilting and drawstring - conventional elements often used to bring comfort to the wearer - and maximising them to the point of challenging its use.

Traditional notions of menswear, such as military detailing and utility, are set against uncompromising and almost alien silhouettes, often referencing traditionally feminine details and garments, such as frills, dresses and skirts. There is a constant to and fro between fabrication, comfort, and gender, and although this collection is presented as menswear, it is designed to be inclusive, while also pondering the question of appropriate dress.

Ruairi has completed a selection of placements while at University; Private White VC, Cooneen Defence, and Gap Inc in New York.