Off to the Races: Meet Emerging Fashion Designer and ATU Graduate Leah Hoey
From her first ever commission to a flurry of interest at the races and even a job offer from the Kerry Woollen Mills, the ATU graduate has welcomed her newfound success with open arms.
Most recently, Leah joined team Galway Now to assist in styling for our autumn issue cover shoot. Here we chat to the budding star about her journey so far, and what the future has in store.
Hi Leah! Where did your journey into fashion begin?
It kind of started when I was a teenager, though to be honest I wanted to do modelling more. It was probably in lockdown when I realised that wasn’t going to happen. I got a sewing machine as a gift for my 17th birthday, and I was happy out, even though I was terrible at it! But I just kept going.
My original plan was actually to do a PLC in GTI and then maybe travel to Barcelona or Amsterdam to do my final course. But I filled out the CAO for the sake of it, and when I got offered ATU I just said ‘oh, okay I'll take it!’
You can choose between a few different design courses in first year and I was headed toward graphic design because that’s what my dad does. At the last minute I thought fashion would be more exciting, so I ended up doing the Level 8 Fashion and Textiles course. I absolutely loved it, I’m so glad I picked it in the end.
Where does your inspiration come from?
In college you do so much designer research, so a lot of my inspiration comes from that. A designer I looked at a lot was Schiaparelli – I love the form and shape of their outfits. When you’re designing as a fashion student, the outfits are supposed to be dramatic, you’re not making anything commercial.
In my pieces I have printed linings; hand drawn illustrations that are then sublimation printed. Funnily enough, in college I actually really didn’t like them! But we had to use prints, so I put them inside where nobody would see them. It turned out everybody loves the linings, and wants them on the outside…so I might venture into that arena eventually.
Someone else who inspires me is Jonathan W Anderson, he’s doing amazing and he’s from a small town in Ireland as well.
Left: Leah's workshop, Right: Leah wears one of her printed scarves
What is your creative process like?
I do a couple of freehand drawings, and sort of just see what comes out. I’ll do different versions and see. Once I have the final version, I do a technical flat – a refined image of it with important details like where the openings will be, what will the zipper be like, that kind of thing. And then I make the actual pattern.
Once the pattern is made, I decide on the fabric and I’ll play around with different colours, and the inside lining. That’s it really – then I make it.
You’ve had a major uptick in recognition over the last few months. How did that all begin?
Someone messaged me after my college exhibition, and asked me could she wear one of my outfits to the Galway races. It gave me the idea that I should start going, too. I started to make an outfit, and then a friend suggested I go to the Roscommon races too, so I totally rushed it! Instead of giving myself the month like I planned, I did it in four days.
As soon as I got in, I was interviewed. I wasn’t even in the gate yet! It just went from there. Lots of people were coming up to me asking about my outfit. I got so much recognition just from going.
It’s weird because when you’re at the races, you’re standing around and you don’t have your phone. When I checked it a few hours later, I’d forgotten about doing the interviews! I could see I was popping up everywhere on the For You page and had gotten so many more followers.
What a whirlwind! How does that feel?
I know – it’s amazing. No-one had ever worn my designs before this. Now I’m getting so many messages – people are coming in for fittings and my pieces are being rented by women for special events. I’m already working on an outfit for someone to wear to the winter races! It’s very exciting.
What’s next for you?
After my college exhibition, the Kerry Woollen Mills reached out to me, and offered me a job. I really didn’t expect it. They loved my designs, especially the way I work with so much tweed and how I've combined a modern style with a traditional fabric. So I’m moving to Kerry to start a new role there. I’m so excited to see what it will be like, it’s all so new.
In the future I do have a dream of having a more established business or company of my own. I’d love to see my designs out in the world more – maybe even at Irish Fashion Week!
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