Irish Designer Launches Debut Collection at Copenhagen Fashion Week
Caoimhe Dowling, a fashion and textile designer from Listowel, County Kerry, is set to unveil her men’s wear collection, Bedlam, on January 27th, at Copenhagen Fashion Week. The collection will be showcased in a former slaughterhouse turned cultural center in the Vesterbro district of the Danish capital.
Innovative Designs Rooted in Tradition
Bedlam comprises 19 pieces crafted from natural fibers, embodying a slow fashion ethos that emphasizes material integrity and detailed craftsmanship. Dowling aims to respond to a world that often feels unsettled through clothing that reflects care, craft, and the handmade spirit.
- The collection includes coats, jackets, waistcoats, shirts, trousers with adjustable waists, and handknits.
- Collaborations with artisans from Donegal, northern Scotland, and the Faroe Islands influence the garments’ textures and designs.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Dowling emphasizes the significance of the fabrics used in her collection, each with a unique story. Notable pieces include:
- A long coat made from micro-houndstooth tweed, handwoven using an ultrafine yarn blend of cashmere, merino, and mulberry silk from Donegal Yarns.
- Shirts crafted in tea-dyed Japanese seersucker cotton.
- Sweaters made from Irish wool, spun and handknitted in Donegal.
- Ombre linen waistcoats hand-dyed with onion skins.
Acknowledgments and Awards
Since 2020, Dowling has received numerous accolades, such as the Future Friendly Fashion Award, the Anglo Danish Society Scholarship, and has been featured in prestigious shows, including the Pitti Uomo men’s wear show in Florence. Her work has drawn attention for its innovative fusion of Irish heritage and Danish design flair.
Dowling holds a master’s degree in sustainable fashion and textiles from the Royal Danish Academy and has previously won the 2025 fashion award from IDI. Her sustainability Credentials have gained international recognition, including a recent speaking engagement in Chile about wool and sustainability.
Unique Casting Choices
Dowling’s innovative approach extends to her casting choices, featuring London-based Irish model John Foley, who is also a costume designer, and musician Noah Kawekwune, hailing from Limerick. This eclectic casting reflects her aim to keep the presentation fresh and offbeat.
Pricing and Availability
Prices for Bedlam range from €80 for a women’s silk top to €1,500 for a full-length handwoven tweed coat, available on Dowling’s website, caoimhedowling.com. Each piece is not merely fashion; it’s a testament to artistry and meticulous attention to detail, drawing from both Irish traditions and contemporary Danish aesthetics.
Original source: Open the source
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