Emma Ireland Designs
/Show Day
DAY1, OCT22
/Social Media
Educated at the renowned Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, Emma Ireland Shepherd honed her technical skills in fashion design from a young age. While dedicating much of her time to jobs in the industry, currently as a full time instructor and Fashion Programs Manager at Blanche Macdonald Centre, Emma has still had space for her own creative endeavors. Incorporated in 2019, Emma Ireland Designs is a clothing brand which embodies all of Emma’s personal values, with a primary emphasis on the woman’s perspective. The clothing is used as an outlet of self expression that is as much crafty and creative as it is technically sound.
The Emma Ireland Designs aesthetic is best described as hyper-femininity presented with unapologetic confidence. Collections embrace the sense of empowerment inherently present from designs surrounding the female experience. Taking a girly inspiration and using it to ignite a sense of liberation, Emma Ireland Designs is for the rage-filled feminist who expresses herself with ladylike grace. The brand seeks to capture a woman’s light in otherwise dull surroundings, to encourage women to stand out among men!
This seasons’ "Love Letter to Girlhood" is a fashion collection that is rooted in nostalgia without being of any specific era. It celebrates the essence of girlhood, enticing women to turn back to their early days of hyper feminine expression. The warm toned color palette features all shades of pink and cherry reds. Fabrics are meant to be eye-catching with playful ruffles, bows, enamel charms, and trims that add a touch of whimsy and fun. This highly accessorized and layered collection blends youthful innocence with modern empowerment.
PREVIOUS COLLECTIONS
What inspired you to become a fashion designer?
My interest in fashion developed from a young age, and studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York helped me develop my technical skills in fashion design. My experience in the fashion industry and education eventually led me to create my own brand.
How would you describe your design style?
My style is hyper feminine, playful, and confident. I use feminine details and nostalgic elements to create designs that encourage women to express themselves with confidence and individuality.
What can people expect from your latest collection?
My latest collection, Love Letters to Girlhood, celebrates nostalgia, growth, and femininity. It features warm shades of pink and cherry red, playful ruffles, bows, enamel charms, and layered accessories that combine youthful innocence with modern empowerment.
What inspired the Love Letters to Girlhood collection?
The collection was inspired by the beautiful and nostalgic aspects of girlhood. I wanted to celebrate femininity, childhood memories, growth, and the confidence that comes from embracing who you are.
How do you use fashion to express empowerment and femininity?
I use traditionally feminine details such as ruffles, bows, vibrant colours, and playful accessories to create designs that encourage women to embrace their femininity and express themselves confidently.