Shattering Boundaries: The Glass Runway Exhibition Redefines Fashion and Craft

Keywords:Glass ArtFashion DesignCollaborationGender EqualitySustainabilityOutline:1. The Glass Runway Exhibition: A Groundbreaking Collaboration2. Exploring Glass as a Wearable Material3. Challenging Gender Norms and Promoting Inclusivity4. Sustainable Materials and Production Processes5. The Diverse Creations of the ExhibitionIn a captivating fusion of fashion and glass art, designers and artists from both sides of the Irish border have come together for an innovative initiative – the first of its kind in Ireland. The Glass Runway exhibition, a collaboration between the Glass Society of Ireland and the Council of Irish Fashion Designers, is set to redefine the boundaries between these two creative disciplines, while addressing crucial issues of gender equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Shattering Conventions, Shaping the Future

The Glass Runway exhibition is a remarkable showcase of the synergy between fashion designers and glass artists, who have joined forces to push the limits of their respective crafts. This groundbreaking initiative aims to explore the versatility of glass as a wearable material, challenging traditional perceptions and paving the way for a new era of artistic expression.

The Glass Runway Exhibition: A Groundbreaking Collaboration

The exhibition features the collaborative and individual works of twenty glass artists and fashion designers, who have come together to create a stunning array of pieces that include glass bags, millinery, dresses, and jewelry. The project is described by Róisín de Buitléar, chair of the Glass Society of Ireland, and Eddie Shanahan, chairperson of the Council of Irish Fashion Designers, as an invaluable opportunity for the designers to stretch their imagination and explore new materials and craft techniques.

Exploring Glass as a Wearable Material

One of the standout collaborations is between fashion designer Helen Hayes and glass artist Laura Quinn, who worked together during the lockdown to create a dress featuring a collar made from glass rods. This innovative piece showcases the potential of glass as a versatile and captivating material in the realm of fashion. Additionally, Helen Hayes has teamed up with glass artist Killian Schurmann to produce a black top and skirt accessorized with a glass cocoon bag, which symbolizes the concept of "everyone has baggage."

Challenging Gender Norms and Promoting Inclusivity

The Glass Runway exhibition goes beyond the mere exploration of materials, delving into the deeper themes of gender equality and inclusivity. Róisín de Buitléar and fashion designer Sarah Ward-Hendry have collaborated on a piece called "Perpetual Offender," which consists of a short dress made from leather clasped with glass drops, a glass collar, and a glass bag. This layered "armour" effect serves as a symbolic representation of the subconscious defenses that women often wear.Another thought-provoking piece is the unisex crossbody bag created by leather bag designer Silvana Landa McAdam and glass artist Eleanor Jane McCartney. Using recycled glass, the bag aims to use transparency as a metaphor for addressing the gender pay gap and disparities within the fashion industry.

Sustainable Materials and Production Processes

Sustainability is a key focus of the Glass Runway exhibition, with all the pieces being made using eco-friendly materials and production methods. This commitment to sustainability is evident in the work of Ejay Griffin and glass artist Angela Brady, who have created a dress embellished with glass ornaments and 13 ladder charms around the waist, representing the "steps on the ladder" women take to break through the glass ceiling.

The Diverse Creations of the Exhibition

The exhibition showcases a diverse range of individual pieces, including neckpieces by Ruzica Ruane and Maggie Napier, glass rings by Helen Hancock, and a piece of glass jewelry with glass letters made from bullseye scraps by Ana Surdu. Meadhbh McIlgorm's "Bound to Break" design explores concepts of restraint and bondage, while Sara O'Neill, the creative force behind Eadach, launched the official opening of the exhibition with her limited edition prints inspired by her grandmother's stories and the Irish landscape.The Glass Runway exhibition is a testament to the power of collaboration and the transformative potential of art and design. By blending fashion and glass art, the participating designers and artists have created a captivating and thought-provoking showcase that challenges traditional boundaries and paves the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future in the creative industries.