Recently, visionary fashion designer Katie Anne McGuigan revealed her latest assemblage, Lost Summer. This evocative lineup navigates a yearning for the expanse of the outdoors coupled with a quest for solace and comfort within one’s living quarters. Influences for this series are rooted in the seminal photography of the British Isles and the intricate nuances of interior design that have informed her fabric and pattern choices. McGuigan’s conceptualization soared with the integration of Belgian lensman Harry Gruyaert’s images, especially his Irish Summer collection, a photographic journey through Western Ireland in the 1980s celebrated for capturing the elusiveness of ephemeral light shifts.
Let’s delve deeper into McGuigan’s creative process as she shares insights during our interview.
Welcome, Katie. How have you been?
Thank you, I’ve been in good spirits. Having wrapped up my Lost Summer photoshoot in London, I’ve resettled in my familial Irish home to unwind. The intensity of studio work often creates an insular experience, so rekindling connections with my loved ones and breathing in some rural air is a restorative ritual for me, especially after such a tumultuous year—a practice I believe holds more significance now than ever.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest collection’s name, Lost Summer?
Lost Summer crystallized from an amalgamation of inspirations and a palpable feeling of misplaced time over the last year—time that seemed distorted and stretched. The circumstances globally led us all to confront this reality. On a personal level, there was a strong desire to immerse myself in nature and bask in its radiant warmth. I was intrigued by the simplicity and consistency of life indoors, particularly when life slowed down, allowing us to savor smaller comforts. These thoughts and emotions interwove to set the tone for the Lost Summer collection.
What captured your interest and fueled the designs for this collection?
My Irish origins have always been a deep well of inspiration, so I gravitate towards artistic portrayals of this, both by natives and observers. Previously, my work has drawn from photography that freezes slices of life from across the British Isles. This time, however, I felt compelled to explore closer to my roots, which led me to Harry Gruyaert’s “Irish Summer” series, picturing Western Ireland in the 1980s with an almost ethereal interplay of shifting lights and the blend of nature and culture. Having a background in fashion and growing up around furniture design, Gruyaert’s perspective of Ireland sparked my creativity, guiding the colors, prints, and textures I chose for this season’s fashion narrative.
When creating Lost Summer, what was your central focus?
I endeavored to blend the fantastical with the practical, crafting pieces that are exquisite yet wearable on any given day. The essence of infusing luxury into daily attire, forming outfits that are refined, yet relaxed and comfortable has always been at the heart of my design philosophy—not only for Lost Summer but for all my creations.
Is there a particular piece that you favor in this collection?
Choosing a single favorite is akin to picking a preferred child! The allure of patterns is what I find most captivating. Watching how patterns fundamentally transform on various textiles and how they shift in texture, form, and color based on the garment’s structure and the individual wearing it—that’s the magic of printmaking that I hold dear.
What do you believe distinguishes an exceptional design?
It’s all about equilibrium. Memorable design arises from the thoughtful balance of every element—from proportions to hues to materials. When everything unites harmoniously, the design resonates as a singular, impactful experience.
In what ways has the pandemic reshaped your design process?
It’s altered my cravings and the way I perceive my professional and personal aspirations. This change in perspective has undeniably influenced my creative approach. Amidst the largely adverse impact of the pandemic, it has afforded individuals a hiatus to reevaluate their core values and envision their desired identity and role within our shared world. This introspection has inevitably imprinted upon this collection and will continue to shape my future designs.
What counsel would you offer to aspiring fashion designers?
While it may sound cliché, the trifecta of tireless dedication, fervent passion, and relentless ambition are the cornerstones of success. These universal qualities—though nuanced differently across diverse fields—are the bearings that can propel us from our current station to our desired horizons.
Lastly, how would you interpret culture?
Culture encapsulates our collective way of life—a fusion of traditions, concepts, and behaviors that color our interactions and shape our worldviews. It’s something we can identify with, scrutinize from afar, or immerse ourselves within.