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HEMLINES THE STYLIST Oyindamola Animashaun FASHIO
NING A FUTURE Fallout from Covid-19 has impacted every sector of society and has led to dramatic changes in the fashion industry which is struggling to chart a new course amidst big chain closures, the end of the runway calendar and uncertainty from head to toe. A number of the key players on the scene here explain how they’ve been affected and where their future lies. words Michael McDermott THE GRADUATE Tom Langton NCAD Tom Langton was, like all fellow students, into the home straight when the shutters abruptly came down. The NCAD Fashion Design student was preparing his graduate collection “based on bodies of research that are within the realm of literature, collected materials, photography and personal experience” when suddenly things were “cut short and access to specialised machines, staff and large peer groups of other practitioners was also removed from our working lives pretty quickly.” However, he has found the drive to collaborate and outsource has had a positive impact. “Being alone and creating in isolation you become very independent and decisive on your own accord. I realised the importance of searching for specialised makers to collaborate with me. People have more time to use their hands. I have recently become friends with a lady who lives in the Wicklow mountains. She knits for me and we now have a strong 18 back and forth dialog on creating new knits.” Langton also acknowledges missing being in a fastpaced collaborative working space. “Things happen a lot quicker when there is even the slightest bit of pressure.” As for where his future lies, he is under no illusion regarding the limited prospects here which will most likely lead to moving to a place with “a more proactive fashion industry.” “I think menswear design is something that seemingly is out of reach or is definitely underrepresented in Irish design currently. It’s changing though, slowly. There are certainly one or two incredible coatmakers still based and working in Dublin which is refreshing. However, looking for an opportunity to further my career in contemporary menswear through internships or in entry level employment would have to be done overseas.” Oyindamola Animashaun was in hospital “isolating before everyone else” when lockdown struck. However, she was there from exhaustion having not had a single day off from December to March, including Christmas Day. Styling Jafaris for the Choice Music Awards in Vicar Street on March 5 was the culmination of a staggeringly hectic period which saw her styling for short films and press as well as multiple music videos. “For me personally, it was a bit of a blessing. It was the first time I was able to take a break,” reflects Animashaun. Unsurprisingly, she was “sick of it” by the end of March. “My job is completely about other people but no one going anywhere or doing anything, it meant I resorted to styling myself for IGTV.” One significant happening during the pandemic has been the re-emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement and how it has impacted on her. “It has really helped me out in that a lot of people are showing love to people like me and I am appreciative of that.” Still, Animashaun is conflicted about some of the motivations behind this newfound affection. “It really bothered me too. I felt uncomfortable. Please don’t just follow me because you want to blackify your following. Do so because of my work.” And so, whilst the challenge of sourcing clothes, securing locations and having less assistance is something Animashaun is part of the new normal, she’s also appreciative of the fact that “this pandemic has changed the whole trajectory of my life… There are 100% more opportunities within the industry for me now and I am going to figure out how I can make it here in Ireland.” @oyinza