Sinéad O’Dwyer’s SS25 collection entitled, Everything Opens to Touch transported us into a dream-like world as it stood to exist beneath 180 studios. Entering the cavernous venue, we were immediately confronted by orange and yellow spotlighting creating a hard contrast with the blacked out interiors and cement flooring. Mystical energy compelled us as we walked down the slanted platforms to witness the models up close.
Attendees were encouraged to walk around the space, a presentation style format created many elements to engage with. Somewhat of a mixed media exhibition, a square shaped room in the centre of the venue presented multiple screens which played a film alongside a recorded poem by Anastasiia Fedorova.
Working with multiple creatives and artists, the event lended itself further to the theme. Playing between notions of memory and intimacy, we are confronted by what it means to be seen, and what that “seeing” may even mean. The film by Sharna Osborne, documents the works in Copenhagen, where O’dwyer showcased her craft for the first time. Utilising multiple recording types, including digital, VHS, and 360 the film is an art piece as much as it is a documentary. The notion of touch as a starting point was pivotal to the collection’s direction and the way that audience members would inevitably engage with it.
Three couples donning O’Dwyer’s designs were propped up throughout the venue, directed to intimately engage with each other for the duration of the show. Florals decorated the hay bales which the models were sat upon, holding, caressing and kissing one another. There was something to be said about the way this impacted audience members. Many emotions could be witnessed as guests entered the venue. Intrigue, curiosity, nervousness and allure surrounded the couples as they extended the notion that touch can present as both the beginning and end of connection.
The warm-month-specific collection reimagines previous signature designs. Shibari-inspired harnesses are now presented with short sleeves, micro-cutouts with slanted rara ruffles and fitted shirts are now experiments via new materials. Deep blue denim makes an appearance throughout the collection, alongside updated silhouettes by way of puff dresses in waxed cotton and distressed knitwear.
The presentation solidifies the collections’ purpose… to expand, explore, run, sometimes hide in the heat of summers’ days and cool spring nights. O’Dwyer’s works encourage us to explore a life surrounded by nature, picking flowers, kissing lovers and friends all the same.
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Words: Lauren Bulla
Photography: Nelta Kasparian