20th Century Irish Fashion and Textiles

In this talk, Dr Catherine O’Hara will explore the story of twentieth-century Irish fashion and textiles, tracing how creativity and industry shaped one another during a period of profound change. 

Focusing on design, identity, and innovation, Dr O'Hara will consider how makers responded to shifting markets at home and abroad, and how ideas of ‘Irishness’ were expressed through dress and material culture. Through the lens of industry and craftsmanship, the talk reveals how textiles became a powerful site of resilience, adaptation, and cultural meaning in modern Ireland.