Year of Irish Design 2015: Kiki Na Art

When I was on the Galway Fashion Trail this month, I was exposed to a lot of new and wonderful brands, labels and shops. One that really caught my eye, in particular, was Kiki Na Art which was being stocked in the wonderful purveyor of Irish design, My Shop...Granny Likes It. Bright, bold jewellery pieces that combine images of figures from pop culture with geometric patterns and hand-painting, stared out of one of the display cabinets and immediately set the group of bloggers gasping in delight.

Cue dozens of Instagram posts - one from myself as well!

But I didn't want to leave it there.

I was intrigued and wanted to know more about these pieces that danced somewhere between art and design and stood out so boldly from everything else on display.

I contacted the lovely Ciarna, who is the genius and craftswoman behind the brand, and she gave me a little more insight into the world of Kiki Na Art.

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Moi: Can you tell us a little about your background?

Ciarna: I am an artist who studied Fine Art Painting in Galway. When I finished up college, I moved to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam for 6 years, where I met my husband and worked as the Art and Music Project Manager for the Christina Noble Children's Foundation (absolutely brilliant Charity!). When I moved back to Ireland with Duc (my husband) in 2010, I found it difficult to find work and decided to use that time to give my husband’s art and my art a chance. Duc is an extremely talented painter and we wanted to really give that a go - which meant being broke and choosing an alternative way of living. I have always loved photography and always wore jewellery so when I moved back to Ireland, I started to play around with ideas.  The idea for this came very organically. I started off doing them for creative fun and for friends using different materials but, eventually, I found a formula that worked for me. I started out making them in my back room two years ago. They’ve come a long way since then!


How did you come up with your concept for your label?

I am a big fan of Joan Baez and wanted to make earrings with her on them and my sister had also bought me a pair of Frida earrings when she was away - so I developed the idea from there with a lot of hand drawing and individual design and pattern on each piece. The name Kiki Na came from a nickname given to me by a certain group of friends in Vietnam, who called me Kiki, and the kids I worked with, who called me Kieu Na, so I combined the two. I make every one [of the pieces of jewellery] as a one-of-a-kind, as I treat them as unique illustrations, and that was important to me from the start. I really value individuality.


Which pop culture icons would you wear on a daily basis, if you had to choose one or two?

I would wear anyone I admire and respect. I am quite political and would be inclined to wear people like Aung San Suu Kyi, Nelson Mandela or Angela Davis but I am also into art and music big time so I wear anyone from David Bowie to Frida Kahlo. Realistically, I wear the ones I make and I usually make ones that are more popular such as Bjork, Bowie, Blondie or Grace Jones etc. These people are true artists and usually the styles and photographs of these people are amazing. I keep making pieces that I think I will keep for myself because I love the person, shape or design but eventually I end up selling them!


Why are handmade pieces and craft important?

Because individuality is important and things develop naturally from eye to hand. A designer who cannot make their own pieces is like a painter who cannot make their own paintings. Eventually things can get bigger and develop to a concept made by machine but to start out hand making and crafting your creative pieces is vital to allowing a greater development of said piece.


What do you think of the Year of Irish design?

More of this I say! I studied Fine Art, not design, so I find myself lagging behind in what’s happening but this year I started a back-to-work enterprise with my jewellery. Now, I have a platform to really develop my stuff and part of that is to discover what is out there for designers in Ireland. The Year of Irish Design is something I honestly need to look into more for my own stuff and I'm glad it’s there for people like me who need to discover more in what’s happening with Irish Design.


What do you think of Irish design?

I love anything expressive and fun and I see a lot of that happening. Although, sometimes, I think the minimalist trend has reached some sort of peak and that a lot of stuff is along those lines. My motto is go big or go home - haha - but I understand that that is not for everyone and that minimal forms of expression are more accessible to a lot of people. It’s all very subjective. So when it comes to Irish design I love to see all the different expressions out there. I have stuff in OmDiva and its great seeing people making some beautiful works of art through jewellery design and clothing design. Ruth, who runs OmDiva, is great for allowing a space for different forms of expression and design whilst managing to stay on trend.


Which designers do you admire?

Ah, Jaysus...I’m crap at this! I love fashion, design and art but I’d be able to name more artists that I love than designers. I do love the whole advanced style thing happening - Older people in fashion - I also love the non conformist styles and the different body types out there and I think fashion design needs to catch up a bit more with that. I think I'm more into artists – all kinds of artists – musical, like Roisin Murphy (her style!!!); fashion - Irish Apfel and Vivienne Westwood; art - Frida Kahlo. I love eccentrics. I'm a second hand shop girl so when it comes to designers I am not great. I do like COS because, as Irish Apfel, put it – ‘I love to accessorise... my mother said buy a lovely simple black dress – you can dress it up or dress it down’. COS is great for nice material and simple monochromatic colour clothing which really suits my jewellery but who their designers are?... I’ll [have to] google it!


What inspires you?

Big Question. Everything!!


What would you like to do with your brand in the future? Are there other avenues you'd like to explore?

Go bold or go home! I plan to expand to wearable art pieces and wall pieces but who knows... I'm someone who likes to go with the flow – not that I am resting on my laurels – I work hard at what I do but it’s like this; in Asia, the turtle is one of the most respected of creatures, as they move very fast by following streams and ending up where they end up...it’s a Buddhist thing I guess.


If you had to describe what you do in five words or less?

One of a kind; individual.

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So, if you're after something for the individual, something one of a kind, something hand-crafted and filled with love, hit Kiki Na Art up. It's hard not to fall more in love with (the already desirable) brand when you hear from Ciarna. Her passion, sense of fun and no-nonsense and inclusive attitudes are rather refreshing. And, I think, visible in the art/design that she produces.

Thanks to Ciarna for chatting with me!

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Undercover SS15

Fairy tales, fallen angels, Hieronymus Bosch, ballerinas, unexpected frills....Undercover kinda had it all in their SS15 show. It was almost like it was perfectly designed to make me squee and sigh...almost exactly like that...suspicious.

Established by designer Jun Takahashi in 2003 and described by the man himself as "cute but scary, beautiful but ugly", it's comprised by all the combinations, parallels, contrasts and contradictions that I personally love but that also enrich any outfit and give it depth. There's a romance to his clothes, and a darkness that speaks to the women who wear them, long for them. That reflect real women -complex combinations of traits, 3D characters. 

Also, I've got major hallowe'en costume inspo from the latest showing.

From big dresses with demure collars and cut-outs that don't reveal too much but ooze sexuality paired with dramatic eye makeup and black wings, to the sheers of wood nymphs, to uber-wearable outerwear and separates, to wearing art, to princess garb, to fantastical creatures and ending in a motorcycle gang of dark angels - there were a lot of different looks and themes present. Yet Takahashi's hand, and his girl, was obvious throughout. Cohesion was present through bookending of the angels, through the swells and falls of a show more like a story than most. The hairpieces, makeup and frills were further uniting strands. 

As undeniably wantable and gorgeous the individual looks and pieces were, however, it was the showmanship that impressed me most. A true show. That had me gasping, leaning forward in my seat, eager to see what came next. 

Hello, my newest and greatest brand crush. 

This time, it's true love.

(Images via vogue.co.uk)

What do you guys think? As obsessed as moi?

Little Gem: Irish Design Shop.

If you hadn't gathered by now, I'm a big fan/supporter of Irish design. So, when I spotted The Irish Design Shop ages ago, I intended to pop in. At the time, I didn't get a chance but when I passed it the other day as I moved from library to library (Noticing a theme here? Ugh. My life.) I decided to make the time.

And, boy, was I glad I did!

Originally established online in 2008 and then seen in various incarnations via pop-ups and a space in the RHA, the current Drury Street location really does the shop justice.  Light falls beautifully and illuminates the products softly. A range of different products are available in store; items of clothing, homeware, jewellery, artwork, books and more. And, as you might imagine, everything is wonderfully designed, down to the information leaflets and shopping bags.

There's a real sense of tradition in the space through tonal properties, materials and motifs but also a sense of how these things can be relevant today. Traditional practices sit alongside contemporary innovation. Some items are practical or elegant, others charming or amusing. Really, it's hard not to find something inside to fall in love with and a quick analysis of the demographics during my visit show interest among both locals and tourists, young and old. It's pretty lovely to see really.

I was familiar with some of the brands stocked but others were lovely new surprises and I was aching to buy some prints from Damn Fine Print Studio. Maybe next time. I said that a lot, actually. So, here's my shots and wishlist!

Intrigued? Check out their blog and facebook page!

In for the long haul...

...or a small one, actually.

A home haul, to be exact.

Now, I've never really posted a haul before because something about them squicks me out a little. I love watching and reading about what other people are buying because (a) I'm nosy and (b) it informs me as a consumer. And being a smart, informed consumer is important. Why, then, do I feel differently about posting one myself?

I guess it's because looking at other hauls is entertainment, I'm just a passive observer. But displaying my own purchases feels too much like I'm a cog in the machine...if that makes sense? Yet, I also think this is somewhat silly because (a) we have to consume things sometimes (b) I try to inform others about bargains, sales etc and help people out and (c) I rarely spend more than ten euro on any one item and rarely more than fifteen euro in one outing.

And then there's the fact that I'm a grown woman spending money I earned and shouldn't feel the need to apologise for that!

Speaking of which (sorry for that digression), this is a "home" themed haul because of the earning and now being an adult and stuff. I felt I should mark the occasion of growing up a little more by buying some adult-like things. Almost everything was bought in Dunnes because I love their homeware stuff (sorry readers outside Ireland!) and everything was on sale so bargains ahoy!

I also never intended this to be a themed selection of things I'd write about, I just happened to pick up things here and there over the last few weeks that happened to be the same sorts of things.

From Carolyn Donnelly Eclectic for Dunnes I bought the Rose String Lights. It was my first purchase on a day that needed brightening weeks ago. They were €12 and actually the one thing not on sale - soz! Also from her I've picked up three more of these wee handleless cups for just €1 to go with a couple I already had and two glasses for €2 down from five. The notecard set is also from Dunnes from their Leigh Tucker Willow line (which is technically for kids - meh) and was also only a euro. I just thought they were sweet and great for jotting down a thank you, a get well soon or a "I love you, man" note. The rad robot strainer was actually a gift and the bunny is another light from Urban Outfitters and was just five quid.

The last thing was this creepy Pride and Prejudice-style print from Mayfly which is in Temple Bar above Lucy's Lounge. I did not recognise the place, it's been revamped so well and has such cool stuff! I fell in love with the print right away and justified its purchase with the fact that it's art. It was also only six euro though it was labelled at eight.

Anyway, that's all for now! What do you guys think of my purchases? Of me doing hauls?

New Favourite Human: Kitty Moss

I've been a major fan of Irish illustrator, artist, designer and all-around rad person Kitty Moss' work since I first set my eyes on her Maude and Minet series in Brown Thomas for their Art and Style display way back when. When we finally got a chance to meet up yesterday, Kitty was kind enough to welcome me into her home where she now does the majority of her work. I've never been given a warmer welcome by an interviewee (and I've been lucky enough to be granted time by some awesome/sweet/kind peeps) - I could really get used to it! Not only did she rescue me from my confusion on another not-well-numbered Dublin street but there was an offer of tea, homemade (delicious) cake, chocolate and prosecco upon arrival. I took Kitty up on the first three and got introduced to her uber-famous pooch, Digby (he's the star of Kodaline videos) who is one of the most beautiful dogs I've ever seen (Sorry, Digby, can't privilege your lovely face over my own puppy's).

Mostly we just chatted and got along so well that I then felt weird about officially interviewing her! It was kind of like talking to a super-talented version of myself a few years from now. We were very much on the same page about art, fashion and the moon and trees (they rock) and how "Desert Island" style questions are impossible to answer. 

As she has a fashion and art background, went to NCAD, worked with John Rocha and now combines those two interests in her work, I wanted to know what inspired Kitty most in both fields. Her favourite artists and works include Hughie O'Donoghue - especially his bog images -Van Gogh, Bacon and Harry Clarke. The exhibition of Munch's prints which took place in the NGI in 2009 is also a major favourite of Kitty's - which we both agreed was one of the best shows we'd ever been to. When it comes to designers Kitty is, of course, partial to Rocha, particularly his accessories and hats, show pieces, the styling of the shows and his textiles which she says, "send me swooning". Sharon Wauchob, Dries Van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester and McQueen's shows are also favourites . 

But what about fashion in action every day? What does Kitty reckon are wardrobe staples? For her is has to be black skinny jeans as she "live[s] in them". Red lipstick is her trick for appearing glamourous and put-together when feeling the opposite and sunglasses, cat-ears and brogues are her go-to accessories. Aesthetic-wise, despite being drawn to bows and ribbons and colour, she goes for layers of black, sequins and see-through pieces. Kitty's style icons include Oscar Wilde (who she agrees had mad swagger), Jesse James, Nick Cave, all Asian girls and Daphne Guinness for her "out thereness" though it can sometimes perhaps be "too forced". But, like me, Kitty likes when people commit to a look and go there and is similarly fond of anything witchy or with a pilgrim vibe that's "polished but a bit grotty" (potential name for my autobiography?).

As to what inspires Kitty most, it's got to be nature and the brief of a work which helps "lead it, in a way". She professes that, for her, there's a "draw" to trees and the moon which she finds over-powering." This love of nature is seen manifest in the passion for colour in Kitty's ouevre despite her love for black and the spooky undertones that prevail. She also loves textures and tries to bring something sweet to her work along with her love of "ghosts and ghoulies", harvest colours and hallowe'en.

When I note her good-natured wit in her work, Kitty tells me I'm the first to note her humour which shocks me. To me, her personality is immediately obvious from a glance at anything she puts her hand to. I ask where this tongue-in-cheek humour wit comes from and she attributes it to the fact that she's one to "laugh a lot" especially as too often "people take fashion too seriously". From her experiences behind the scenes in a fashion house, Kitty is all-too aware of the surface of air-kisses and models making insane amounts of money while other people who make the shows possible struggle. She finds herself disappointed when, despite this knowledge, she is "sucked into it." So, to keep her head straight she keeps that sense of humour as an earth. She describes what she aims for with her work as "spookily sweet", nice and girly. And I would have to agree!

So, I'm gonna go fangirl in a corner. Please go ahead and check out my shots, Digby, Kitty's illustrations and clothing below. 

Be never back, I'm off to live in a converted Gothic Revival church draped solely in Maude and Minet from now on.

Look. At. That. Face.

New family motto? If I've got anything to say about it!

Anyhoo, I've bombarded y'all with excitement - bye for now!