Karen O’Donoghue
she/her
Namesake
'Namesake' is inspired by keepsakes passed onto me that belonged to my aunt, Karen, who died as a child. Although I never knew her, I am connected to her through my name and these few precious objects. From her doll and one of her dresses, I have created a vibrant collection as a celebration of our connection.
Family and home are at the centre of my work. Household oilcloth, roller blind, and cotton fabrics are combined with my own knit, laser-cut, and coated fabrics to create a conceptual rainwear collection. Here, the coat symbolises longevity and legacy, acting to preserve family memory.
The collection is designed for communal wearing; it is not intended for one particular person but to be shared- even across generations- adjustable to be worn by both adults and children.
A collection for communal wear...
Printed roller blind jacket, cotton canvas laser cut trousers
Hook attachment embroidered onto roller blind jacket
Tab knit jumper, laser cut trousers
Tab knit jumper, roller blind skirt detached from jacket
Coated knit jumper, laser cut oilcloth shorts (left), printed oilcloth jacket, wrap skirt (right)
Coated laser cutting on oilcloth jacket
Oilcloth jacket, printed roller blind wrap skirt
Laser cut shorts (back), coated knit jumper open back
Research
Karen's doll, my drawings & photograph
Karen's dress scanned for print
Karen's doll & memory rabbit wearing fabric from her dress, photograph of Karen wearing the dress
My desk space