The collection stemmed from his own observation of working class Irish youths and the role of Irish stereotypes in the midst of the effects of the recession, which had severe effects on his hometown of Wexford (Ireland). The entire collection utilised unwanted and up-cycled fabrics with each look being draped, cut, sewn, embroidered and finished by Malone. It is this ethos of directionality and sustainability that informs his own contemporary womenswear label. Malones graduate collection has since been exhibited in Irelands leading luxury department store, Brown Thomas Dublin, part of the Selfridges group, and is available exclusively as made-to-order. Pieces from his collection have also been acquired by museums and collectors in both the UK and Ireland. Malones past experience includes working for Louis Vuitton in Paris and Giles Deacon in London.
He has also worked as a freelance print designer and illustrator and exhibited in the UK and Ireland, including the National Wool Museum of Wales. Malone’s collections have been celebrated by international press and featured in major print and online publications including LOVE, Dazed, Interview, AnOther, Vogue Italia, Vogue India, British Vogue, WWD, The Independent and the Irish Times. Recently, Malone was selected by the BBC as one of the Best Young Artists under 25 working in the UK, the only fashion designer in the selection.
Soon after graduating Malone launched his eponymous line with an independent presentation for autumn/winter 2015. Richard Malone makes his return to CREATE this year with his new collection showcasing superb attention to cuts, 1980s asymmetry and fresh stripes.
Richard Malone will be one to watch.
