Caoimhe Dowling
Fashion Designer
Life in Copenhagan
Copenhagen-based Irish fashion designer Caoimhe Dowling has a strong focus on sustainable textiles in her designs. Inspired by the natural world, Irish mythology, folklore and landscapes, her work centres on the use of unique textiles through a combination of newly developed artisanal wool and repurposed deadstock materials.
Caoimhe Dowling’s brand celebrates storytelling through clothing inspired by her passion for writing and her childhood on the south west coast of Ireland. The brand takes a holistic approach towards sustainable practices and centres itself around emotional longevity, localism and a deep-rooted connection to nature. The garments emerging from this brand are made from a combination of newly woven artisanal wool and found and repurposed deadstock materials in natural fibres.
Dowlings’s ethos is to look to the past to move forward. Her work aims to ‘subvert the norm’ and bring traditional craft practices into a contemporary context. Her next collection ‘Bedlam’ will launch in 2025. She is also pursuing a PhD in Sustainability and is on a knitwear residency in the Faroe Islands.
How did you end up living in Denmark?
"I moved here in 2020 to study an MA at the Royal Danish Academy in sustainable fashion and textiles and I have lived here since. I am a fashion and textile designer, so my job is very dynamic, especially at the moment when I am just starting out my own brand."
How did you end up living in Denmark?
"I moved here in 2020 to study an MA at the Royal Danish Academy in sustainable fashion and textiles and I have lived here since. I am a fashion and textile designer, so my job is very dynamic, especially at the moment when I am just starting out my own brand."
How has Irish culture shaped your craft?
"It has shaped my craft hugely, it has informed my interest in sustainability because I grew up on the west coast of Ireland. I have a deep affinity for the landscape and finding ways to preserve it."
What do you miss about Ireland?
"My family and friends, and being surrounded by nature all the time - and the beach! I go back quite frequently though so I don't feel I am ever away for too long."
What do you miss about Ireland?
"My family and friends, and being surrounded by nature all the time - and the beach! I go back quite frequently though so I don't feel I am ever away for too long."
Are you inspired by other Irish creatives?
"Absolutely - I think there are so many talented Irish people at home and all over the world. I think Irish people are very poetic and great storytellers."
