In celebration of the 1916 Rising Arnotts have transformed their front window into a fabulous display of new designs inspired by the women of 1916.

A fascinating way to learn a little more about our Irish history through a new inspiring fashion exhibition from the students of Griffith College Dublin.

The talented fashion design students of Griffith College Dublin channeled the Cumann na mBan with an inspired exhibition of 1916 meets today’s fashion. They are modern designs based on history. They kept a patriotic touch with the 1916 proclamation hanging in the background and pistols, rifles and grenades skilfully placed not to forget the sheer violence of that time but the space is awoken with fresh contemporary designs. The designs feature boxy shapes and structured minimalism. The collection’s name is Uniformity and each design is based on a woman of significance during the Rising.

For example one of the designs is in spirit of Elizabeth O’Farrell, Cumann na mBan member who was one of the last women to evacuate the GPO. She assisted injured soldiers during the fighting, delivered rebels surrender to the British military with Red Cross insignia and a white flag and bravely accompanied Padraig Pearse when he surrendered to General Lowe. This piece was designed by Natasha McGregor who used layers of ruffles to recreate the fluttering white flag that Elizabeth had surrendered with.

Designs recreated personalities of the strong courageous women of 1916. Sensory experience, individual journeys and dissecting weapons used at that time were the backbone of inspiration for many of the designs. The designs transcend time and are in keeping with modern fashion.

The inspiring 1916 women who influenced the creation of the designs are Elizabeth O’Farrell, Rose McNamara, Jennie Wyse Power, Julia Grenan, Nora Connolly O’Brien, Mary Spring Rice, Margaret Skinnider, Helena Molony, Countess Constance Markievicz, Nancy O’Rahilly, Winifred Carney and Rosie Hackett.

The 2016 designers are Natasha McGregor, Cathy McEvoy, Diana Kazimagomedova, Megan Lynch, Lexy Hunt, Safiye Salih, Roisin Bowling, Aurelie Yolande, Christian Iannelli, Siu-Hong Mok, Katie Byrne and Boya Wang.

Check out the window at Arnotts on Henry Street. In place until the end of March.