For our mental health issue, we thought it only fitting that we explore the work of a designer who has celebrated the intersection of mental health and art.

At only 22, Clonmel native Alanna McIntyre achieved national attention for her recent collection, ‘Only In Darkness Can You See Stars’, which was inspired by the artist Van Gogh and the connection between his art and his struggle with bipolar disorder.

“The collection explores the contrasting states of depression and mania, as experienced by the artist,” explains McIntyre. “My main source of inspiration was the painting ‘Starry Night’, as a symbol of manic euphoria, expressed in the collection through intricate bindings and gatherings.”

McIntyre’s collection features billowing dresses with ruffled details and pleats, and large circular cut-outs. The combination of structured aspects and organic, flowing shapes evokes the movement of Van Gogh’s sky as well as his bold stars.

“I am quite interested in the technical aspect of design,” says McIntyre. “I like to challenge myself technically with my garments by using innovative pattern cutting techniques and interesting details. I also have a keen eye for detail and like to experiment with creative fabric finishes.”

Drawing inspiration from Van Gogh and iconic art is a way of marrying two of McIntyre’s longtime loves.

“I always had an interest in art and design, and fashion in particular,” says the designer. “I think it was between 5th and 6th year of school when I began to seriously consider fashion as a career choice. I was trying to decide what I wanted to do in college and wanted to choose something that I would love.”

McIntyre followed her desire to create to college, completing a BA in Fashion Design in the Limerick School of Art and Design. The high achiever achieved a First Honors Degree – and also had her work celebrated in other ways.

“Earlier this year I won the ‘One To Watch’ award at Kerry Fashion Week,” McIntyre enthuses. “I was delighted to win this award and it was so lovely to have my work recognised after graduating, at a national platform outside of college events.”

Since winning the award, McIntyre’s career has gone from strength to strength, and she looks forward to trying to follow in the footsteps of fellow Irish designers, Danielle Romeril and Simone Rocha.

“I have just recently moved to London where I intend to gain as much experience within the industry as possible,” she says. “I am currently working as a sample studio assistant, where I hope to expand on my existing technical and design knowledge, while working on some of my own projects at the same time. I would love to fully pursue my own brand in the future, but at the moment I would like to gain more experience to better enable me to do so.”