This collection has been grounded in my interest in sustainable botanical dyeing. My attraction to this method is from the historic dyeing tradition in Ireland, which was viewed as a respected specialised field for women, stemming from the use of herbal medicines and healers. My fascination began in childhood, watching demonstrations of these techniques at the Ulster American Folk Park. I formed a new appreciation for nature after moving to New York and viewing the contrast of the nature in the city being enclosed by a concrete cage. This allowed me to reflect on those women accused of witchcraft for being well respected healers, when many were simply independent and outspoken women. I was inspired by the vilification of women throughout history and how previous generations embraced or repressed their identities and paved the ways for the future. The name of the collection, “We Still Burn Her” comes from one of my biggest inspirations behind the collection, Christy Moore’s cover of the song “Burning Times” and the line “Now the earth is a witch, we still burn her”.
My brand name, Mayfire, derives from the English translation of Beltany, inspired by the Beltany Stone Circle in my hometown of Raphoe. The logo design is inspired by the standing stones in Beltany
