Clothes lines

Compiled by DEIRDRE McQUILLAN

One to watch from University of Ulster

The recent fashion show "Walking on Water" held on the Lagan, flushed out Belfast's leading fashion design talent including some of the students from the University of Ulster. One newcomer tipped for stardom is Dave Henderson, a fashion and textiles graduate of UU whose handworked, handpainted and printed creations have a personality all of their own. This particular dress, completely handstitched in hand-dyed cotton and silk grosgrain (photographed by Ian Mitchell), is typical of his style. Prices range from £150-£350. For information contact him at 0044-7738914415 or by email to fashionbydavehenderson@gmail.com

Inspiration according to Binns

The north's most successful fashion export has to be the award-winning jewellery designer Tom Binns, who counts US First Lady Michelle Obama among his high profile fans. He was educated at Orangefield High School in east Belfast, whose other well known alumni include Van Morrison, Brian Keenan, David Ervine and Gerald Dawe. These days he lives and works in Los Angeles. His particular skill lies in reinventing traditional jewellery forms in modern ways. His current collection is a fresh take on the cameo and his influence is drawn from various sources like art, politics, nature or cinema. "The one thing is doesn't come from is fashion. Clothes are merely accessories, he says. See tombinnsdesign.com

Let the fabric do the talking

The last time I met fashion designer Una Rodden in her chic little Belfast boutique, she was making a shapely linen jacket with an organza silk top and shorts for a client going to a wedding. From Donegal, this LSAD graduate worked with designer Michelle O’Doherty in Belfast before setting up on her own seven years ago. Customers come for something special for an event – be it a black tie or a dinner – that they can wear again dressed down or with daywear accessories. “We make the fabric do the talking”, she says of the luxurious materials she uses, as in this image from her cuirrent collection. Una Rodden Couture, 50 Upper Arthur Street, Belfast, tel: 048-90248811.