The Glass Runway Project; The Art of Reflection

Modern Artistry Reflects Traditional Design

We’re thrilled to share the exciting news that our founder, Noema, has been named a finalist in the cutting-edge collaborative competition between glass art and fashion called ‘The Glass Runway Project’. This unique competition merges the realms of glass art and fashion, showcasing the creative synergy between different forms of artistic expression.

The Kate Breastplate is a short-sleeved Tweed Kate Dress designed by Noema, embellished with a striking 3D glass armour element crafted by the talented Jennifer Butler of Glass by Butler. The inspiration behind this garment stems from the shared experiences of motherhood between the two artists, reflecting their profound desire to shield their daughters from harm.

 

 

The unisex garment, an evolution of our award-nominated ‘Kate Dress’, embodies the essence of Noema, inspired by the spirit of Irish warriors and symbolising the protective instinct of a parent over their child. 

The original ‘Kate Dress’ is not lost in the Breastplate design but it takes on a less gendered appearance adorned with the considered combination of mirror and sheet glass carefully constructed using the Tiffany technique. With an engraved herringbone pattern, the design not only reflects the Donegal fabric of the dress but prompts introspection and empathy in its viewers.

Reflective in more ways than one, The Kate Breastplate serves as a poignant statement on the fragility of the human experience and the instinctual drive to shield ourselves and our loved ones from harm. The delicate balance between strength and vulnerability is showcased through a glass shield, perhaps pointing towards the battle between strength and fragility in a mother’s experience. The piece advocates for compassion; none of us are unbreakable.

With our compassion for one another, we should always be extending our consideration to the planet. The core ethos of Noema is a deep appreciation for the natural world and this project was never going to be any different. Crafted entirely by hand, the piece features glasswork and mirror detailing sourced from reclaimed glass and repurposed materials, aligning with our ethos of mindful craftsmanship and eco-conscious practices.

'The Kate Breastplate' is being exhibited at the MAC in Belfast, and following the runway exhibition, an exclusive exposition featuring all finalists' works will be open to the public until the 29th of July. 

We invite you to join us in celebrating the intersection of art, fashion, and sustainability, as we showcase the transformative power of creative collaboration.

 

Collaborative partners: Jennifer Hackett and Noema Damaris Prendergast

Photo credits: Jennifer Hackett