Claudy designer Aoife stitching her way into the spotlight

A County Derry fashion designer has been stitching her way into the spotlight, using her sustainable creations to prove that eco-consciousness doesn't compromise style.

Aoife Harvey of AH Designs, originally got into sustainability to cut back on costs while studying for her fashion degree. Driven by her research and coming across “shocking statistics” on fast-fashion, Aoife chose to define her presence in the industry by reworking old materials and reclaiming them into fresh and trendy pieces. 

Over the years, Aoife has garnered many accolades, including designing the Belfast Marathon's logo at aged eight and last year winning BBC One's 'A Stitch Through Time'. 

She is also currently shortlisted for the prestigious IDI Awards which is due to take place in the Dublin’s RDS. 

Speaking to the 24-year-old, Derry Now took a behind-the-scenes look at the young Claudy designers’ journey (so far) to securing her dream career. 

“I was always a creative growing up.  I think I was born with the flare for it, and I have loved art for as long as I can remember.

Models showcase Aoife's designs at a recent fashion event.

"My parents always remind me of when I was about two or three, they got a new suite of white furniture in the house, and I scribbled all over it with a blue pen. I think at that point my mammy and daddy’s only hope was that I would be into something artsy, at least then it could be justified,” she laughed. 

At 16, Aoife, like many of her peers, had to choose between sitting her A levels or exploring other options. Following her passion, she opted for a BTEC qualification in Art and Design at Limavady Northwest Regional College.

“When I told my parents that I didn’t want to do A levels, they were initially unsure about my decision, but I promised them that I would work hard and that’s exactly what I did. Working on everything from textiles, embroidery, ceramics, and print making, I loved doing them all.

Aoife developed an eye for fashion at a young age.

“When it came to my final project, I had to choose a specialty. At this point I hadn’t quite discovered that fashion design was exactly what I wanted to do.  In fashion, it’s not enough to know how to draw a nice pretty picture of clothes, it’s technical too.

"I must think about how the seams go together, and how I’m going to sew them together to function on a body. I didn’t have to think in that way in any other subject. I embraced this challenge and took on with fashion and textiles for my final grade,” Aoife explained. 

Achieving three distinction stars in her final BTEC grade, Aoife made the decision to continue pursuing fashion, taking on with a foundation course at the same college- securing a further distinction within the year. 

The following year, Aoife aimed to study in London. Despite having 'all the grades', she fell short of securing a place on the course. Refusing to give up, she navigated a rocky road and eventually secured her place at the University of Ulster in Belfast — a path that later revealed unique opportunities she 'wouldn't have received anywhere else'.

Some of the unique garments designed by Aoife.

“I naively believed that with the foundation course, along with having all the required grades and the effort I invested, I would secure my place in London. But I didn’t. 

“I decided I needed a plan ‘B’, I’m good at picking myself back up again. I was determined and decided to go through the process again, but still with the idea in my head that everyone who studies fashion goes away to study it. 

“After a huge mix up with courses in the south, I applied to Ulster through clearing and I got in. I have had the best opportunities from this course over the past four years and I really think it was meant to be.” 

Aoife continued to 'put the work in' but little did she know that her final university collection, ‘Waste to Wardrobe’ would lead her toward success far beyond her academic pursuits. 

“I remember growing up watching a TV channel that showed runway shows and I would watch the different outfits. The designers always create 12 looks and they usually include a bridal look. In my final year I was determined to do that. To graduate I only needed four outfits and we were restricted in the time to make them. But I always wanted to be like the designers I watched on TV, so that was my goal.”

Exploring her stance on sustainability and environmental awareness, the designer explained how she sources the raw materials for her projects. 

“My collection ‘Waste to Wardrobe’, is all about how you can take these materials that are ultimately heading to landfill and transform them into something new, contemporary, and modern”.

“Sustainability was initially a financial choice at university to achieve my goal. But I began to research and came across shocking statistics on fast fashion and trends. 

Getting the perfect fit.

“I was always scouting out charity shops and searching online for materials. I even purchased and reworked a 24-foot WW2 parachute to create my bridal look.   A lot of people don’t know, but parachutes were made from real silk and some women used them to make their dresses back then.” 

Aoife is now focused on building her own brand, continuing to incorporate sustainability by creating unique one-of-one bespoke designs with the aim of changing consumer perception of fast fashion. 

She said: “There is a wild feeling after graduating. I was faced with this feeling of ‘what now?!’. But I’m working on my own brand now. It’s all about being eco conscious. I work from the sunroom in my parents’ house- I’ve taken over with fabrics and materials. These years I put in now, even if it doesn’t work out at least I can say I worked hard and I gave it a go.

“I describe my style as quite old and bold, but each piece is clean, cut, tailored, and very well put together. Although I rework old materials, the pieces are all constructed together so that they look like something brand new. I don’t want people to look at my work and think that it’s an old vintage piece, because it’s not.” 

Aoife added: “I recently got an industrial sewing machine. When I graduated, with the help of my mammy and daddy that’s what I invested in.   It’s transformed my work and it’s the best toy I ever got in my life.”

Showing off her artistic side as a child.

The Claudy designer says that the best thing about her job is 'seeing people wear my clothes'. 

“Recently a Derry singer, ThisisReevah, chose to wear my outfits for her album launch. It was massive for me to see her standing on stage wearing my clothes.” 

Although proud and passionate about her designs, Aoife believes sustainability isn't solely about purchasing from sustainable designers. Her goal is to inspire and educate people on maintaining their clothing through correct care, repair, and upcycling.

“My long-term goal is put AH designs on a more global stage and get stocked in boutiques. I ultimately want to make a change in a consumer’s mindset on fast fashion and making use of the materials we have. Let’s bring back the days when everyone could sew,” she said. 

For contact, tips and updates with Aoife, follow @ah.designs__ on Instagram.