Irish-Iraqi fashion designer Gina Abbas may not have Celtic roots, but her work is heavily influenced by her life on the Emerald Isle. Recently we spoke with her about her past, present, and future.
My roots lie in Iraq, the land of Mesopotamia, often called the cradle of civilization. This is my homeland, rich with history, culture, and heritage. It’s from this ancient and storied place that I came, and it continues to shape who I am today.
I inherited my love for making clothes from my family. Both my mother and father are skilled in making garments, and my grandmother was especially talented – she specialized in menswear and did all the embroidery by hand, without using a machine. Their dedication and craftsmanship have deeply inspired me, and I feel connected to that tradition every time I create something.
My love for fabric inspired me to learn how to shape it into various types of clothes and items. This passion eventually led me into the world of fashion and design, where I started my own brand. It has been my way of blending creativity with craftsmanship, turning my love for fabric into something others can enjoy.
When I came to Ireland 25 years ago, I began learning the language while also deepening my knowledge of fashion and design. I arrived with just a basic understanding, but over the years, I’ve grown and refined my skills, which has been a key part of my journey here.”
My love for fashion, design, and making clothes pushed me to continually learn and refine my skills, especially in custom garment construction. I took various courses here in Ireland to study pattern drafting, fabric combinations, and the finer details of fashion. Beyond formal courses, I dedicated myself to self-study and practice, always setting the bar high because I wanted to create unique, beautiful garments. This drive also led me to explore different types of fabrics, understand their quality, and master how to craft truly stunning pieces.
My creative process is more inspirational. I find that my ideas are often sparked by the world around me, whether it’s through nature, art, or personal experiences. This inspiration drives me to explore and develop my designs, making creativity a deeply personal and expressive journey.
What makes my work unique is my extensive experience with high-quality fabrics and my expertise in cutting and sewing techniques. I utilize a variety of machines that allow me to bring my ideas to life with precision and quality. When I have a concept in mind, I carefully visualize it and work through every detail using these elements, which helps me avoid mistakes. This meticulous approach ensures that when I translate my vision into reality, it is executed to the highest standard.
The greatest reward for me is seeing how much people love my work. Their appreciation means more than anything else.
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