LSAD graduate Una Burke interview in Metro Herald today

There was an interesting piece which I nearly missed this morning in the Metro Herald. I almost skipped over it until I thought, hang on, I recognise that bondage style shoulder detailing and collar piece! There was a brief but informative interview with Irish designer Una Burke.
The interview, although waaaaay too small was interesting as Burke revealed that she got little support from the arts council in Ireland in relation to sending her pieces to Milan Fashion week. According to her, the pieces were deemed 'not art' and she wasn't given funding! WTF! This is why Irish designers really struggle with getting international recognition, there is very little help given to young designers once they leave college and enter the world of design.
While there are designers who have bridged the gap to build an empire, John Rocha anyone? There is a lot of home grown talent which simply cannot afford to set up their business. It's such a shame. This is why we desperatly need a Dublin/Ireland fashion week. Burke is helping to launch the better fashion week in Dublin which will take place soon. It's a week of eco and sustainable fashion aimed at helping consumers make ethical choices about the fashion we choose.

But I find it shocking that a women who has such a celebrity following, excellent designs and is really making a name for herself in London had to leave in order to make that happen. It really highlights that something must be done about funding for fashion.
Especially since it was Vogue Italia who invited her to show in Milan, which is an honour.

She also revealed that Gaga still hasn't worn her piece as Daphne Guinness scooped her! Apparently Gaga put the piece on ice after Guinness was spotted wearing one of the designs in an ad campaign!

Incase anyone is wondering where Una is from - it's Galway. But she is a Limerick educated girl, gaining her BA in fashion from Limerick School of Art and Design in 2001 before completing an MA in London College of Fashion. Always like to see a Lsad girl done good!