Emma Larkin was interested in art since she was a child. She liked drawing people and animals. She had a particular interest in cartoons and loved creating fun pictures from her favourite shows.
So, it was no surprise that after completing her Leaving Certificate, she decided to embark on a career in art. She was unsure exactly where her interest lay so she enrolled in a one year art portfolio course at Galway Technical Institute. "It was brilliant," says the 28-year-old accessories designer from Salthill whose work has featured in several prestigious fashion bibles, such as British Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Vanity Fair, and Harper's Bazaar US. "I realised I was into the 'making' side of things."
She went on to study at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin. "I thought I wanted to do sculpture. Later I realised I was more into design and I went into jewellery and metal work. When I was on the course, I wanted to create colourful, different pieces. I used metalwork with silicone, and latex. Rubber picks up colour and is really, really light (I love big earrings but they can weigh you down ) but it is rare to use it in jewellery making."
After graduating, she did an internship with a jewellery maker in Estonia who used alternative materials such as bone and wood. "When I came back, I realised I wanted to start my own jewellery business but I felt I still wanted guidance," she says. "It was hard to get an apprenticeship with a jewellery maker in Galway."
With a passion for creating fun fashion jewellery, Emma's journey into the world of millinery began with an internship in 2018 with Moycullen-based milliner, Emily Jean O' Byrne, before discovering her true calling in the art of creating custom made headpieces.
"I had no experience with millinery and sewing at the time and Emily Jean taught me all the basics when I was working with her. I made a few customised head pieces for people going to the [Galway] races. One woman ended up being a runner-up [on Ladies Day] for the whole look. That was my first commissioned racing piece and I got great recognition from it."
She went on to set up her own company Emma Larkin Design (www.emmalarkindesign.com ) and intended to launch her first collection. However, the Covid-19 pandemic put paid to her plans. "I had to park that, I went back to focus on jewellery, diverting my attention away from hats."
She moved to London last October. "I'll definitely end up coming back to Galway but right now there are more opportunities in London. I work for a jewellery brand called Esoteric and that has been really great. They make laser cut jewellery, I did a bit of that in university. We draw up designs on the computer."
She says her greatest influences were her very supportive parents, a particular college tutor, and a fashion designer with whom she worked. "My mum and dad always encouraged me to go down the artistic route. My tutor in university, Sally Cullen, was a big inspiration, she encouraged me to use silicone rather than traditional metal. I worked with a fashion designer in London who was a major inspiration for me, too. Her name is Sophie Cochevelou and she taught me not to be afraid to take risks. She makes jewellery, head pieces, and clothes from recycled toys. She makes jewellery out of old Barbies."
Emma recently launched her debut headpiece collection titled "A cut above the rest". A delightful blend of quirkiness and elegance, it is aimed at injecting a sense of fun and whimsy into special occasion dressing. Each headpiece in the collection showcases her statement playful approach to design while maintaining a sense of sophistication.
"My head pieces are for the woman who wants to wear something quirky to the races, something fun, whimsical, classy, bright, and colourful, for the person who wants to stand out," she says. Her head pieces retail from €85 to €300.
"Some are very large, others are small. My latest collection features feather trims, pearls, lace, silk, cotton, and one of them has sequins. I use colours such as purple, yellow, green and white. I'm still doing my own jewellery, I hope to have my new collection out at the start of August. There are a lot of big, fun statement earrings which are lightweight and colourful [in the collection]. The age range would be quite young." Emma's jewellery is on sale locally at 2 Wild Geese, Kirwan's Lane, Cross Street or from her website.
In addition to her ready-to-wear collection, she also accepts commissions, offering people an opportunity to collaborate with her in designing custom headpieces or hats which add a touch of individuality and charm to daytime or evening dressing.
The Galway Races, Ireland's biggest and most famous racing festival, which will take place during the last week of July, is the perfect occasion to don a hat and cut a dash. Your choice of head wear can be casual, dressy, demure, or spectacular. Do not be held back by your age, appearance, or budget. There is always a hat to suit everyone, it is just a matter of finding the perfect one.
Emma Larkin offers the following advice to help you make the right choice:
How to choose a hat that suits you
1. When selecting a hat or headpiece to wear for the Galway Races or any other hat-wearing event, it is important to keep in mind the occasion's dress code and traditions.
2. Consider the size and shape of your hat: the Galway Races is known for its extravagant and elaborate hats.
3. Balance your outfit: Co-ordinate your hat or headpiece with your outfit to create a cohesive and stylish look. If your dress is elaborate, consider a simpler hat that will not compete for attention. Conversely, if you're wearing a relatively simple outfit, you can choose a more elaborate and eye-catching hat to make a statement.
4. Mind the brim: While wide-brimmed hats can be fashionable and elegant, make sure to consider the practical element of wearing such a hat. If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, ensure that your hat does not obstruct your view or interfere with conversations. If you prefer a smaller brim, there are plenty of stylish options available.
5. Consider the colour: Select a hat or headpiece that complements your outfit and skin tone. You can choose a hat in a colour that matches or contrasts with your dress, or opt for a neutral shade that goes well with various ensembles. Remember that bold and vibrant colours can make a strong fashion statement.
6. Comfort is key: Ensure that your chosen headpiece is comfortable to wear for an extended period. It should fit securely without causing discomfort or a headache. Test it out before the event to make sure it stays in place and feels comfortable throughout the day. Remember, the Galway Races is an opportunity to showcase your style and individuality, so have fun with your hat selection.
