Clare native Michael Stewart has seen a crazy amount of success as of late with his fashion label Standing Ground.

With an impressive catalogue of A listers showcasing his work, like Florence Pugh at the Dune premier in Mexico, and fashion royalty Naomi Campbell in the recent legendary March issue of British vogue, Stewart’s designs have already garnered a significant spotlight.

But nothing can catapult a career in the fashion industry faster than having the opportunity to dress the one and only Queen Bey!

Speaking of Standing Ground’s contribution at London fashion week last year, British Vogue said Stewart’s work “represents a one-man conceptual design renaissance that has not been seen in London for years.”

With this ‘design renaissance’ it would only be right for Beyoncé to flaunt one of his creations, as seen in a recent photoshoot with ESSENCE Magazine.

Stewart’s designs tend to work with the wearer – not overshadowing them. Beyoncé posing in his cobalt blue dress proves this. It simply enhances her beauty.

Born in Kilkishen county Clare and having studied in the Limerick School of Art and Design, a strong sense of Irishness can be felt in Stewart’s work.

He has created pieces in the past inspired by the Burren, and his collection that wowed at London fashion week last year, Úr, took elements of Ireland’s prehistoric sculptures and burial sites, like the standing stones and the craftsmanship of Newgrange.

The name Standing Ground originates from his childhood fascination with standing stones; “I had this vision of these standing stones being like figures, striding figures, coming from one time stepping into another.”

He masterfully gives ancient artwork a modern twist with the 3D aspects of his pieces.

If anyone knows beauty and class, it’s Beyoncé. The fact that his designs have got her approval lets us know that Michael Stewart is well on the way to becoming a household name in the fashion industry.

Words by Sorcha Lynch 

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