Ríon graduated from the Limerick School of Art and Design and won the €10,000 RDS Craft Award for her contemporary, spray-painted designs.

“I love the excessiveness and volume that women wore in the Baroque-era, but a lot of the time they were nearly breaking ribs so they could fit into their pieces. That goes against everything I do. I take a more feminist approach in my designs, so a lot of my pieces would be adjustable so they can be fitted to how you are feeling on that day,” said Ríon.

The prize money has allowed Ríon to deepen her research around sustainability and durability within various fabrics, and offset the cost of international travel and accommodation.

Ríon Hannora has already dressed a host of top Irish singers such as Denise Chaila, who has opened shows for Ed Sheeran, and was dressed by the young designer for a magazine cover; singer-songwriter Ciara Mary Alice Thompson, has showcased Ríon’s designs in her music videos and fellow singer-songwriter Orla Gartland wore Ríon’s work while performing at Electric Picnic.

“I am hard on myself, but I think that is good, because it makes me try harder,” says Ríon.

The talented young designer runs her business single-handedly and remains humble about her success as she climbs the fashion ladder.