Griffith College Fashion Graduate Abby O’Connell’s Newest Collection Stuns at VIP Style Awards

Griffith College is proud to celebrate the bold, brilliant work of BA (Hons) in Fashion Design graduate Abby O’Connell, who is making waves across the Irish fashion scene with her emotionally charged label, SEST, most recently featured in an article by Kilkenny Live. 

Since graduating from our BA (Hons) in Fashion Design programme in 2024, Abby has quickly emerged as one of Ireland’s most exciting young designers, fearlessly carving out a space where fashion meets feeling. 

Her latest collection, “I mo Chroí” (Irish for “In My Heart”), is a powerful exploration of identity, memory, and emotional connection.  

It recently caught the nation’s attention when one of its sculptural pieces was worn by stylist Fiona Fagan at the VIP Style Awards. The dramatic, thought-provoking design sparked immediate conversation, with Fiona describing the reaction as “staggering” and calling Abby’s work a perfect fit for Dublin Fashion Week.  

Abby’s approach to fashion is deeply rooted in authenticity. Her work doesn’t follow trends; it tells stories. “I mo Chroí” was inspired by the experience of seeing loved ones leave Ireland, and the sense of longing and reflection that follows.  

"As someone who’s watched friends and peers move abroad in search of something better, I wanted to capture that feeling of holding on to what’s dear while stepping into the unknown. The collection reflects the stories we carry, the people we miss, and the deep connection we keep to where we come from.” 

Abby reflects on her time at Griffith College as a transformative chapter in her growth as a designer: 

“My time at Griffith College was honestly one of the most important chapters of my life. I absolutely loved my time there. I had the most incredible teachers, especially Nichola Kinch and Annamarie Keegan, who truly shaped the way I design and helped me find confidence in expressing myself through clothes. From my very first day to my final year, I can see just how much I grew as both a person and a creative.

SEST actually began during my time at Griffith, and even after graduating, I have continued to feel so supported by the community there. That sense of connection has never left. In November, I graduated from Griffith College Dublin and it was such a proud and emotional moment. Looking back, it is amazing to see how far I have come and to imagine what is still to come. 

Griffith gave me the space to discover who I am as a designer and as a person, and I will always be grateful for that.” 

Congratulations, Abby!