Alumna Robyn Lynch opens debut exhibition at NOW Gallery

Greetings From Ireland explores the history of Robyn Lynch’s fashion brand, which takes inspiration from her childhood in Ireland. The exhibit is organised around an inflatable structure designed in collaboration with set designer Rory Mullen and invites the viewer to engage with the brand’s design and development processes. The exhibition includes toiles from Lynch’s collections and a series of collages that highlight the making of the brand, including reels of behind-the-scenes camera roll footage, colour swatches, sketches and photographs.  

Robyn also partnered with artist Pauric Freeman and the videogame developer and publisher Kepler to create an interactive video installation. The installation allows audience members to experience her brand with movement-responsive images of clothing and graphics superimposed on their bodies.  

NOW Gallery curator Jemima Burrill said: “For our 2023 Fashion Commission, we were looking for stories and process and how the two intermingle. After meeting with Robyn, we became aware of the careful documentation of her practice through images and video. She has made dozens of films of the people who have helped her along the way, particularly those at the industrial estate where her father works; footage of the man who lent her first sewing machines. It is the essence of how fashion starts, with a strong will and a lot of help. We are excited to see her fill the gallery with a humorous and thoughtful Irish take of what it is to be a fashion designer in 2023.” 

Robyn Lynch said: “Being awarded the NOW Gallery 2023 Fashion Commission has been a monumental moment for my brand. I have been an admirer of the NOW Gallery fashion commission since it was established in 2015, when I got the opportunity to assist on Phoebe English’s commission whilst interning at the brand. From assisting another designer as an intern, to now having the opportunity to showcase the development of my brand from inception to date in the same space is a full 360 moment for me. I am extremely honoured to be given the opportunity to celebrate Irish creatives and culture within the gallery walls.” 

Robyn Lynch founded her brand after she graduated from the Menswear MA at Westminster in 2018 and has gone on to reach great heights. Inspired by her Irish roots, she leans into stereotypes and turns them into symbols of pride.  

Robyn made her London Fashion Week debut in June 2020 with her collection supported by the sportswear brand Rapha. In 2023, Lynch received the prestigious NEWGEN award and her designs were shown in the Design Museum’s exhibit REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion.  

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