Óna – From Where or Whence

Óna – From Where or Whence: Sustainable Design in Fashion

What does it mean to design clothing for longevity rather than for a transient fashion trend?

Join us for a special early evening talk from Jane McCann. This talk explores the philosophy and practice behind Óna  From Where or Whence, a design approach rooted in sustainability, enduring style, and authenticity. Inspired by the colours, textures and landscapes of land and sea, Óna seeks to create garments that feel ageless rather than dictated by ever changing fashion trendseach with a story, a purpose and a sense of place.

The presentation will explore the journey from initial inspiration through to garment manufacture, with a particular focus on the challenges and opportunities of sustainable design within the outdoor and activewear sector. Designed and developed in Northern Ireland, Óna garments use fabrics sourced primarily from Europe and are manufactured within the UK, with transparency of the supply chain and the true cost of slow design central to the approach.

At the heart of Óna is a belief that clothing should be fit for purpose, inclusive and adaptable. Lightweight technical fabrics, ergonomic cutting and considered construction allow freedom of movement across a range of environments, from urban settings to the outdoors, while accommodating different body shapes and sizes. The designs are intended not simply as seasonal fashion, but as versatile garments for everyday life, movement and activity.

The event will include an exhibition of the existing Óna size range in lightweight technical fabrics, designed for Autumn through Spring, alongside additional design and development ideas. It will also introduce a new collection of Óna linen styles for Spring/Summer, developed in collaboration with a print designer. This collaboration explores how print and embellishment can evolve from familiar references such as shirts and workwear while remaining grounded in Óna's wider design philosophy.

The talk will conclude by considering ways forward for sustainable fashion and slow design, including the importance of continued collaboration, responsible sourcing, transparent production and designing garments that can remain relevant, useful and loved for many years.

Key themes include:

• Longevity of design versus transient fashion

• Enduring, ageless style and authentic storytelling

• Inspiration from land and seascapes

• Sustainable and transparent supply chains

• Slow design and the true cost of clothing

• Ergonomic cutting and freedom of movement

• Inclusive sizing and adaptable design

• Clothing designed for urban and outdoor environments

• Collaboration between fashion, fabric and print designers

• Designing and manufacturing within Northern Ireland and the UK

• The future of sustainable, purposeful fashion