Lady Gaga dress designer goes back to school for creativity workshop
Sorcha O’Raghallaigh teaches students about dress design under NAPD arts programme
Lady Gaga dress designer Sorcha O’Raghallaigh went back to school today [dpdpd] to teach students about fashion as part of a creativity programme run by the the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD), the professional body for second-level school leaders.
NAPD developed the programme, Creative Engagement, to help students to complement textbook learning with practical workshops in arts, crafts, music and IT.
Ms O’Raghallaigh, who famously designed a crystal-embroidered gown and elaborate veiled headpiece for Lady Gaga’s appearance on BBC’s Graham Norton Show, returned to her old school in Birr, Co Offaly, to hold a three-day workshop in creative dress design for students.
The workshop is part of NAPD’s Creative Engagement programme which is jointly funded by the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
Dermot Carney, NAPD’s Arts Officer who coordinates Creative Engagement, said Ms O’Raghallaigh’s work would be an inspiration for students in St Brendan’s Community School.
‘Sorcha’s unique style has captured the imagination of some of the world’s most famous artists, including Lady Gaga and Kate Moss, and we are honoured to have her share her talents with local students under the Creative Engagement programme. Sorcha will be at the centre of a learning process that draws on the imagination and originality of young people in a way that develops their artistic sensibility beyond traditional textbook learning,’ said Mr Carney.
Ms O’Raghallaigh said she was delighted to return to her old school and teach students about the value of the arts in education.
‘When artists, educators and students collaborate, something very exciting can happen in the classroom. The arts can inspire creativity and self-expression in young people and leave a lasting impression on their lives. I hope that, in giving students an insight into my work as a fashion designer, they will explore their own creativity and embrace the arts,’ said Ms O’Raghallaigh.
Ming Loughnane, Principal of St Brendan’s Community School, said students had been looking forward to Sorcha’s visit for some time.
‘We take pride in developing each student’s unique talents in St Brendan’s Community School and in reaching beyond traditional boundaries to develop a holistic model of education. Sorcha’s work, in partnership with the school and NAPD, will tap students’ instinct for self-expression, and guide some of them towards careers in the creative economy. The emphasis on teamwork and cooperation will be important workforce skills,’ said Mr Loughnane.
Art teachers Yvonne Claffey and Sharon Mc Connell said they were delighted to have their past pupil back in the school working on their Creative Engagement NAPD project. They also said that in St. Brendan’s they have a great tradition of students pursuing the arts and are proud about what Sorcha has achieved.
