by Galyna Zaitseva
Talented designer Alice Holliday works from a cosy third-floor atelier on Main Street in Skibbereen. Alice grew up in Castlehaven and her love of fashion and rare sense of style appeared early. Her surroundings, especially nature and the sea, became an inseparable part of her aesthetic.
At the age of nine, Alive already knew she wanted to become a designer. Childhood games with her sister – trying on vintage clothes and putting together improvised fashion shows – became the first steps towards her future profession. Over time, this grew into a clear creative path: making clothes that do not simply decorate a person, but help them express who they are.
Today, Alice works mainly with vintage and upcycled materials, reimagining them and giving them a new life. Her designs are defined by a love of experimentation and sustainable fashion – layering, texture, bold combinations of colour and print.
Look One
This ethereal, nature-inspired outfit captures a sense of joy.
At the centre is an airy, almost weightless dress made from sheer fabric and decorated with bright floral appliqués. The flowers are not just decoration – they create a sense of handcraft and individuality.
The silhouette is soft and flowing, with a fine belt accentuating the waist. At the same time, the layering – the dress worn over denim – adds a modern feeling and a gentle boldness.
It’s a timeless piece created around nature, flowers, light fabric and a feminine silhouette are elements that return to fashion again and again. The accessories also strengthen the look. A bright bag adds energy and focus, while the shoes and sheer socks support the softness and playfulness.
Stylist’s tip: To let dresses like this truly shine, play with contrast. Wear them not only with romantic shoes, but also with more grounded pieces – denim, chunky boots or minimalist accessories. This creates the balance between fairytale and real life that makes an outfit feel modern and stylish.
Look Two
This look feels as though it has stepped out of a fairytale.
The foundation is a layered silhouette. A flowing skirt in a warm terracotta shade creates soft movement and gives the outfit an earthy, natural base. Over it, a dark tunic with a painterly print recalls brushstrokes or floral motifs in a muted palette. This contrast – dark and warm, structured and airy – makes the look visually rich and interesting.
Accessories play a special role. A small bag on a long chain adds a vintage mood. The necklace and hair detail strengthen the sense that the look has been thoughtfully and artistically composed. The red footwear with a large flower is a bold, almost theatrical gesture that brings the whole composition to life.
Stylist’s tip: In a complex, layered outfit like this, it is important to keep a clear focus. Here, that focus is already created by the red shoes. When styling such a look, avoid adding too many more bright accents. Instead, support the colour of the shoes with lipstick or a small detail in the accessories, so the whole outfit feels complete and harmonious.
Look Three
This look is pure fairytale, with a touch of dramatic fashion and ethnic chic.
The foundation is a black skirt with an ethnic print and a wide leather belt, which emphasises the waist and adds structure. A light mesh layer creates airiness, while the lower layer with ornamental print adds depth and visual interest. This contrast between transparency and dense pattern makes the outfit complex and multi-dimensional.
On the shoulders is a textured white fur cape, which immediately draws attention and adds theatre, luxury and a little fairytale innocence. The printed blouse softly echoes the hemline, creating a sense of unity. The loose sleeves look almost like wings, giving the outfit movement and a delicate, magical fragility.
Accessories are key here. The floral wreath in the hair strengthens the natural theme, while lace gloves add vintage refinement. The layered necklace makes the look more theatrical, and the round bag shaped like an old clock becomes the main narrative accent. The black shoes and sheer tights balance everything without drawing attention away from the main story.
The mood of the look is magical, slightly mysterious, but still warm and feminine.
Stylist’s tip: To adapt such an expressive look for everyday life, you can break it down into separate elements. For example, wear the printed skirt with more minimalist accessories, or replace the fur cape with a calmer jacket. This keeps the character of the outfit, while making it more wearable.
Photographer, stylist, make-up artist and text: Galyna Zaitseva
Clothing and headpieces:
Alice Halliday @alicehalliday alicehalliday.com
With thanks to Violette for providing the clock bag for the shoot.
