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A new year, yes, but also something of a new Ireland. In his recent presidential inauguration speech, Michael D Higgins talked about “the rising generation of the young in Ireland… who are moving past models of insatiable consumption… forging different paths to personal and collective fulfilment, including a new vision of a shared culture”.
He praised this dynamic generation who “have chosen to be agents of ethical change, to make the possibilities of hope a reality”. How lucky are we to be led by a small man with enormous empathy and vision rather than an enormous man with none.
Photography by Barry McCall. Styling by Sarah Rickard Lantry.
And who better to represent this ascending generation than 23-year-old Irish-Indonesian model Laura Rakhman-Kidd, above. Kildare-born, now London-based, Laura sees Ireland moving in the right direction. “Each time I return home,” she says, “the place feels a little more progressive. We still have a way to go, but I feel uplifted by the sense of subtle change – social, racial and political. Mostly though, I feel proud when I travel abroad and discover Irish influence everywhere. We are a country brimming with creative talent, and it’s inspiring to see us making our mark on the world.”
This December, in our bid to remove the frenzy and leave only the fun, you’ll find we’ve eschewed the ubiquitous “gift guide” in favour of a more considered edit of pieces from our favourite Irish designers, makers and sustainable brands. So you get all the glory of delivering beautiful gifts while supporting local talent. Double win.
After that, it’s all about partying with panache, carousing and carolling with the best of them, Kris Kindling, finding love, minding our mental health, getting glammed up to the nines, spending time with friends and family, and remembering, above all, that the most important things in life are free.
Happy Christmas.
The December issue of IMAGE Magazine is on shelves nationwide now.