Spell-binding messages and images are hand-printed on mesh with the effect of a 'second skin' or a calligraphic 'entombing' of the body. By dressing the body as a temple, Roisin provides much more than fundamental fashion.

Roisin was born in the South Island of New Zealand and educated at Carmel College. She has always had an interest in clothing. She began by handpainting her own fabric.

She decided to learn the professional side of the industry and did four years of study at Auckland University of Technology, beginning with a Fabric Printing course and then completing a Fashion Diploma.

In 1998 she set up her company, 'Roisin Dubh'. She produces a range of men's and women's clothing retailing directly from her shop in Mount Eden Road and from outlets throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Roisin draws inspiration from her Celtic/Indian ancestry. This colourful background is exemplified in the rich, exotic hues used in the garments, such as midnight blues, purples. golds and velvet reds. There's also a strong narrative vein in the collection. Roisin attaches a written card to each garment: a Shiva chant (Indian God/Creator/ Destroyer of Life), Sanskrit and OSHO prose, and a piece called "The Charge of the Goddess."

"Each garment tells a story. There's a connectedness from my heritage and experiences through to the finished garment," she says.

Roisin now exports internationally but acknowledges it is hard work. She is a mother of two and juggles motherhood with her business.

"It takes a lot of hard work. Doing karate for five years has helped to keep my discipline and focus."

But she admits she really loves what she is doing. She loves being involved with all the processes and her hands on approach.

"Money isn't my motivating force. It's the passion of manifesting creativity and expressing my own inner vision of God."

Contact Roisin at roisindubh@pl.net
or visit her website at http://www.roisindubh.co.nz