Lorcan Finnegan Lorcan Finnegan

PHOTOGRAPHER LORCAN Finnegan has been taking street portraits of what older Irish women are wearing for some time.

It all started a few years ago when he took a photo of two older people, and posted it on Instagram.

Irish grannies have a particular look that everybody knows but nobody really explored. I just took a pic of two older ladies and posted it, and there were loads of comments [about what they were wearing]. And I just started noticing that there is a particular style.

Lorcan Finnegan Lorcan Finnegan

This started something. He now collects them on his Instagram - where his images have amassed more than 17,000 followers – under the hashtag #grannyfashion, and also posts them to Tumblr here.

Lorcan Finnegan Lorcan Finnegan

This is the “end of an era” for granny fashion, says Finnegan – the last time when significant portions of an entire generation will wear clothing that is recognisably of a type.

The more I did it, the more I realised that it’s kind of the end of an era for Irish granny fashion. I can’t imagine that people of my generation are going to go to Guineys and buy floral dresses when they reach a certain age.

Lorcan Finnegan Lorcan Finnegan

So what is granny fashion, other than floral dresses? Lorcan names some colours.

“A lot of lilacs and beiges and reds,” he says. “Really bright reds.”

Lorcan Finnegan Lorcan Finnegan

Finnegan’s photographs have now been published in book form, as part of the Where We Are project. You can buy the book at whereweare.ie.

Lorcan Finnegan Lorcan Finnegan

To see more #grannyfashion, or to buy the book, click here>

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