It’s tough for everyone out there at the moment. We’re being told we need to go out and shop. Otherwise businesses will suffer and with no business, there are no jobs and with no jobs, the economy shrinks further. It’s a tricky one because we just don’t have the pennies to go out and spend like we want to, or like we used to.
Last Wednesday, Jennie and I went to the Council of Irish Fashion Designers Autumn briefing. We were blown away by the sartorial fare on offer and the talent on this island for producing fantastic designs. Given the current economic climate, it must be particularly difficult for Irish designers, and especially challenging in the domestic market.
It would be great to support Irish talent by purchasing some of their wares, and maybe if I save a bit, I’ll manage to. Failing that, perhaps WWIWT can lend some support by creating some buzz around what Irish designers have to offer. Because believe us, there is plenty…
Emma Manley
Emma Manley
Ruth Duignan
Ruth Duignan
House of Delphine
House of Delphine
House of Delphine
House of Delphine
House of Delphine
Tyrell and Brennan
Eilis Boyle
Eilis Boyle
Mia O'Connell
Emma Manley does studded, butter-soft leather tops and dresses that make me think of Swedish fashion house Acne. But when I saw them on the model and in motion I couldn’t help but think of Celtic, or even Greek, warrior women. I’m very, very taken with Emma’s work!
Mia O’Connell does a delightful line in lace and chiffon collars. They are the perfect statement at the end of a neutral outfit. O’Connell has primarily focused on accessories, but has started to develop her clothing line; relaxed elegance, insouciant draping and buckets of feminine charm.
Eilis Boyle’s designs are a powerful fusion of the dramatic and the restrained. Her dresses initially appear to be quiet and soft and flowing and then you realise they are rippling with energy and story. Managing to be both modern and mythical, they are firmly positioned at the top of my wedding dress wish-list.
Delphine Granjouan is French by way of Kerry, and although her bread and butter comes from wedding dress and couture, House of Delphine has produced a collection of little black dresses that manage to straddle the line between innocence and sensuality. She also had a mind-blowing black tulle skirt imprinted with wispy gold stars that was pure showgirl – definitely one to keep an eye out for.
Ruth Duignan is a Donegal-based designer who works with tweed, wool and other Irish fabrics. Her dresses are highly unusual and you’ve never seen a rain mac as sexy as the one she’s designed. In today’s fashion world, her textures seem really alternative and when you get to touch them, see them… you can feel the west of Ireland influence.
Mia O'Connell
Mia O'Connell
Mia O'Connell
