There's always been a pretty solid history of Irish fashion and jewellery design (John and Simone Rocha, Louise Kennedy, Michael Mortel, Paul Costelloe and Chupi to name but a few!), and that list is forever growing. We really are blessed to have a massive community of brilliant designers on our doorstep.
Just in case you're not up-to-date on all our amazing designers, here are 11 that you need to know about.
1. Helen Steele
How can we describe Helen's designs? Pretty much like kaleidoscopic rainbow pieces of joy, actually. Helen hand-designs all of her work from her home and studio in Monaghan, and her dresses and kaftans are absolutely DEADLY. Check her out here.
2. We Are Islanders
This label is made up of a very talented trio - Rosie O’ Reilly (Designer), Kate Nolan (Production) and Deirdre Hynds (Communications). They create womenswear made from luxury Irish fabrics - like salmon leather and organic linens. They're probably the coolest thing to happen to sustainable fashion, well, ever. Have a look at their stuff here.
3. Natalie B Coleman
We love being surprised by what Natalie dreams up every season. Her slogan sequinned Make Believe top has got to be one of our all time favourites, and she never fails to produce beautiful statement pieces.
4. Danielle Romeril
She may be designing in London now, but Irish designer Danielle is definitely one of our own. She's had massive success over the last 5 years, creating her leather / fringed/ meshed / camouflaged / beauties, season after season.
5. MoMuse
Mags O' Rourke is a gem. She designs and makes delicate jewels from her shop/boutique in Powerscourt Townhouse. Simple gold rings, pretty jewelled earrings and then, if you're fancy, bespoke diamond rings too. We want just about everything she makes.
6. Electronic Sheep
You wouldn't be Irish if you didn't obsess over a cosy jumper or 12. Electronic Sheep is the brainchild of Brenda Aherne and Helen Delany. Their bright and beautiful jumpers and scarves have garnered a cult following - and it's really easy to see why.
7. Margaret O'Connor
Remember that time Lady Gaga wore a hat by Irish milliner Margaret O'Connor? Yep, that happened. Calling Margaret's designs 'hats' seems inaccurate because these are nothing short of couture creations.
8. Richard Malone
This Wexford native is one to watch. He's already been hailed as a rising star by Vogue, Love magazine and Dazed & Confused and won the prestigious LVMH Grand Prix scholarship. We love his exaggerated silhouettes and exquisite attention to cut - can't wait to see his next collection.
9. Jill De Búrca
Jill graduated from NCAD before working at Calvin Klein, Diane Von Furstenberg, BCBG Max Azria, JCrew and Topshop. Now, her label focuses on intricately embroidered and embellished pieces wth a dark edge. Not gonna lie, we have more than a few of these on our wishlist...
10. Tissue
A relatively new label on the scene, Dublin duo Gráinne Finn and Hannah Mullan have already gained a reputation with Tissue for their delicate pieces. Hannah's design background (working with Sharon Wauchob, John and Simone Rocha and Danielle Romeril) has informed the label's modern minimalist silhouette, while Gráinne's printmaking expertise define the collections' colours and impressions.
11. Ciara Silke
Her name says it all; Ciara designs silk scarves from her home in Galway. She was hugely influenced by her time at Dane Von Furstenberg and her business has been booming since it launched 3 collections ago. These scarves are so bold and beautifully produced - definitely worth saving for.