Top 5 Irish Designers

Following my recent post on Irish Designers Lennon Courtney, I thought I would post my top 5 all time favorite Irish designers. I don’t know as many Aussie designers but I will be sure to post my top 5 aussie designers next week.

There is so much talent in Ireland, it is unreal, so it was quite hard to narrow down my favorites to just 5. The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland’s ‘Future Maker Awards & Supports’ provide support for the next generation of makers to learn, experience, investigate, develop, create and shape the future of Irish craft and design. The Future Makers fund provides for research, training, residencies, materials and exhibitions. Previous Future Makers winners include the hugely talented Natalie B. Coleman, Simon Doyle, Kate O’Kelly, Print Block, Owen Quinlan and Sorcha O’Raghallaigh. I love watching the videos on Youtube as fashion is so personal. It’s really an expression of personality, in my opinion. I love seeing different interpretations of fashion, styling and tailoring.

Right now, Dublin is celebrating the launch of the Dublin Fashion Festival which will take place in Sept. The festival is Ireland’s closest thing to Fashion Week, which is similar to the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week here in Australia.

Joanne Hynes

Joanne Hynes is my number one, largely due to her iconic crystal collars. I really love bright colors and she does them very well. Playing on contrasting colors and textures are her thing. Her pieces are statement pieces. Let’s face it, I’d rather wash the dishes in a crystal collar than my sweats!

Emma Manley

I am a long time follower of Emma Manley‘s work. I love her tailoring and use of color of textures. Her style is very much my style.

Paul Costelloe

A list of my favorite Irish designers could never be complete without Paul Costelloe. Nuff said!

Orla Kiely

I grew up coveting an Orla Kiely bag. One word – Iconic. Wait that’s three. Clashing patterns and bright colors might not be for everyone but I love her pieces. Last year, when I was in Ireland, I came across a beautiful black coat by Orla Kiely. I was devastated when they didn’t have it in my size. Her clothing is beautifully cut.

Sorcha O’ Raghallaigh

I have had my eye on Sorcha O Raghallaigh since she won Future Makers. Her pieces are exquisite.