image via aoife lifestyle — *image via* aoife lifestyle

5 minute read

Finally, lockdown is lifting. Never have I felt more like compiling a list of fabulous Irish labels to shop now that we’ll slowly begin to restart our social lives. These brands need our support more than ever, and we need their beautiful, wearable pieces in our wardrobes like never before. Each one of these labels is on my wish list for spring/summer.

SML London

Launched only last year in London by Irish designer Stephen Mc Laughlin, this exquisite brand is destined for success. I fell for the elegant draping and unique design details immediately, and while the pieces are costly, I would absolutely invest for a special occasion. When I say costly, the price range is on a par with Victoria Beckham’s “cheaper” VVB range, so certainly not out of reach. The brand operates on an “almost” zero waste and sustainable manufacturing platform, and each piece is made to order to eliminate overstock and reduce waste. SML London is definitely one to watch. I’m excited to see what this talented creative delivers over the coming years. Kieva dress, €375 at smllondon.com

Fresh Cuts Clothing

It took years of buying T-shirts in Zara that were almost unwearable after two washes to realise that spending a little bit extra on good basics saves a fortune in the long term. I’m always on the lookout for good-quality tees, and Fresh Cuts Clothing has become one of my favourite brands in recent months. Founded in 2015 by husband and wife team Stephen and Lorna Murphy, all the brand’s T-shirts and sweatshirts are designed, screen printed and labelled in Dublin and all are made using 100% organic cotton produced by a GOT-certified factory in India. I especially like the graphic-print tees, such as the Abstract Face tee pictured; €19.95 (was €29.95 at freshcutsclothing.com

Hope Macaulay

I became very excited when I first discovered this brand, not only because it offers the most divine super-chunky knits (I’m a knitwear obsessive), but because I felt it offered collections that were really fresh and uplifting – just what we need as we emerge from the stasis and stress of the past year. The Northern Irish designer’s signature playful prints and patchwork garments have been featured in Vogue and several other UK glossies, while model Gigi Hadid has been spotted wearing the brand. All garments are made to order and created by a small team of knitters and seamstresses in Northern Ireland. They’re vibrant, original and full of personality. Illusion floral silky shirt, €370; floral silky wide-leg trousers, €370; both at hopemacaulay.com

Shock Of Grey

It’s such a cliché to say that accessories are the easiest way to individualise your look, but it’s true, and contemporary jewellery brand Shock Of Grey creates pieces that will bring personality to whatever you wear. I love the combination of colours, modern shapes and unique materials (brass, silicone, plastic, clay), and what appeals to me even more is that each piece is a one-off, so you will never encounter anyone wearing an identical Shock Of Grey creation. Designer Sarah Carroll Kelly, who trained as a sculptor, sources as many materials as possible sustainability and all items are delivered in recyclable packaging. Moon ring in emerald green wood with brass disc, €28 at shockofgrey.com

Naya

If you plan to stick with easy silhouettes once restrictions have been lifted, then Irish brand Naya is worth your attention. Each collection is anchored by fluid separates in elegant neutrals with occasional pops of colour that can be mixed and matched effortlessly. Pieces are classic without being bland; there’s always a design detail that grabs my attention and marks these items out as elevated pieces that will bring an easy sophistication to your wardrobe. I probably haven’t paid enough attention to Naya since it was launched ten years ago, but it really appeals to my aesthetic, especially in summer, of layering lightweight, contemporary pieces. The brand doesn’t have its own e-commerce site, but you can find it in many independent retailers, including choiceboutique.com. Monochrome A-line dress, €168 Naya

Aoife Lifestyle

The perception that women can’t stop buying shoes and handbags has always fascinated me because it isn’t often I encounter an accessories brand that really peaks my interest. Aoife Lifestyle definitely has, though, and I’m completely sold on the exquisite detailing and functionality of Irish designer Aoife Rooney’s bags. Each item is designed in Ireland and made in Italy with innovative, sustainable fabrics, as Rooney is committed to using regenerated and natural eco materials and is a firm champion of the circular economy. The bags themselves are simply exquisite, offering a beautifully modern aesthetic that brings something different to the extremely saturated handbag market. Given the quality of design, materials and finish, the prices are reasonable. If you’re thinking of treating yourself this year, don’t head off to a department store without thinking, and spend the same amount on a global brand that you’ll see many other women carrying, check out Aoife Lifestyle. Silk Roll bag, €330 at aoifelifestyle.com

Miss She’s Got Knits

I was introduced to this brand on Instagram when owner Karen Birney messaged me about one of the articles I’d written for Heyday. We got chatting and when I looked at her account, I was bowled over at how amazing her knitwear looked, and how fun her personality was. The combination was just so endearing and I’ve been following her closely ever since, with a view to commissioning one of her pieces. You might think it’s unusual to feature two knitwear brands in a fashion piece scheduled for May, but really? Not in Ireland. Miss She’s Got Knits sweaters and cardigans are perfect for early summer days, with their fresh colour pallette and silk, merino and alpaca yarns. Prices aren’t listed on the website, as the cost of a garment may vary greatly depending on the size and type of wool requested, so you must DM or email Birney for a quote. This striped cardigan, pictured, is top of my wish list right now; missshesgotknits.com

Marie Kelly, May 2021