Ireland may not be the fashion capital of the world, but our little island has produced some of this year’s most brilliant creative minds.
Irish designers have stormed the stages of international fashion weeks bringing a little piece of Irish flair to 2023 fashion.
Here are our top picks for Irish fashion designers that you should be watching out for.
J.W. Anderson
Taking inspiration from the natural world while bending the realms of traditional garment structure this northern Irish designer is a leader in innovative fashion. Anderson first broke onto the fashion scene in 2008 with the launch of his self-titled label which grew in popularity because of its nautical-themed accessories.
Fast-forward to now and Anderson has become a respected and celebrated designer, recognized for his experimental storytelling and courageous choices
Anderson’s latest Runway collection, presented in London Fashion Week was a revival of the punk-spirit stage wear of the dancer and choreographer Michael Clark. The intrinsically British grunge esthetic was elevated to celebrate the anti-establishment heritage of British culture.
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The devil is in the detail for the Northern Irish designer. Each garment is perfectly finished with a great amount of thought going into even the smallest of stitching. It is the tiny details in Anderson’s work which elevate his creations.
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A selection of Anderson’s spring/summer collection is currently available in Brown Thomas. These pieces although they are not as unique as Anderson’s runway designs, are just as distinctive and playful. Anderson combines features of typical feminine and masculine design to create a distinctive line of experimental and chic clothing.
Asymmetric lace slip maxi dress €790
Robyn Lynch
Robyn Lynch made a name for herself at London Fashion Week 2022 when she made GAA into high fashion. The sporting organisation, which is the cornerstone of every Irish community has become a highlighted feature of the international fashion scene. The young designer’s sport-inspired collection perfectly encapsulates the new generation of Irish creatives who not only celebrate their culture but proclaim their pride through modern ideas.
Lynch’s sporty streetwear designs have also been worn by celebrities like Rejje Snow and Irish rock band Fontaines D.C.
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The rising star from Baldoyle uses each of her designs to reference her home county in a humorous, often ironic, original and technically accomplished way. She likes telling stories through her collections. The infamous GAA graphic garments were generated by scanning old Dublin jerseys belonging to her father. The Tourism T tee shirt was based on Irish tourism posters from the 1930s.
As a woman designing for men Lynch says she finds menswear more relaxed and exciting, suiting her own personal style of dress.
Robyn Lynch will return to the London Fashion Week runway in June with her Fall/Winter collection. She showcased her fall-winter collection at 2023 London Fashion week. In this new collection, the designer combines two distinctive cultural artefacts of Irish design, the colour green and wool-work, and created a collection which elevates traditional Irish garments.
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Tissue
Hannah Mullen and Grainne Finn are the creative duo of the sustainable Irish brand which places design, environmental and social sustainability at the centre of their ethos.
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Established in 2015 the brand has remained true to its vision, Tissue uses high-end ethically sourced fabric to create simple but timeless designs. Every piece is designed and produced in Ireland.
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With backgrounds in fine art, the team makes use of bold colours, imaginative prints and unique silhouettes to create their distinctive limited collections. The duo pays close attention to the structure and details of their garments to create a collection which will flatter all body types and become a staple of any wardrobe.
Aoife McNamara
Sustainability is the main focus of Irish designers. For Limerick-based designer, Aoife McNamara, the main goal of her business is to build a community based on grassroots collaboration and empowerment. Since establishing her brand in 2019, Aoife McNamara has strived to push the boundaries of the fashion industry and alter society’s view of sustainable fashion.
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Inspired by the wild landscapes which surrounded her growing up in the Limerick countryside, Aoife is committed to creating bespoke designs while protecting the beauty of nature.
Aoife McNamara designs her garments to embody different moods and emotions. From wool power suits to delicate cotton dresses and simple everyday t-shirts, Aoife’s creations are made to instil confidence in the wearer and reflect the beauty of Irish wildlife.
The Irish designer’s newest collection embraces the changing nature of Irish landscapes. Inspired by the rocky landscape and the unusual combination of the flora of The Burren The collection is made of a combination of woollen textures with structured silhouettes and muted colours. Muted woollen textures in structured silhouettes and delicate draping fabrics.
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Lia Cowan
We couldn’t have a roundup of Irish designers without including the infamous Lia Cowan. Lia Cowan set up her luxury womenswear brand LIA in 2021. The brand specialises in custom-made, sculptural pieces, for women of every shape and size. The young designer gained popularity when one of her ultra-feminine designs was worn by Derry Girls and Bridgeton actress Nicola Coughlan.
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Lia’s unique design aesthetic, which she defines as “statement sculpture pieces”, is clearly influenced by her sculpture work as a student at NCAD. Lia says that she is majorly influenced by avant-garde structural garments.
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Lia’s collection ranges from voluminous tulle and cotton skirt sets and sleeves and her signature sculptural floral tops and boleros with exaggerated bow details. The Dublin based designer’s creations are the epitome of femineity while stretching the bounds of mainstream modern fashion
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