Exclusive: Designer Aoife McNamara brought a group of glamorous guests to Ballymaloe House for her new season showcase
Birdsong was the background music as models made their way around the lake in the gardens of Ballymaloe House – the setting for Clare-based designer, Aoife McNamara’s, magical runway show.
Her new collection, named Otherland, is a whirlwind of pastel hues of buttermilk yellow, sky blue and soft pinks, but with grown-up, feminine silhouettes made for modern day glamorous occasions, as well as day-to-day wearability.
Her knitwear collaboration with Dublin-based, family-run IrelandsEye is a highlight, with a green and a pink sweater made for long summer evenings outdoors. Both IrelandsEye and Aoife are previous winners of the Irish Made Awards by Irish Country Magazine, the jumpers are the second collection the two have teamed up for.
The designer is passionate about using ethically sourced materials and Irish-made suppliers, where possible, throughout her collections. For this season, she also collaborated with heritage weaver, John Hanly, on a collection of super soft cushion and throws in the shades of the collection, as well as artist Gemma Cowen, for a beautifully illustrated notebook (made in Ireland by Cork business, Badly Made Books).
As the runway show drew to a close, Aoife invited her guests to a delicious five-course meal on the lawns of Ballymaloe House. Guests were also treated to gifts from an array of Irish-made businesses, including the latest issue of Irish Country Magazine, out now, supplements from Revive Active and skincare from Co Kerry-based Seabody.
See all of the details and attendees at the gallery below, and find the latest collection from Aoife McNamara at her cottage in Adare, Co Limerick and online here.
