With the Irish fashion industry making incredible strides, here are some of the best designers to know
With life slowly going back to normal, it’s a good time to explore our style and try something new in our wardrobes. Excitingly, there are lots of brilliant fashion designers based here in Ireland, that are creating sustainable, beautiful collections that compete on the global stage. Each year, we aim to seek out the best in the business in the Fashion Category of the Irish Made Awards. To inspire you this summer, here are some of our previous winners and runners-up.
We’re thrilled to welcome Kildare Village to the Irish Made Awards 2022 as our Fashion Category sponsor. With over 100 stores, Kildare Village is a perfect shopping destination featuring favourites such as Maje, Mulberry and Irish design icon Louise Kennedy. Kildare Village also plays host to a range of international luxury brands, as well as delicious food options.
Have you got a fashion label based in Ireland? Be sure to enter the Irish Made Awards now! The deadline is 31 May 2022. For details on how to enter, see the Awards page, and FAQs here.
Meet the past Fashion winners and runners-up of the Irish Made Awards:
IrelandsEye Knitwear: Our 2021 winner in the Irish Made Awards fashion category was IrelandsEye Knitwear, inspired by nature and the colours and textures of the Irish coastal landscape. Their knitwear is designed to provide comfort and warmth, and gives traditional Aran stitches a modern twist with fresh designs and a contemporary look and feel. Each knit is made from a wool/cotton/cashmere/silk mix and from a colour palette inspired by Irish nature.
Úna Burke: Our 2020 Irish Made Awards winner was Úna Burke, a multi-award-winning luxury leather designer and artist. Formerly based from London, she relocated back to Ireland recently. Úna uses traditional leather-working techniques in the development of complex architectural constructions. Check out this unique cuff that will last a lifetime.
Wide D Cuff – Milled Black Cowhide €95
Aoife Ireland: Our 2019 Irish Made awards winner was designer Aoife McNamara. Founded in 2019, her label Aoife Ireland is a luxury slow-fashion brand with a vision of empowering women through their unique garments made consciously in Ireland and designed to last a lifetime of experiences.
Bébhínn: Our 2018 Irish Made awards winner was Bébhínn, who after working in costume design for film and TV, decided to branch out and create her label in 2017. With a passion for Irish produce and sustainable clothing along with a vast knowledge of garment construction the brand became a success. Try this lightweight dress for the summer below.
Caoimhe Murphy Design: In 2021, the runner-up in the fashion category was Caoimhe Murphy Design, a luxury womenswear label designed and made by hand by Caoimhe in Dublin. Launched in April 2021, the brand has gained recognition for its luxurious, sustainable materials, certified silks and upcycled leather.
Native Denims: Our 2020 runner-up for the Irish Made Awards was Native Denims, who opened their doors in 2018 at the Chocolate Factory due to a demand for quality and sustainable garments. They are proud to be rekindling what was once a thriving industry but sadly began to diminish from the early eighties due to “fast fashion” where price was valued over quality.
Native Womens- Off the Peg, €175
The Costume Room: Our other runner-up in 2020 was The Costume Room, a sustainable clothing and accessories brand for women and men who want contemporary, bold, considered design. Based in Ballsbridge, Dublin, they design and create pieces that are made to last beyond the season, working to produce long-lasting clothes and accessories with a handcrafted touch.
