From headbands to handbags and much, much more, Irish designers are creating unique, stunning accessories all over Ireland
When it comes to the finishing touch on any outfit, it’s worth investing in something special. Irish designers know how to turn heads, with millinery, handbags and more that stand out for all the right reasons. You can now vote for your favourite Irish-made accessories brands in the Irish Made Awards 2022. Here, get to know the finalists before casting your vote here.
Aisling Kavanagh Design
Aisling Kavanagh creates a colourful range of handmade hairbands, scrunchies, handbags and hair bows. The pieces are made in tactile fabrics like satin, silk and velvet, and crafted by hand in Dublin. Her new collection is launching soon, at aislingkavanagh.com.
August Night
Caoimhe Grant’s range of handbags in softly sculptural silhouettes are made in a female-run studio in Cabra, Dublin. The products are made of silk, velvet and Northern Irish linen, and have distinctive twists and knots. Shop the current collection at augustnight.ie.
Caroline Duffy
Caroline handpaints all the artwork and designs for her scarf range in her Dundalk studio. The fabric is printed in Italy, before being returned to Ireland where they are made into scarves with hand rolled edges. Shop the scarves and her art collection at carolineduffydesigns.com.
Dorinda McCormack
Dorinda McCormack weaves purses, bags and pins by hand in Newbliss, Co Monaghan. Inspired by the local linen weaving heritage, she creates contemporary fabrics using traditional skills. Check out her collection at dorindamccormack.ie.
Earley Hats
All Earley Hats are made by hand in Katie Earley’s millinery studio in Co Roscommon. As well as having a great reputation for her headpieces, Katie has innovated and added embroidered wool berets and satin rope headbands to her offering, as well as a sustainable bridal collection. See earleyhats.com for more.
Lovern Leather Goods
Sandra Lovern’s handbags are made in Galway from vegetable tanned leather, sourced from a family-run tannery in Tuscany. Each piece is made to the highest quality, bringing traditional Irish leather craft to the contemporary customer. Visit lovernleathergoods.com for more.
McWilliam Bags
McWilliam bags are made by a small team of four in a sail loft in Crosshaven, Co Cork, where sails have been made and repaired since the 1970s. Making bags for 40 years and after a recent rebrand, the business offers five different types of water-resistant, travel and sport friendly totes and holdalls which can be customised. Visit mcwilliambags.com for more.
Ruxx
Sarah Ward-Hendry makes the Ruxx Mongolian tote bag and the yoga mat bag by hand in Kinsale, Co Cork. The tote bag is made from sheepskin and the yoga mat bag is made from leather with a long strap. Shop the range at ruxx.ie.
Saraden Designs Millinery Atelier
Sarah O’Rourke crafts unique millinery from her own handmade fabrics at her studio in Co Meath. She ensures that all cut offs are recycled back into her designs, ensuring no waste, and as a slow fashion business, she embraces sustainable practices. Check out her creations at saradendesigns.com.
Shilling Leather
Gabriel Corcoran’s leather wallets are made to order in Dublin, from leather cutting and conditioning to stamping and hand-stitching. Each wallet comes with an original Shilling coin as a token of good fortune to the bearer. The leather is sourced from a traditional tannery in Tuscany. See shillingleather.ie.
Siobhan Daly Designs
Siobhan Daly creates contemporary headbands, neck pieces and crowns, inspired by travel, nature and vintage design. She has a focus on circular design, and each bespoke piece makes a fun statement. See more at siobhandalydesigns.com.
