If you’re on the lookout for something special for yourself or as a gift, these pieces, from handbags to headbands, are from some of the best Irish-made accessories labels in Ireland
As we approach the summer, lots of us are opting to treat ourselves. If you have a summer wedding or occasion coming up, or want to find something special for a loved one’s birthday or big day, today we’re taking a look back at some of the previous winners and runners-up in the Accessories Category of the Irish Made Awards.
We are thrilled to welcome back Blarney Woollen Mills to the Irish Made Awards 2024 as our Accessories Category sponsor. Blarney Woollen Mills is an Irish family business that’s passionate about providing ethically sourced products, designed by Irish makers. The company is synonymous with beautiful heritage-inspired collections, created by Irish makers and designers, that are a joy to gift to loved ones, and will stand the test of time. Their wool is 100% natural & renewable, with products manufactured in the Donegal Gaeltacht.
Here’s what they had to say about being involved with the Irish Made Awards again this year:
“We at Blarney Woollen Mills are delighted to announce we are partnering up again with Irish Country Magazine, as a category sponsor for the Irish Made Awards. It’s a special time for us, as it opens up a window and shines a light on many Irish Makers – large and small – many of whom we may never have met with otherwise. We relish the opportunity of spending time meeting Irish creators and discovering new and exciting products. It’s also our privilege to help a new designer, by using our brand to shine a light on their beautiful creations.”
Have you got an accessories business based here in Ireland? Be sure to enter the Irish Made Awards now! Deadline is midnight on 30 May 2024. For details on how to enter, see the Awards page, and FAQs here.
Meet the past accessories winners and runners-up of the Irish Made Awards:
Laura Kinsella Designs: The 2023 Accessories winner was Laura Kinsella who creates exquisitely abstract headpieces and accessories by traditional and innovative technique in her Dublin studio. The award-winning milliner’s accessory label has a contemporary aesthetic combined with a delicacy and finesse that focuses on craftsmanship.
Aisling Kavanagh: The 2022 winner of the Irish Made Awards Accessories category was Aisling Kavanagh who makes bespoke Irish handmade accessories. Many of her pieces are made collaboratively, integrating family heirlooms or cut-offs from wedding gowns, to give a personal connection to the pieces that wouldn’t be possible any other way.
Úna Burke: The 2021 winner was Úna Burke, which boasts an incredible collection of leather accessories from bracelets to handbags. With a large international following, her pieces have appeared in film and been worn by leading performers, – even Lady Gaga is a fan! Each piece has an average of 25 different production stages and the prices of these accessories range from €50 for a bracelet to €1500 for a handbag.
Aoife Mullane Design: Our 2020 Irish Made Award winner was Aoife Mullane Design, who grew up right by the sea and thanks to nature’s ever changing colours and patterns for the inspiration for her fabric designs. After graduating in printed textiles from NCAD, Aoife now creates a variety of accessories as well as her signature interiors items. Check out the luxury gold crackle velvet scrunchie below.
Aoife Harrison Design: Our 2019 Irish Made Awards winner is Aoife Harrison Design, a Dublin-based milliner who has been creating bespoke hats since 2008. Her eye-catching designs are crafted only from the most sumptuous fabrics, lending her palette of muted earth tones and jewel colours the most opulent of effects. Shop this one-of-a-kind feather hat for your next special occasion.
Highly commended (Runners-up)
Liadain Aiken Knitwear x Talú Design: The 2023 runner up in this category was a collaboration between two very impressive brands. Sustainably made in Ireland using colourful merino wool from Donegal Yarns, Liadain Aiken Knitwear is a modern take on traditional, handcrafted Irish knitwear. Born out of a passion for colour, a love of all things design and a heritage in textiles, Talú is a company that helps slow fashion lovers keep their clothes for longer while also fostering a deeper appreciation for the earth. The collaboration involved products knitted in natural ecru that were then infused with colourful natural dyes.
McWilliam Bags: Just pipped to the post in the 2022 awards was McWilliam Bags who pride themselves on making durable and highly functional bags. Each McWilliam bag is handmade, to the same exacting standards, near Crosshaven, Co. Cork. Wherever you see a McWilliam bag, you’re looking at a bag that’s earned its distinctive stripes.
AURA Éire Bridalwear: The 2021 runner-up was AURA Éire Bridalwear, a luxury Irish brand creating modern accessories for the contemporary bride. Each piece is handmade by the designer, using a fabric base then mixed materials such as embroidery, feathers, and beads. The result is a gorgeously unique bridal accessory. Pieces in the collection range from €95 to €700.
Holden Leather Goods: Holden Leather Goods pride themselves on their uncompromising commitment to quality and design which earned them an international reputation. The Irish Made Award 2020 runner-up is one of the longest established leather goods brands, celebrating over 30 years of craftsmanship in Dingle.
Emily Jean Atelier: Another 2020 Irish Made Award runner-up was the premium headwear designer, founder and creative director Emily Jean O Byrne. Established in 2007, the business built up a reputation for high end, individual and bespoke designs. Emily has over ten years of experience in hat styling, and guiding clients through every aspect of their appearance for special occasions.
Stable of Ireland: Stable of Ireland was our 2019 runner-up for The Irish Made Awards. Founded in 2015 by Francis Duff and Sonia Reynolds to present the very best of Irish style and traditions to like-minded people who value quality craft and the time it takes to create something special.
