Retail and fashion in general has been somewhat turbulent over the last year. Multiple high street stores have gone into administration, as well as an increase in the number of people turning to extreme mass buying on fast fashion sites. This has lead me to think that we need to make ourselves more aware of what talent is brewing right on our doorstep and more importantly that we make the effort to seek them out.
There is an ever expanding number of homegrown creatives to be celebrated and acknowledged so let’s dive in…
Aisling Kavanagh Design
First up is designer Aisling Kavanagh. I first learned of Aisling while assisting on a styling shoot in Dublin and discovered a new found love of berets I didn’t know I even had. Creator of bespoke and handmade hair accessories from bows to headbands, she has created an essential finishing touch to any outfit.
(Image sourced from @aislingkavanagh_)
Aisling’s range of accessories aim to add character and allows those who wear them to truly make a statement. Her most recent collection released over winter made references to the importance of women and the sense of ambition that inspires us to be our best. There is most definitely a theme of boldness and strong femininity within Aisling’s creations which abundantly shows through in the final piece.
All of Aisling’s accessories are available to buy at aislingkavanagh.com.
Jojo Stylez
Joyce M. Oto is a Dublin based stylist, creative designer and founder of JoJo Stylez. After recently launching her brand and website over the last year, Joyce has released a range of stunning custom made clothes. From formal to casual, day wear to evening wear, she has designed a number of pieces which cater to women who are on the move.
(Image sourced from @jojostylez_official)
Joyce’s theme with her creations provides us with a glamorous aesthetic while also being practical and most importantly, wearable. With her trench coat and peplum detail leather jacket, she has mastered the craft of fitted and flattering outerwear. When it comes to her evening wear she has an array of stunning jumpsuits as well as full length gowns perfect for going “out out” after lockdown. All of her pieces give us the opportunity to experiment with a new sense of style while also investing in a life long item.
To shop or rent any of Joyce’s pieces head to jojosstylez.co.uk/ or ASOS Marketplace!
Born Sisters
Born Sisters was founded by sister duo; Orla & Barbara. The pair launched their online site during the pandemic and with every collection drop they have consistently sold out on limited edition pieces. Their brand offers up a selection of classic wardrobe staples but with a quirky twist.
The sister’s idea for the brand came from their passion for originality and personality within clothes as well as the lack of finding exactly what they wanted in shops. So from that they sourced the best materials to produce unique pieces and every few weeks release a limited stock drop. Their collections provide us with an edgy and adventurous aesthetic, all while opening the door for exploring new forms of dressing. At Born Sisters you become a proud owner of an exclusive item but most importantly mass production has been ruled out which is an appealing element within fashion today.
To shop Born Sisters pieces head to their website & keep an eye on their Instagram for drop announcements!
Katie Ann McGuigan
Katie Ann McGuigan is a Newry born, London based womenswear designer. After graduating with her fashion degree and working at the Marc Jacobs design house, she has gone on to present her very own collections at London Fashion Week. With a strong presence, Katie is making her mark here in Ireland and further afield.
Katie’s pieces showcase a range of eclectic prints, materials and intricate detail. With her designs she makes reference to her favourite photographers, as well as inspiration being derived from Japanese subculture. All of which tell a story and most importantly provide us with an interesting and unconventional sense of style. Her two piece suit from her SS21 collection is an absolute dream and her silk scarfs will finish off any look. In addition to this, Katie ensures to add a casual element to her collections with a tie die jogger and hoodie set released and adapted each season.
You can shop all of Katie’s pieces at katieannmcguigan.com & keep up with her latest posts on Instagram.
Imara Earth
Donegal born and raised in Kenya, Amy is the proud owner of clothing brand IMARA Earth. After various fashion jobs, she took it upon herself to jump right in and kickstart her brand in 2019. Amy’s inspiration for her brand stemmed from her appreciation for sustainability and culture, which she has ensured are key elements within her work.
Amy’s designs vary from puff sleeved tops and dresses to her one of a kind creation “the hag”, which is her reversible bucket hat that converts into a mini bag. These designs allow for adaptability and individuality while also embracing an environmentally conscious stance. Amy’s authentic concepts, hard work and her support of other local businesses are a few of the many things that have contributed to the success of IMARA Earth so far.
Amy has just launched her newest collection, so shop it at imaraearth.com before it’s all gone!
Our country is very much bursting with talent and I can’t wait to see what all these fab women have in store for us this year!
AOIFE MCGUIGAN 
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