Creative Spotlight: Five Of The Best Irish Leather Craftspeople

Paula Rowan

Bespoke accessory designer Paula Rowan has been perfecting her craft for over two decades and has devoted her time to mastering her skill and creating lasting leather goods in her busy city centre Dublin boutique. While she stocks bags, wallets, and limited edition gifts, Rowan main focus remains on her glove collections which she designs with her unique mantra in mind; “the last thing you put on is the first thing that they will notice”. Shop Paula Rowans collections here or follow her @paularowangloves.

De Bruir

Garvan de Bruir is a master craftsman when it comes to manipulating leather to create sophisticated and functional leather goods for men and women. Designing his contemporary pieces from his studio in Kildare, De Bruir has already successfully broken into international markets including Japan, America, and Germany where he sells racing goods, travel accessories, luggage, office wear, furniture, as well as smaller gifts. Garvan believes that “strength through shape” is the best philosophy for producing lasting leather goods. Shop the De Bruir collections here and follow him @debruir.

Ana Faye

There’s something irresistible about buying a leather bag; especially when you know and understand the work and techniques that have gone into creating a piece of wearable art that is durable, has longevity, and is stylish. Designer Ana Faye, from the North-West of Ireland, has been perfecting her bags since 2008 in her studio. A graduate from the prestigious Central Saint Martins in London, Ana went on to gain international experience in fashion – particularly leather works – from London, China and Italy before returning to Irish shores. Each of Ana Faye’s classic bags is made in limited numbers, and you’re sure to be impressed with her geometrical shapes and colours. Shop her collection here and follow her at @anafayebags

Carve On

Founded in 2011 by brothers Alan and Gary McCormack, Carve On is a small-scale leather manufacturer in county Kildare with a big ambition and lots of soul for creating traditional leather goods using modern techniques and skills. The brothers have since expanded their team to meet the demands of their customers, and most recently came first place in the Kildare final of the National Enterprise Awards 2016. Explore the Carve On collection here and follow them at @carvedon.

Holden

Situated in the beautiful surroundings of the Dingle Penninsula, Conor Holden has been forging leather goods since 1989 in the Old Schoolhouse on the shores of Dingle Harbour. While the brand has remained respectfully low-key, Holden’s products (bags, purses, wallets, and belts) are produced with exceptional quality and is a credit to Irish craftspeople. Shop the Holden collection here and follow Conor at @holdenleathergoods.