Irish Design Spotlight: August Night

Tell us about you and your brand
My name is Caoimhe Grant and I was born and bred in Derry, Northern Ireland, but I’ve lived in Dublin since college. After graduating from NCAD with a degree in fashion, I did the obligatory four months in New York interning for Jill Stuart and working for a smaller designer in the East Village where we lived. When I returned to Dublin, I was very lucky to get my dream job in John Rocha’s studio. I began as an intern but became his womenswear designer after two years. I worked with John for fifteen years and loved every minute. Every day brought a new design challenge and I had the opportunity to work over many disciplines which is where I discovered my love of designing accessories. I also got to work alongside Simone Rocha at the beginning of her brand which was really exciting to be a part of!

After taking a year out to spend with my young family, I started working on starting my own bag brand, August Night. I launched my first collection and website in March 2021. 

What is your mission?
I create bags that are distinctive and playful. I always start a design by looking at details in garments and clothing and then translating them into bags so they become an integral part of an outfit. Enabling people to feel that they are wearing something very special and unique that reflects their personality is my main goal. 

Did you always know you wanted to be a designer?
I always knew I would be in a creative industry. My mother was an art teacher and I knew I would be going to art college. My A-level projects were always based around costume design and sketching folds and draping in fabric but when I was in school, I was determined to do fine art at third level. After doing the fashion module in my foundation art year, I realised that fashion and textiles were my passions. I got a place in the fashion design course in NCAD and the rest is history! 

What kind of items do you stock?
I stock a range of handbags in varying sizes from giant bow totes you can fit your life in, to crossbody bags perfect for being on the go and hands-free to small clutches for events. At the heart of the collection are softly sculptural silhouettes with distinctive details; generous bows, gentle twists and knots crafted to create beautiful pieces that elevate the everyday. Currently, my collections use fabrics such as lustrous duchesse satin in a variety of colours, dusted cotton velvets and Northern Irish linen. My new AW23 collection will be available soon and I’ll be introducing some new shapes and details with new fabrics! 

What new brands or items are on your radar?
I know I’m not the only one who is waiting with bated breath to see the new Phoebe Philo collection when it launches! I adored her aesthetic at Celine so I can’t wait to see what her own brand will bring. Also, the newly announced Simone Rocha & Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture collection will undoubtedly be amazing. 

Was money/funding a concern when starting out?
Yes, it was and as a small business, it still is. I was lucky when I started I had a small pot of savings to work with but I am risk-adverse so I keep everything manageable. I like slow growth and slow fashion. 

Best business advice you’ve gotten
When I started working on my label in 2020, I was selected to join The DCCI and Leo Building Craft and Enterprise Programme. We received brilliant guidance and mentoring throughout and I came away with an amazingly supportive network of female entrepreneurs who were only too willing to share info and help each other succeed. I would say networking and creating a supportive design community has been the best advice. Especially when you work for yourself, you need to be able to bounce ideas off others!

Favourite fashion/design accounts you follow
I love ShowStudio and the Business of Fashion for keeping up to date with fashion news. Jil Sander, The Row and Simone Rocha are just beautifully curated accounts. I really enjoy watching people style outfits, it’s always really interesting to see looks put together – for these I follow @neelam.ahooja, @larissamills, Jess Colivet and @carolinestylehacks.

Best fashion purchase
A Comme des Garcon deconstructed utility jacket from their AW09 collection bought from Dover St Market in London. I felt I was buying a piece of wearable art and it still looks amazing, I wear it loads and people always comment on the design. When you are wearing something years later and still cherish it, that’s a good fashion purchase. 

Other Irish brands you love
There are so many amazing Irish brands around at the moment, it’s really hard to only name a few! For AW seasonal pieces. I love The Landskein for heritage outerwear – the coats and jackets in the collection are exquisitely made with Donegal tweed. I dream of owning a Colin Burke piece of knitwear – everything he makes is incredibly beautiful and timeless. I’ll be buying one of FAO Millinery’s super soft beanies in another colour this winter, they make brilliant Christmas presents! 

I’ve been a fan of Ros Duke’s cloud-soft cashmere designs for a long time, they are classic with a twist. I really love Colin Horgan’s dramatic take on outerwear, his pieces are impeccable in their make. Other brands I love are Lou Brennan and Tidings for beautifully printed scarves, Chupi and Inner Island for jewellery, Tissue for beautiful linen dresses and prints, Aleo for beautiful bags! 

Most useful learning since setting up a business
People love to engage with the designer or maker. I’m a naturally shy person so it sometimes doesn’t come easily to put myself out in the public forum, but I understand as a customer myself, that it makes the experience so much more personal. I love being able to chat directly with customers and advise them on styles and sizes that I think would suit them.

Proudest moment so far
I’m so proud to be a nominee in the Accessories Irish Made Awards for a second year running, I’ve really made a huge effort to have my designs produced locally. Also seeing my bags in the Image Summer editorial and on the front cover was very special to me. 

I want my brand to be remembered for… interesting and beautifully designed bags that are well-made and can be worn and treasured for years. Also for a very personal customer shopping experience, I think that’s really important. 

If I could have anyone wear my designs it would be… Tilda Swinton, Susie Cave and Sharon Horgan; three strong and super talented women.