Imagery via @roisinpierce on Instagram
The Irish designers beloved by your favourite celebrities
There's a wealth of talent on this little emerald isle and even Hollywood is taking notice – here are some of your favourite celebrities' favourite Irish designers.
Megan Williams – Saltwater Design
A one-woman Irish business founded and run by Megan Williams, Saltwater Designs is the Irish jewellery brand everyone’s talking about right now – thanks in no small part to Zendaya who was photographed wearing the Dream earrings when out and about in London. Incorporating vintage, upcycled and new materials – such as freshwater pearls, glass and semi-precious stones – each piece is unique and small batch made, with many pieces being completely one-of-a-kind.
Colin Burke
An award-winning fashion designer and craftsman, Colin Burke is redefining Irish knitwear with his contemporary take on classic silhouettes. Influenced by his love of architecture, his designs are sculptural in appearance, characterised by a distinctive puff sleeve detail that according to Irish writer Paul McLauchlan, creates a “frisson of excitement”. Both Nicola Coughlan and Gossip Girl star Kelly Rutherford have been seen wearing Burke’s designs so far this year.
Paula Rowan
Born and based in Dublin, Paula Rowan opened her first boutique in Westbury Mall back in 2006 – with her debut collection launching two short years later in 2008. Dipping her toes in the family luxury goods business after studying history and classics at UCD, she ended up taking things over completely and was soon channelling her creativity specifically into gloves. A master of her craft, her reputation precedes her all the way to Hollywood where she counts many high-profile celebrities among her clients – ranging from Taylor Swift to Dua Lipa, Cher and Lady Gaga.
Gabrielle Malone
Another designer favoured by Taylor Swift, Gabrielle Malone created a one-of-a-kind hand-knitted cardigan for the singer during her recent visit here. Specialising in luxury knitwear, her pieces are focused on feminine, high-quality garments made using traditional techniques with contemporary silhouettes.
Sorcha O’Raghallaigh
If you’re drawn to feathers or sparkly things, you’ll most likely already be familiar with Sorcha O’Raghallaigh’s work. With a love of handmade craft and ornamental detailing, her designs are grand poetic gestures, imbued with a sense of ceremony. Born in Co. Offaly, she later moved to London where she interned at both John Galliano in Paris and Diane Von Furstenberg in New York, before graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2010. Now based in Dublin, her clothes have been worn by everyone from Beyoncé to Madonna to Kate Moss.
Úna Burke
Originally from Knockvicar in Co. Roscommon, Úna Burke launched her eponymous label in 2010 after her MA graduate collection RE.TREAT became an overnight sensation – her first press requests were for publications like Vogue Italia and i-D with commissions for Lady Gaga, Madonna, Rihanna and Janet Jackson soon to follow. Making both seasonal fashion collections and sculptural art pieces using her traditional leather-working techniques in her distinctly complex constructions, her work has also been featured in films such as The Hunger Games and Star Trek Discovery.
Rachel Maguire – Rashhiiid
A favourite with A-list celebrities, Rachel Maguire (a.k.a. Rashhiiid) prides herself on creating sustainable luxury handmade in Ireland. Not one to just blend in, her designs are bold, expressive and always memorable.
Megan Nolan – MNW Design
Having studied textiles at NCAD, Dublin designer Megan Nolan was inspired to launch her brand after a handwoven piece she made on an exchange in Norway caught the eye of many admirers. Things snowballed from there and MNW was born. Known for her iconic Claddagh-emblazoned scarves, she’s become a mainstay in fashion circles, counting many well-known faces amongst her fans too – including Derry Girls actor Saoirse Monica Jackson who was spotted in an MNW baby tee during a recent press junket.
Róisín Pierce
An Irish womenswear brand founded in 2020, Róisín Pierce’s ethereal designs are a modern take on the coquette aesthetic with airy silks and gauze, bridal veils, decorative loops and new floral forms meeting in “a harmonious cacophony of texture”. At the 2023 Met Gala, supermodel Alexa Chung donned a hand-crafted look in satin crepe, organza and scalloped lace.
Laura Weber
Laura Weber is a multidisciplinary designer specialising in embroidery and embellishment. The founder of LW Pearl Atelier, she offers couture services to fashion designers where they interpret a designer’s vision with gorgeous, bespoke stitching, beading and other embellishments. The premium outfitter of Team Ireland at this year’s Olympics, her private client work includes brands such as Khaite, Proenza Schouler and Jason Wu.
Feature photography by @roisinpierce.
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