New collection inspired by Irish wildflowers
I’m always so excited to see what Irish designers are creating and none more so than designer Aoife Mc Namara who combines beautiful design with sustainability.
Her new collection Season 9: Blath Fiain, which is inspired by Irish wildflowers, was launched at a one of a kind fashion show held on Spanish Point Beach in Clare recently.
Show guests experienced a first look at the new Aoife Mc Namara designs as models walked barefoot on the sand against a backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean while being serenaded by local musician Susan O’Neill. It looked like a truly magical event, and it so captured the essence of the collection and the brand.
The new collection is sustainably produced in collaboration with local textile producers using recycled and regenerative materials, such as naturally-dyed Irish linen and Irish wool. A powerful statement of the label’s mission to reconnect people to nature, the 12 piece collection is predominantly handmade in Ireland using eco-friendly materials - proving that it is possible to make beautiful clothes with a positive impact on the environment, society and the fashion industry as a whole.
The Limerick-based designer has become synonymous with sustainable design that expresses the beauty of nature.
Her latest designs embody the wildflowers found in the Burren Co. Clare through a pastel colour palette, delicately hand-stitched flowers and the use of natural fibres.
Aoife worked with Irish companies Fibreshed Ireland which is a network of local textile artist, Emblem Weavers from Wexford and Meath based Ciaran’s Yarns to create a truly beautiful and unique collection.
One of the standout pieces for me is a beautiful pink 2 piece with pearl buttons and absolutely to die for sleeve detailing which blooms from elbow to wrist - It’s a piece you would wear forever and take you to many an occasion.
Other standout pieces which are an update on Aoifes signature designs are the Primrose Co-ord, a pale yellow jacket with oversized shoulder pads and a puff sleeve paired with a matching skirt.
The 2 piece is made with recycled satin, a recycled mix of woven yarns and Irish linen. Another 2 piece, the Daisy Co-Ord, pairs a waistcoat and palazzo trousers, both in stunning pinstripe yarn dyed Irish linen.
The founder and chief designer of her eponymous label, Aoife McNamara, has always been passionate about the natural world. So, after securing an honours degree from Limerick School of Art & Design and gaining industry experience in Paris and New York, Aoife set about creating unique Irish garments that were at peace with the planet.
Since 2019, the Aoife Mc Namara brand has gained a cult following online and established a flagship store in a thatched cottage in Adare in Limerick.
Speaking about the Bláth Fiáin collection, Aoife Mc Namara said: “Nature will always be my muse. When I’m designing, I keep a ‘soil-to-soil’ approach front of mind, holistically considering the end of a garment's life before it is even created. This collection is inspired by plants and made with mostly regenerative natural fibres, like linen and wool.
“My vision is that all Aoife Mc Namara designs will be made solely with fibres that will eventually decompose into nutrients for a healthier ecosystem. And in the meantime, they are quality sustainable pieces that will last people decades. This collection is a big stepping stone for our brand towards our commitment to achieving true fashion circularity.”
Aoife Mc Namara will follow a pre-order model for the collection.
Pre-order is a slower, more sustainable approach to production, as only the amount of pieces purchased will be produced. Most of the collection will also be handmade in Ireland.