Irish Style

By Shauna Dickson

As we head into another spring season, it’s only natural to take a look at our closet and think “How about a refresh?” This season, Irish designers are feeling colourful and have added marvellous magentas, lovely lavenders, tranquil blues and zesty citrus shades to the knitwear lineup. They’re here to prove that Aran classics are not just a thing of the past, but can be cemented into the present and ultimately, the future of fashion. The Aran knit can essentially do no wrong. It lingers in the past and consistently arrives again every year to prove it’s longevity.

The best way to keep tradition alive is to honour it often and to make sure the contemporary vision suits a modern lifestyle. At IrelandsEye Knitwear, this is something they do well.

A brand founded in Dublin and featured in clothing shops worldwide, IrelandsEye have presented a beautiful collection for 2023 full of joyful, vivid colours and special designs. They describe their new “Solstice Collection” as: “inspired by the character of strong Irish women, who embrace the colour and darkness of life, with equal measure. Cropped, oversized and shaggy silhouettes with a focus on warmth and layering.” Fitting that it’s inspired by the strength of Irish women, as design is Co. Mayo based, Aran Woollen Mills. They describe their vision as “crafted in Ireland, inspired by tradition, made for the future.” Their Aran Classics collection boldly takes on 2023 with “fresh stitches, a vibrant colour palette and the softest Merino wool, all woven together with our unique design magic.” Reinventing a classic certainly takes talent, and when it’s done right, you can feel the charm in every fibre and every stitch.

February 2023 was the first time Ireland observed St. Brigid’s Day as a national holiday to celebrate the countries only female patron saint. It’s worth noting that when we think of strong Irish women, St. Brigid does still come to mind. The woman who represented strength, healing and feminine spirituality lives on in many ways. Perhaps even through dazzling Irish knitwear and design! What a nice thought to usher us into spring.

If you love the sound of adding a punch of colour but are afraid to take the risk, start small with a scarf or cute floppy hat. Little additions like this will spread some life into your existing outfits. It’s a quick way to test out a new fashion vibe without breaking the bank, or your heart, if it turns out the colour is not for you. In most instances, you can’t really go wrong if you trust your gut. Whatever you are drawn to, simply take the plunge and add it to your collection. If it makes you happy from first glance, it’ll be sure to boost your mood every time you wear it. Try a delicious shade of chartreuse green for example. It may perk you up even more than a morning cup of coffee! Pairing a sherbet orange cardigan over a navy skirt and watching how the colours compliment each other oh so perfectly will definitely put a spring in your step.

If you’re loving the retro resurgence over the last few years, a straight leg light wash pair of jeans with a sleeveless vest and black blazer overtop could be your new spring staple outfit! Or why not try dark flared denim and a cream cable knit polo neck sweater to hop on the nostalgic vibe that is still in full swing from 2022? Finish off by adding your favourite sneakers or polished loafers and you’ve instantly put together a casual-chic outfit. If you’re more of a neutral lover, fear not! The blush, cream, oatmeal and taupe toned knits haven’t gone anywhere. They have always been and will continue to be a favourite among Irish designers and fashionistas alike.

If you’re a 9-5 office go-er, trousers, skirts and jackets are pretty much the norm. Jack Murphy Clothing (designing in Dublin since 1922) make beautiful tweed outerwear that will never go out of style. Go for the gold and elevate your look by switching out your black trousers and basic white button down for tweed culottes and a lightweight jewel tone cable knit crew neck. Throw on a lovely tweed blazer to complete the look, keep you cozy and transition from heavy winterwear to something lighter for these brisk spring days.

Choosing to invest in quality instead of quantity helps build a capsule closet you will love for years. Take care in choosing your clothes and in the long run your clothes will take care of you too. That’s why hand knit designers like Edel MacBride from Donegal have a special place in the history of Aran fashion. Her pieces are truly special, and her passion for keeping the Aran tradition alive is unmatched. Using locally dyed and spun yarns which are handknit and loomed in Ireland, her business is proud of its slow fashion philosophy. With over thirty years experience, Edel is renowned for expert craftmanship and being a champion of traditional knitting skills. She says it best herself “Sustainability and ethical production are not a trend for me, but a way of life.” Do yourself a favour and check her out online at www. edelmacbride. com. You’ll fall in love with the art of keeping Irish heritage alive through knitwear.

It’s been said that 2023 will be the year of rebirth, renewal and strength. We are all ready for that, aren’t we? So don’t be afraid to mix traditional style with a colour you maybe haven’t worn before, or a new design you love but have yet to try. The great thing about Irish style is that it quite literally never goes out of style. Fads may come and go but the Celtic influence seems to always stick. So the next time you find yourself wondering, “What’s next in fashion?”, take comfort knowing that if you own some Irish knits or outerwear, you’re enriched with the heritage of your past while already being one step ahead.