AUGUST NIGHT
Working for John and Simone Rocha for more than 15 years gave Derry-born Caoimhe Grant, an NCAD graduate, a wide breadth of design and creative experience across fashion and accessories. Now a mother of two and based in Dublin, she has launched a collection of bags and accessories in soft sculptural silhouettes, with distinctive bows, twists and knots in duchesse satin and tumbled linen. The collection, made in Dublin, consists of five styles in five colourways – two crossbodies, two knot totes and a clutch in large and small sizes, from €125-€285. In autumn expect to see similar designs in dusted velvet. Showcased in the Void art gallery in Derry, Grant worked with a full Northern Irish team for the shoot – photographer, videographer and hair and make-up were all from Derry, and the model from the Northern Irish agency Antipode. Items from the collection can be bought from her website, augustnight.ie.
KILDARE VILLAGE UPDATE
On a recent visit to Kildare Village, after an absence of nearly three years, it was quite a surprise to see some extensive and stylish fit outs from big brands – such as Tory Burch, Jimmy Choo, Maje and Sandro – displaying the sheer breadth and scale of their offerings. Interesting newcomers include Neom (luxury home scents and diffusers) Zadig & Voltaire and Eleventy, from Milan, showcasing classic understated Italian fashion for men and women. At Pinko, an unlikely bestseller turned out to be a Hawaiian-style polyester shirt, with matching palazzos, that certainly suited the climate on the day. The most enticing bargains of all were in the Barbour pop-up, where various waxed jackets were just €99. Though that closed at the end of July, the Village is continuing a regular pop-up space – currently Reiss for August – with even lower prices that has proved popular. Other attractions include an elaborate new children’s playground, a private lounge facility, car valeting and a hands-free shopping service. The playful and colourful mural “We Missed You” that welcomes visitors is by Holly Pereira from The Minaw Collective, an Irish all-female street art collective. The next phase of development, with 31 more shops, is due to open in October.
SISTERHOOD
Louth sisters Ruth and Jane Flanagan between them have clocked up years of experience in the fashion industry in London and New York. Jane worked in fashion and lingerie design and now designs lingerie and accessories for Dunnes Stores, while Ruth worked in Brown Thomas and Arnotts and later Harrods for three years. During Covid lockdown, Ruth moved home from London and she and Jane worked remotely, while also spending their free time sea swimming. Now they have launched their own affordable collection, called Style Ignite, based on their changing wardrobes and the desire for softer and more comfortable clothes in certified organic cotton. Some alluring items include a pink hoodie (€49), a blue daisy cardigan set (€79) and a lace white cotton short sleeved top (€69). Find them and more at styleignitestudio.com. Style Ignite donates €1 to Friends of the Earth Ireland for every sale.
WE MAKE GOOD
A new Dublin pop-up, whose remit is to collaborate with Irish designers and social enterprises around the country, and who create meaningful employment for people from disadvantaged backgrounds “making beautiful products” has opened recently on Fade Street. Currently the shop is sharing its space with Irish artist Kiki Na Art, who makes handcrafted jewellery and wall pieces and has launched a range of clothing with her sister, Sorcha, called SoKiki, all designed and printed in Dublin. The pair use upcycled and vintage clothing wherever possible and, because each piece is printed by hand, can accommodate all body shapes and sizes. Find them at 16 Fade Street, Dublin, managed by Lauralee Guiney, who formerly ran the IMMA bookshop in Kilmainham.
THE SHINE OF SINE
It's not often that a specialist cancer physiotherapist turns to goldsmithing but that's what Sine (pronounced Shee-nah) Vasquez did in 2013, studying jewellery making part time. Two years late she exhibited her first collection at the National Craft & Design Fair, and went on to study full-time traditional jewellery and goldsmithing skills at the School of Jewellery, graduating with distinction in 2019. Her pieces focus on details from traditional masonry, carpentry, ironmongery, architectural details and functional flourishes, so it comes as no surprise that she has a family heritage of stonemasons and carpenters. She makes everything by hand in her Dublin workshop. Visit her website sinevasquezjewellery.ie
A FAIRE DEAL
Ruth Ribeaucourt, creator of a new luxury quarterly magazine called Faire, is a multifaceted Irish entrepreneur based in Provence, who has successfully managed a variety of roles as wife, mother, photographer and maker, selling vintage and antique clothing. She is also the founder of the French Muse website, sharing her love of Provence with all sorts of tips and stories. Her new magazine launched last April with 13 extended features, celebrating the lives and work of a diverse group of artists, artisans and creatives from all around the world and has become something of an overnight success, now sold in more than 30 countries. The first edition features the late Irish artist and writer Fiona Cribben, Swedish oyster diver Lotta Klemming, globe-trotting baker Gillian Bell among others, and the second edition has an interview with embroiderer Domino Whisker. The second issue of Faire is on sale in Stable of Ireland, Scout and Easons (€21.07). Visit fairepress.com
This article was edited on August 21st 2021
