Wear Irish Week: 9th - 15th May

The brainchild of Eilis Boyle, herself an Irish designer, this week sees the inaugural 'Wear Irish Week'. With Ireland fast making it's mark in the sartorial world (hey, we OWN Aran sweaters!) and more and more Irish names being associated with world famous icons (the obvious one being Lady Gaga and her Philip Treacy love - and just today Rihanna sported an Una Burke leather neckpiece at a Nivea presscall) it's a great time to be Irish and to be proud of the creativity and forwardness of some of our natives.
Some might say the recession (that blasted word) is a great time for creativity and that great ideas are sometimes born out of less-than-favourable conditions, so that's all the more reason to support Irish and try to help in whatever small way we can.

I've taken the liberty of picking out a few of my favourite pieces from just a few great Irish designers. Let's spread the word!

Chupi - The most affordable of the few that i've picked - I have a few pieces from Chupi, bought from the concession on Topshop and also from The Loft Market here in Dublin. The dresses are comfortable and affordable and I recently broke out an awesome gold jersey skirt purchased for the lovely sum of €22.

Corallei - Featured previously on this blog - beautiful handmade bags with beautiful prices. 

Mia O'Connell - these ruffled collars are so romantic and whimsical and BANG on trend. Available for purchase via Etsy. 

Una Burke - not exactly suitable attire for nipping out for a pint of milk, but these pieces have attracted the eye of Lady Gaga and, as mentioned above, Rihanna. Intricate leather pieces bolted together with ornate studding. If I had ANY excuse to rock any of her designs, I would. Now...to start my stage career..

Tim Ryan - I can't even find the words to say how much I love this fringed jacket. Available at Browns, i'll leave it to you to see how awesome this knitwear designer is. 

Simone Rocha - daughter of John and recent NCAD graduate, Simone is making a name for herself in her own right, this year showing at London Fashion Week. She recently opened a pop-up shop in Dublin and is definitely one to watch...or be watching... She makes beautifully tailored shirts and skirts and quirky and cool accessories. I love these hake shoes. 

Emma Manley - Having studied in Dublin and moving to New York to intern, Emma then moved to Alexander McQueen and worked there on his final show. 

Merle O'Grady - Irish luxury jewellery Merle O'Grady's designs have graced the pages of Grazia, Instyle, Marie Claire US and Look, to name just a few. The pieces are original and eyecatching and have been used in a shoot styled by the ever-amazing Taylor Tomassi-Hill. These half-moon pendants are on my wishlist. ALL THREE OF THEM. 

Pauric Sweeney - a Pauric Sweeney handbag has long been on the top of my Ultimate Wishlist. It's not hard to see why. 

For Wear Irish Week I'll be wearing a Chupi dress and dreaming of pairing it with any of the above items. One day, sigh.