The Thoughtful Shopper: the best of Irish, sustainable design this summer
From organic cotton shorts sets to eco-friendly swimwear, this is the best of Irish, sustainable style this season
Joy dressing
Happiness begins with bright colours. It’s a fair statement when you consider the mood-boosting theory around dopamine dressing, and Kenmare-based art and fashion brand Begley & Bowie has levelled-up the statement by printing it on its collection of sweatshirts, T-shirts, and hoodies. The range is crafted from naturally biodegradable Irish linen sourced in the North of Ireland, and its founder, illustrator and screen printer Doireann Healy screen prints each design in her Kenmare studio. Black crew neck happiness sweater, €85, begleyandbowie.com
Where raffia rules
A fabrication that’s quintessentially summer? Raffia, of course. The natural, 100 per cent wood fibre is the latest update to Irish-Argentinian brand Landa’s handbag offerings: its staple Teca bag in tumbled black leather now features a raffia panel at the front, complemented by the bag’s versatile features like a crossbody strap and top handle. It’s plush and sleek with a generous nod to summer, and made by master-craftspeople in Spain using consciously selected leather; it’s a summer investment made to stand the test of time. €345, landabags.com
Metallic moments
The renaissance of metallics on the spring-summer ’23 runways courtesy of brands like Tory Burch, Bottega Veneta and Valentino was enough to cement the look as summer’s defining detail. Dublin designer Emma Manley certainly takes stock of this in her joy-filled new season collection comprising 11 ready-to-wear pieces in metallic leather fabrications. You can expect boxy T-shirts, statement wrap skirts, luxe bomber jackets and dialled-up joggers. Manley sources her materials from the finest fabric houses in Italy, while the manufacturing process is split between there and Ireland. And, all material offcuts are repurposed for accessories and garment embellishment. Parker leather T-shirt, €275, manley.ie
Golden thrill
Renowned Irish jewellery house, Chupi, celebrates its 10th year in business with a new ‘One in a Trillion’ collection and a luxury rebrand – which continues the brand’s legacy of sustainable, high-value jewellery. The five-piece collection is the brand’s most sustainable to date: it’s handcrafted in Ireland – within 100km of Chupi’s Dublin studio – exclusively using carbon-neutral recycled solid gold and lab-grown diamonds. The rebrand is sustainably driven too, and includes beautifully redesigned packaging made from natural and biodegradable materials. “The ‘One in a Trillion’ collection is a celebration of everything we’ve done in the past and a promise for the future,” founder Chupi Sweetman said. ‘One in a Trillion’ lab diamond engagement ring, €14,789, chupi.com
Togging out
Suit up appropriately this summer with made-to-last swimwear from Kahm Sustainable Swimwear. The Donegal brand was born out of two sisters’ – Áine Boyle and Sally Anne Sherry – love for the sea and their desire to protect the waters that have served them well as competitive swimmers. Using Econyl – a breakthrough material that regenerates old carpets, fishing nets and fabric scraps into a nylon-like textile – the pair created Ireland’s first sustainable swimwear line, which now features scoop neck, zip-up, open back and classic styles in brilliant, bright colourways– with swimwear for men and kids available too. Prices from €65, kahm.ie
Luxe finds
New from Irish circular fashion brand Aoife Lifestyle is her first ready-to-wear collection, a natural progression from the accessories-focus that has defined the brand to date. The eight-piece collection is the luxed-up answer to wardrobe staples: there are ruched shoulder midi dresses in muted tones, check wrap coats and silk-like separates. Each garment has been thoughtfully designed using rescued, regenerative resources like 100 per cent reclaimed FSC-certified viscose (derived from wood pulp), which is a sustainable alternative to silk, alongside native fabrications like Donegal tweed and wool. Ruched shoulder midi dress, €490, aoifelifestyle.com
The summer uniform
Declaring the shorts set as this summer’s uniform is a necessity, we’ve decided. Not least for its effortlessly chic put-together appeal, but for its versatility to be worn as easy separates, too – a major plus when wrangling with the unforgiving space in your carry-on. Dublin-based label Style Ignite Studio has the perfect green and white striped set in its new season collection, and its relaxed, oversized fit is beach to bar and browsing the shops-approved for your next holiday. The set is made from 100 per cent organic cotton yarn, while €1 from every sale is donated to its environmental partner Friends of the Earth Ireland. €109, styleignitestudio.com
