Irish fashion designers need ‘real support’ from state, says leather maker

Internationally renowned leather maker Úna Burke says the Irish government does not provide adequate support to the business of Irish fashion design

Úna Burke, luxury leather designer and artist Picture: Fergal Phillips

Internationally renowned leather maker Úna Burke says the Irish government does not provide adequate support to the business of Irish fashion design.

The Roscommon-born accessories designer, whose clients include Rihanna and Lady Gaga, told The Sunday Business Post: “I was essentially forced to emigrate to establish a profitable business in fashion design.”

Burke’s studio is based in London’s Wandsworth, and last week delivered an 82-piece order to Selfridges department store.

The designs now ...