Irish jewellery designer Bláithín Ennis has a new luxury collection inspired by the flora and fauna of the Maldives …
What was the inspiration for your new collection?
The new collection “Sea of Stars – Pink Melissa” was inspired by my adventures snorkelling in the Indian ocean on my honeymoon last year. The incredible, alluring colours of tropical fish, iridescent pearl-like pink shells, and the sugary white sands of the islands all inspired this bright collection. I feel so fortunate that I got to experience, and immerse myself in, such natural beauty; something I won’t forget for a very long time.
What was the starting point for your designs?
The colours, patterns and, of course, the aesthetic of my surroundings were the starting point for me. The colours were so vivid it felt almost cartoon-like. We also had an underwater camera, which proved useful, and helped me further develop and research the collection I wanted to design. I really wanted to make pieces full of abundant colour for my customers. I spotted some gorgeous pink Melissa shells, and combined with the glowing crystal waters, this formed the second colour story of the collection, “Pink Melissa”. These unique pieces are the ultimate luxury accessory for your long-awaited holiday in the sunshine!
Where and how do you work?
I have a small studio space in Dublin, with a larger space in my parents’ house in Wexford, where I do most of my creating and designing. There is something so calming about creating in the countryside, especially when my mum is also offering regular food, coffees, and her valued design opinions! I usually start by creating a moodboard to set the tone of a final end point. A lot of my final designs are decided by days or weeks of sampling. I might choose one out of fifty samples to move forward with. It is a method I have consistently used when working.
I feel like my designs are always in development. I work with a lot of similar materials, and have become well known for my use of light mesh, and making unique sculptural pieces. My Sea of Stars collection is my first “luxury collection” to launch to the market; the entry price point is more expensive than that of previous collections (€100), and I’m always nervous launching anything new! It’s a special collection designed with hundreds of coloured crystals, meticulously placed by hand to form each design. All the pieces are double-sided, so when you wear a pair of the earrings they are beautiful to look at from every angle.
Bláithín Ennis and Paul Costelloe
What have been some of your bestsellers over the years?
My best selling collections are definitely my Topaz gold and silver collections. Dark, iridescent sparkle, lightweight and elegant shapes will always catch my customers’ eye. The Teeny Teardrops (€35) are particularly popular for gifting as they can be worn day or evening. The Sisal earrings (€75) are statements loved by many of my customers. My Spinnaker cone collarette (€295) is a unique neckpiece that gained a lot of popularity when it was worn at Paul Costelloe’s show at London Fashion Week, and subsequently on the Oscars’ red carpet in 2023!
You worked with your sister on your latest campaign …
Yes, my sister Niamh (@niamhennisdesign) has a fashion background and works as a stylist. We have worked on many projects together over the years. Her woven cropped top, mint raglan sleeve leather jacket, and blush cape were the perfect additions to accompany these very special pieces. I particularly love my large Lovestruck brooch pinned to Niamh’s cape as it’s so feminine.
Need to know: Bláithín’s “Sea of Stars” luxury collection is now available to purchase as part of the Design Ireland pop-up in Arnotts Dublin. Her “Pink Melissa” collection will launch later this month and online at www.blaithinennis.com @blaithinennis
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