We’ll always encourage putting our spending power behind Irish makers, now and for seasons to come. As the shadow of the pandemic slowly lifts, it’s a joy to see Irish designers releasing new collections and expanding their bricks-and-mortar presence across the country. Scroll below for a hint of what’s happening in Irish fashion and design this month …

Dublin pottery studio Arran Street East kicks off the summer with the launch of a new textile range. Made from 100 percent Donegal Yarn, the considered collection will comprise cushions and throws, all mirroring the colours of the brand’s hand-thrown pottery range. Arran Street East also announced the opening of a pottery studio and hub in Schull, West Cork in the coming months. The studio will host pottery, cookery and weaving classes in a converted barn, just off the Main Street in Schull: perfect for any jaunts down to the South West this summer. See Arranstreeteast.ie for more.

There’s a new hub for Irish design at Kildare Village – Curated By Design Centre. The store is the brainchild of Ashling Kilduff of the Irish Design Centre in Powerscourt Townhouse, who’s honed her years of experience championing Irish talent to create this new outpost. Stocked in the store will be an exciting range of established and emerging designers such as Paul Costello, Deborah Veale, Helen McAlinden and Synan O’Mahony to Banshee of Saville Row and Emma Manley. When it comes to accessories, jewellery by Chatham Street-favourite Loulerie will be available as well as handbags by Pauric Sweeney. kildarevillage.com 

Fashion magpies will delight in the pre-loved clothes sale in aid of Ukraine, taking place on Saturday May 14 in Greystones Tennis Club, from 11am to 5pm. Get down early and bag a bargain from the mix of designer, vintage and high street pieces on offer, cleared from the closets of some of Ireland’s top fashion designers and models. 

A luxury raffle, also in aid of Ukraine, will see prizes ranging from a spa day for two at the five-star Powerscourt Hotel to an overnight stay at Tinakilly House, an Una Curran handbag as well as vouchers for Howbert & Mays and Hedgeroe Home. All raffle proceeds will be directly donated to the Irish Red Cross Ukraine appeal along with 100 percent of the stall fees from the event. See https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/LuxuryIrishRaffleForUkraine for further info.

Inspired by summer holidays of her youth, Laura Chambers’ nostalgic new collection Wish You Were Here, shot on Bray beach, is the ultimate throwback. The star piece of the new season, according to the cashmere designer, is the Pauline Coatigan in four-ply poppy red cashmere (pictured above). It’s best styled “over the striped Aoife cashmere boat neck top [also pictured], making it a real statement look”, according to the designer. Shop the bright and kitsch pieces, which are designed and hand-loomed in Dublin, at Laura-Chambers.com.