A thought-provoking interview with Maria Grachvogel on her creative process, enduring connection to Ireland and the art of creating clothes women treasure and wear for decades …
It appeared Maria Grachvogel was preaching to the converted as some of the best dressed guests gathered to hear the designer in conversation with Sarah McDonnell, co-founder of Design Week Dublin, and founding editor of THE GLOSS.
Discussing her work, Maria talked about her role in every part of the design process, including the art work and pattern cutting. She also shared details of her technical process involving the spiral bias cut, and how she creates clothing that women want to wear for decades.
Maria Grachvogel took the audience back to the heady days of the 1990s, when London fashion was at its most experimental and the industry felt ripe with possibility. She recalled her time working with the legendary Isabella Blow, and the early relationships with clients that would become an important part of her career. Among them was Emma Thompson, with whom a professional relationship grew into an enduring friendship.
In 2012, she made the decision to eschew the fashion industry’s relentless calendar for a slower, more considered approach by making less but better. “It felt too much,” she says. “I’m an instinctive person, and I needed to follow my heart. I didn’t know if I could be a success but the only thing you have as a designer is to be true to your vision.”
Among a captivated audience was long-time supporter Nikki Creedon of Havana Boutique (Maria’s Irish stockist), Urban Aran’s Christine Murphy, New York-based PR Róisín Ní Mhórdha, as well as loyal clients and fashion enthusiasts.
Sarah McDonnell was well armed for the interview, teaming her Maria Grachvogel satin-backed crepe blouse with another design powerhouse, the IWC Portofino Automatic 34, a timepiece which combines elegance and luxury. As Official Timekeeper of Design Week Dublin 2026, IWC Schaffhausen marks every moment of the city’s celebration of design.
Broadcaster Ciara Doherty moderated the conversation, while also modelling a pair of Maria’s ‘magic pants’, leaving many in the audience wondering if they can make it to Havana before they sell out.
For those eager to continue the design conversation there was an opportunity to hightail it to Blackrock where interiors writer Sarah Macken joined Helle Moyna at Nordic Elements to hear how her Danish upbringing influenced her the unique business she has built celebrating Scandinavian-inspired design.
Photography: Conor Healy / Picture It Photography
For details of more Design Week Dublin events, in partnership with Range Rover, see designweekdublin.com
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