Afore After

Designed in Clare, Afore After is a sustainable new Irish label which launched this summer. Sandra Murphy, its founder and creative director, has been a fashion and textile designer for over 20 years with experience working at an international level, including stints at Victoria Secret and Gap in addition to multiple lecturing roles. With a focus on ethical production and low-impact materials (the buttons are made from Irish milk!), Murphy says, “When I say that my collection is sustainable, I’m not just talking about the fabrics. Everything from the thread to the buttons to the labels has gone through rigorous certification processes.” Afore After uses EcoVero as its main material. With most sustainable fashion brands focusing on wardrobe basics in muted colours, Afore After is different. “I want to show people that building a sustainable wardrobe doesn’t mean sacrificing style,” says Murphy. “It can still be colourful, it can still be exciting.” The brand’s first collection features 27 versatile pieces, with prices from €118 – €238, including dresses, tops, skirts and face coverings, in three beautiful prints, one of which is inspired by Irish wildflowers; www.aforeafter.com.

Caroline Duffy Designs  

Artist and designer Caroline Duffy has gone from designing fashion prints for international brands to launching her own label during lockdown. After graduating from NCAD in Printed Textile Design, Duffy spent ten years creating textile designs for fashion houses in New York, Sydney and London, working for brands such as Abercrombie and Fitch, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Gap, Monsoon and Zara. Now based in Dundalk, Duffy works in her home studio creating original paintings, prints, accessories and womenswear. Duffy is known for her striking floral and abstract paintings and designs, taking inspiration from nature, gardens in bloom, forest walks, fashion and theatre. When Duffy found her art (both original paintings and prints) was in high demand she transferred her striking florals to limited edition scarves, printed on fine silk in Como, Italy (priced from €135 – €210). Says Duffy, “My vision for each scarf is that they embody joy, femininity and strength – things I feel myself while out in nature. One of my passions is sharing these feelings with others, so they too can feel gorgeous, strong, fearless and unstoppable!” www.carolineduffydesigns.com

Cobbler’s Lane

The motto of this slow fashion brand is “timeless pieces to be loved, worn and passed on to the next generation.” Prints are at the heart of all Cobbler’s Lane collections and their current mid-season “Blossom” collection is no different. Creative director Monica Walsh says, “?Blossom?is??a way of life, a celebration of Ireland, and an appreciation of all that is wonderful in the natural world we have here.” Walsh founded her brand when she returned to Ireland from Canada in 2019; she was inspired by a love of vintage pieces, flowing feminine dresses, florals and life by the sea. These ideals are epitomised in the romantic Blossom collection combining pastels, signature florals, delicate details including ruffles, frills and relaxed silhouettes. Standout pieces include a geometric print blouse, a black floral pussy bow blouse, and a solid pink blouse with a large peterman collar and delicate broderie anglaise trim – perfect for transitional dressing. All garments are handmade in Ireland in limited quantities, prices range from €75 – €295; www.cobblerslane.com.

Main featured image: Cobbler’s Lane