Sneaker Art
When graphic designer Barbara Bennett returned home to Galway in March without a job after living in Canada, she decided to buy 10 pairs of shoes and paint them to see if she could sell them online. For over a month she sat down in her room and painted different designs on the shoes, then launched her collection on Instagram in June. Ever since then, people have been ordering these custom-made designs, which, she says, look better painted on white leather. So far, her biggest fans are small children – tractors, diggers and dinosaurs are popular motifs while others choose unicorns and bumblebees. Adults tend to prefer florals, she says. Bennett supplies the sneakers (though she can also work on others) and prices start from €80. Sizes are from 7-10 – allow 10-14 days for completion. See her work on Instagram: @babsttenneb.
Masked Moments
Whatever about Covid protection, a mask has always been inherently dramatic, putting the emphasis on the eyes. In the pandemic, many Irish fashion designers are producing masks in ways that reflect their signature styles – designers such as Natalie B Coleman, Mariad Whisker and Jennifer Rothwell to name but a few. This one by Maire Forkin, called Cubis, is a showstopper, particularly when added to one of her well-tailored black dresses. Forkin, who usually makes to measure, has produced, a clean-cut ready-to-wear collection for online for the first time. This includes face coverings and accessories in 100 per cent wool and 100 per cent silk of her own design made with three layers of fabric with pockets for filters – making the masks more efficient – adjustable ear straps and flexible nose wires. Some with matching fingerless gloves are designed to be worn with outfits for the mother of the bride. See the whole collection at maireforkin.ie.
Going Green
One company with credible sustainability strategies is German online platform Zalando with 35 million active customers. Their pioneering initiative, named Small Steps – Big Impact, involves eight European brands with sustainable values designing a capsule range each. Together they formed a 116-piece collection for winter with a digital showroom encapsulating each designer’s vision.
Among those taking part are Mother of Pearl from the UK (elasticated trousers with cuff hem), Henrik Vibskov, the avant-garde designer from Denmark (cool dresses and jackets), House of Dagmar from Sweden (regenerated wool sweaters), Progetto Quid from Italy (printed shirts), Danish fashion house Designers Remix (coats from recycled wool) and Holzweiler from Norway (streetwear). Model and environmental activist Arizona Muse models two items from Mother of Pearl on the site. Visit zalandogreenhouse.com for more information, sustainable tips and styling advice. Instagram: @zalando and @zalando_man.
Dressed to Frill
Known for her voluminous, frothy tulle dresses and vibrant colours, Molly Goddard's shows at London fashion week always lifted the spirits with her ruffles and pintucking, grounded with tractor-style sneakers or brogues. So it comes as no surprise that she has now launched a bespoke bridal collection with 12 dress styles, all variations of her billowing silhouettes in ivory, cream and white. Most of the dresses in UK sizes are made in stiff Italian tulle with hand-smocked bodices and ribbons and come with options to change the shades of the tulle, ribbons and veil. Prices range from £1,800 upwards – the Simona featured here is made with three tiers of hand-smocked tulle and silk lining.Visit mollygoddard.com.
Roaring Success
Danish designer Anine Bing, who now lives in Los Angeles, has become well known for her laid-back daywear which she describes as a mix of LA style and Copenhagen cool. Her brand of "modern wardrobe essentials", which she founded in 2012, based around denim, T-shirts and easy-going jackets, has just landed in Brown Thomas – this top with a roaring tiger is €169 – other pieces include cargo tops, sweaters, camisoles, tanks and a cool black blazer for €399. Visit brownthomas.com.
Child’s Play
Since the pandemic closed the markets where Lynda Murphy used to sell her ethically-sourced children's wear, Sonny Bear, for 0-10 year olds , she has seen her online boutique grow. This has been helped by grandparents who want to send their grandchildren birthday presents or other gifts and are unable to shop otherwise. Her specially selected European brands focus on quality, attractive children's wear with an array of items, from pyjamas, dresses and shirts to dungarees and chinos in soft organic cotton and merino wool. Prices range from €15-€90. Dotty dungarees, for example, are from €49, dresses from €50 and tops from €15. Knot, a new arrival from Portugal, has "Grumpy Cat" long-sleeved tops for six-36 months old for €25 and this Juju dress in soft corduroy with flower detail was €60, now €30. Visit sonnybear.ie .
