Irish designers to shop... - Financial Unions

We are firmly in wedding season, which means planning a few - if not many - wedding guest outfits.

From dress codes to dressing to suit the venue or time of year, pulling together multiple outfits that you feel comfortable and relaxed in can be a challenge, not to mention expensive.

Of course, if you didn't want to commit to buying a standout item, or are simply trying to be more sustainable in your fashion choices, renting is always an option. We're spoiled for choice when it comes to fashion rentals in Ireland.

However, if you're in the mood to buy something you'll cherish and re-wear, here are our picks on Irish brands to shop for something extra special this wedding season.

August Night

Designer Caoimhe Grant cut her teeth working as a senior designer with John Rocha and later Simone Rocha for more than 18 years, collaborating on their catwalk and high street collections, and this experience is poured into her dazzling handbags.

Luxurious, playful and ethereal, her bags feature bows, knots, twists and ruffles in satins and metallic fabrics, making them the star of any outfit. Prices start at €150 for her striking Knot Clutch bags (above), while her Micro Frill Crossbody bags, that come in a range of versatile colours, cost €195.

Sharon Sweeney

Known for her impeccable tailoring, Sharon Sweeney specialises in creating timeless pieces that can transition from season to season. In this way, they couldn't be more of a true investment buy.

With a background in Environmental Science, Sweeney founded her brand in 2021 and has since bewitched fashionistas with her vibrant designs that have sustainability at their core. Expect edgy suiting, bold prints and statement colours. Her Occulus jacket (€390) and trousers (€550) are a bigger buy, but worth it.

Lia Cowan

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Having studied sculpture, it's no wonder that Lia Cowan's designs are notable for their romantic and standout silhouettes. All her designs are handmade in Dublin and are completely unique: no two versions of a design will be the same due to the careful process.

Cowan often collaborates with Irish celebrities and tastemakers, such as Louise McSharry, for whom she created a dramatic scarlet red ruffled gown. Opt for a statement taffeta hair band or handmade hair bow (both €50) for a finishing touch, or go big with her cropped satin flower top (€350).

Om Diva

A Drury Street institution, Om Diva is a treasure trove of unique and eye-catching designs. Founded by Ruth Ni Loinsigh, the dazzling boutique spans five floors, with two devoted to their Atelier 27 curation of Irish designers and vintage finds in the basement.

You'll find ruffled tier skirts in shades of electric blue and pink, prairie-inspired tea dresses, slinky cocktail dresses, Victoriana-style shirts and much more.

Margaret O'Connor

If you want to add a little punk to your wedding guest look, Margaret O'Connor's edgy designs are the ones for you. Worn by everyone from Debbie Harry to Laura Whitmore, DJ and visual artist O'Connor specialises in statement accessories, such as her slogan necklaces that read 'Notions' or 'Ride' (€55).

For something romantic and old-world, opt for one of her velvet rose crowns (€320) or a luxurious velvet turban (€240). For something really dazzling, go for her sculptural glitter crown (€145-€165) or her neon crown with a veil (€550).

Aoife McNamara

As the first Irish fashion company to become B Corps certified (signifying a commitment to truly sustainable practices), Aoife McNamara is making waves in Irish design. Headed up by the brand's namesake, who runs the business from her thatched cottage-atelier in Adare, Limerick, it specialises in clothes inspired by nature.

A favourite of Irish celebs like Roz Purcell and Suzanne Jackson, her designs include corsets, puff sleeves and delicate colour palettes. The Daisy corset (€260) in light blue is a versatile piece that could be easily dressed up or down.

FéRí

Founded by Faye Anna Rochford, FéRí is a slow fashion brand that draws inspiration from Rochford's love of vintage clothing. With this in mind, the team use organic materials or deadstock and repurposed fabrics in their pieces.

The feminine designs are notable for their vibrant patterns, which Rochford hand-paints and draws in her studio in Wexford. The Kelli dress (€360), with its colourful blend of purples and oranges and stylish square neckline, is one that would see you through many a wedding season.

Sorcha O'Raghallaigh

Ornamental, poetic and delicate, Sorcha O'Raghallaigh's designs have been worn by everyone from Beyoncé to Madonna and Kate Moss to Florence Welch. Having interned with both John Galliano in Paris and Diane Von Furstenberg in New York, and with a focus on handmaking each piece, her ethereal designs are entirely bespoke and built to last a lifetime.

If it's jewellery you're looking for, her Heart Crystal Earrings (€258) are colourful and timeless, while her stunning feathered Lola Micro Bags (€295) are statement pieces. If you want to go all out, however, you can order one of her Tulle Feather Dresses, though that will set you back €900.

My Name is Ted

Inspired by the beauty of Dublin's Georgian architecture - and specifically its doors - My Name is Ted is a truly artisnal brand committed to preserving the art of leather working. Crafted in a range of shapes and colours, they're the ideal bag for flitting from work one day to a wedding the next.

The Crossbody Door Bag (above, €695) is handmade from Italian leather and will fit everything you need for a wedding weekend.

Nicki Hoyne

Renowned for her viral pink shoes, which sold out consistently last year, Nicki Hoyne hasn't slowed down when it comes to serving up the goods.

A huge fan of a glamorous flat shoe, Hoyne has a range of styles in everything from hot pink to sultry leopard print (from €200), while her block heel court shoes (€220) are some of the comfiest you'll ever find.

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Irish designers to shop for your wedding guest look