Queen of Luxury Textiles Designs “COVID Crown.”
Opportunity came knocking for textile designer Aoife Mullane just after she graduated from NCAD, when an architect approached her to create specialised fabrics for a high-end salon he was working on. She jumped at the chance.
“I hadn’t ever dreamed of owning my own business so early on in the game, however this was an opportunity that I couldn’t refuse,” she says.
Her fabric designs are renowned for their unique, luxurious detail, featuring flecks of metallic silvers, gold and rose gold.
“My brand stands for clear-cut values; It is unique, luxurious but above all, Irish designed,” she says.
A large following on social media and successful collaborations with top luxury brands, such as Brown Thomas, are just a few indicators of her popularity with the Irish public.
When COVID hit, she was determined to preserve that success. “My business model pre COVID-19 was based on face-to-face client consultations…I decided my decision was to either sink or swim.”
She chose the latter, launching a range of luxury accessories on her website. From luxurious hairbands, turbans and scrunchies to clutch bags and pouches, each piece was designed to offer a ‘mood-boost’ to her customers during uncertain times. They were an instant hit, with some referring to her turbans as their “COVID Crowns” for helping them manage unruly Zoom hair. Others bought them as gifts for loved ones to acknowledge missed birthdays, weddings or to just show they were thinking about them.
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Aoife welcomes the resurgence of interest in people wanting to buy from and support Irish brands.
“I am proud to say every inch of my products are created on the island of Ireland. From the first sketch right through to the final tag. When purchasing a piece of my work you are supporting a number of other skilled craftspeople that I work with and call my team,” she says.
She heaps praise on her team for helping her to obtain the ‘highest standard’ for her brand. “Small details such as the inside trims, beautiful silk lining and ‘Made in Ireland’ seam tags are the finer details that go in to creating a sensationally designed piece. When purchasing a piece from me, there is a spider web effect, this makes me feel very happy and proud,” she says.
To shop Aoife Mullane Design, click here.
Champion Green is supported by @KilkennyShop and @VisaIreland, in association with @sfa_irl, @retail_excellence and Chambers Ireland.
