Creative Spotlight: 5 Irish Bag Designers To Follow

Ale Walsh

Ale Walsh is an extraordinary craftswoman hailing from the beautiful country of Chile. Her passion for creation and crafts began at a young age, but it was when she briefly moved to the Philippines with her family in 2006 that her fashion career took off. This globetrotter takes inspiration from traditional and native Filipino materials, textures, and colours to create vibrant, standout accessories. Ale now works full-time from her studio in Portmarnock, county Dublin. Visit her website here or follow her at @alewalsh.

Lisa Ryder

Based in the West of Ireland, Lisa and her small but talented team create beautiful seasonal collections that are sourced and manufactured in the finest manufacturing houses around the world. Lisa purposely produces her pieces on a small scale; keeping her collections well crafted, exclusive, and sought-after. Visit her website here or follow her at @LisaRyder.

Alannah Brid

Karen is a textiles designer and founder of Alannah Brid, which is aptly named after her little girl. She is based in her studio in Galway and uses only 100% Irish materials, and uses economically friendly materials where possible. Karen’s standout pieces include large hand-painted wax shoppers, and smaller wax field bags – ideal for any busy mum! Shop her Etsy store here, or follow her at?@Alannah.brid.

Una Burke

Una Burke is a master when it comes to manipulating and sculpting leather. All of Burkes’ intricate atelier’designs are hand-made at her South London studio using only vegetable tanned leathers and solid brass fittings from the UK and Italy. Burkes’ extensive collection?includes bags, belts, bracelets, and intriguing body pieces, and while some pieces are aimed towards those adore more outlandish creations, her fans include Rihanna, Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Daphne Guinness. Shop her collection here or follow her at @UnaBurke_design

Manley

Emma Manley is one of Irelands leading contemporary designers who creates bespoke pieces adorned with perfectly laser-cut details in a striking array of bright and bold colours. Manley gained invaluable?experience at the beginning of her career through interning in the fashion capital of the world – New York – before returning home to pursue a fruitful career in fashion and design. Manley currently stocks bespoke bags and jewellery, as well as a full SS16 wardrobe collection. Shop online here or follow Emma at @Manley.