by Jeanne Sutton
01st Nov 2014
01st Nov 2014
Raglan is the latest addition to Drury Street – an Image.ie favourite for city centre jaunts – and this independent boutique brings the urban aesthetic in spades. Laidback labels like RVCA, Element, VonZipper, WEsC, Nixon, Billabong and Dakine?can be found alongside a seriously hip coffee bar. Raglan opened its doors in August 2014 and has been quickly gaining a reputation as the something different the capital needed. We caught up with store-owner, Dubliner and NCAD graduate?Amy Hamilton to talk about the laidback shop and where she finds her inspiration.
Where did the name Raglan come from?
My sister Katie lives in a beautiful coastal town in New Zealand called Raglan and I spent a month with her there last Christmas.
How would you describe the shop?
A bright, vibrant space that allows customers to have a coffee, do some work and browse what we think are a beautiful selection of clothes.
What inspires Raglan?
I have struggled shopping in Dublin for the last few years so I wanted to bring a new vibe and shopping experience to the city. I lived away for years in beautiful places – Sydney, New York and Shanghai. I love relaxed but expressive street fashion. Raglan also combines a mix of clothes and coffee – my two loves.
Who is your personal heroine?
I would admire Vivienne Westwood for her bursts of creativity, style and the way she expresses her amazing personality in all of her designs and carries it through in what she wears. She is just a bubble of fun and energy.
You have a business partner (your brother-in-law Ross, who runs Foodgame on South Lotts Road in Dublin ). How do you work together?
Surprisingly well! We bring different skills to the business and we have our moments but it great to have someone to both share the work with and bounce ideas off.
Why an instore coffee bar?
Ross has a cafe, Foodgame, so it’s a natural progression but also we were confident it would allow us to create a really nice atmosphere in the shop. We have worked with an Irish roaster Ariosa for 4 years and they have the same ethos as us and they are a great support.
How would you describe the type of men and womens clothes Raglan stocks?
Relaxed, boho, street wear, great quality, comfy and laid back.
Which one item of clothing would you take home for yourself?
We have a beautiful winter jacket by WeSC that I have my eye on! It pushes that high fashion over-sized look which I absolutely love.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Irial Slattery who owns Slatterys beside Foodgame in Beggars Bush once told me that the world is a roundabout and you have to hop on and off. It keeps going no matter what. If you don’t take time to step off for yourself sometimes you just get swept away.? I have learned how important it is to look after yourself.
Follow Jeanne Sutton on Twitter @jeannedesutun
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