Creating innovative Irish knitwear, Urban Aran is a Waterford-based brand founded by Christine Murphy.
When you think of Irish knitwear, Aran jumpers probably come to mind, but although she is inspired by this heritage, Christine Murphy’s designs feel fresh and modern with vibrant colours and graphic patterns.
Having previously worked in luxury hospitality management, Christine embraced her passion for design and founded Urban Aran. Since 2023, all their garments have been manufactured in Ireland and it stays this way, and all pieces are made with 100% pure fine merino wool that is traceable and certified – durable and sustainable.
What kind of items do you stock?
Pure fine merino knitwear which is ultra soft and is washed, combed, dyed and exclusively spun while being traceable back to origin. We made our full collection in Ireland.
What’s unique about them?
The design is innovative and unique. One of our customers has been stopped 30 times when wearing our coat. Our pieces also provide solutions, many customers wear a neutral underneath and allow our curated colour choices to be their key accessory in their outfit. We respect knitwear heritage but offer a fully fashioned contemporary twist. We are often asked if our wool contains cashmere because of how it is combed using longer fibres of merino which make it very soft and ultra warm. Our buttons are made from 25% vegetable wastage, our dyes are certified, and our packaging is recyclable.
Best business advice you’ve gotten?
Know your stock levels, pay your debtors and stand behind your pricing.
Favourite fashion/design accounts you follow?
Dries Van Noten, Gabrielle Hearst, Vivienne Westwood, Pucci, AGR Knit.
Other Irish brands you love
Éadach by Sara O’Neill, Landa, The Landskein, Férí, And Tate, Jennifer Slattery, Caroline Duffy, Kindred of Ireland, Paula Rowan leather, Nicki Hoyne, there are so many designers I respect in Ireland.
Most useful learning since setting up a business
Resilience and patience – and be confident and stamp out that nagging imposter syndrome.
Proudest moment so far
There are so many! Being part of Brown Thomas Create, designing bespoke knitwear and bedroom blankets for Adare Manor. I was very proud to win the DCCI Future Makers award in October and I also won National Creative Professional with Network Ireland. I also met King Charles in Waterford, due to him being Chair of the British Wool Campaign which was a very interesting brief discussion.
I want my brand to be remembered for…
Unique street art-inspired designs using bold colours made ethically in Ireland with an Irish mill.
If I could have anyone wear my designs it would be…
I would love to collaborate with an Irish street artist, I have a few names on my wish list…
Urban Aran is stocked in Arnotts, Adare Manor, and Ashford castle. urbanaran.com
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