Erris Burke is an Irish content creator who has built a strong following for her distinctive approach to fashion, blending masculine and feminine influences into what she defines as a ‘tomboy femme’ aesthetic. Expanding on this signature style, Erris has channelled her creative vision into launching her own streetwear brand, MUC, with Ireland at the heart of its identity. Here she tells us more about the inspiration behind the brand and its first drop.
What inspired you to start MUC, and what does the name mean to you?
I wanted to start MUC out of a love of streetwear clothes and my own tomboy femme style, as I like to call it. I was actually looking for a couple of specific pieces and thought why not just try to design them myself and it went from there. The name came from the Irish word for pig, which might feel random, but it is my favourite animal. Our logo also has wings on the pig because I feel like people always say, “Sure, maybe when pigs fly.” I love the idea of doing things that people think you can’t achieve. So it all just tied in with that feeling!
How would you describe the identity of the brand?
I would describe it as a tomboy femme streetwear collection. We will slowly release different drops from hoodies to tank tops or accessories, but all based around an Irish streetwear feel. I think it will also always be pretty androgynous and hopefully feel approachable for a huge range of people.
What does the tomboy femme aesthetic mean to you personally?
I think that is how I have always described my way of dressing: mixing elements of more masculine and feminine styles in one outfit, without having to choose one or the other. It could be styling a really baggy t-shirt and trousers with cute hair accessories and a really feminine handbag, or a mini shirt with a hoodie and more masculine accessories!
Was there a specific moment when you realised you wanted to turn your love of clothing into your own brand?
I think when I started looking for specific pieces I personally wanted to wear and couldn’t find. I ended up designing things for myself to have, and I thought I may as well make it a wider thing because I would wear these pieces and always get asked where they were from. So, now I get to share what I like with a wider audience, which is really cool.
The first drop features four beanies inspired by Ireland and Claddagh designs. Why did you want the debut collection to centre around these symbols, and how important is Irish culture or identity in shaping the brand?
I think being Irish is such an important thing to me, and building an Irish community, no matter where you are in the world, is always crucial. I wanted cool, subtle Irish pieces. I will wear the beanies around London or LA when I am there, and end up having Irish people come up to me because they spot the symbol, which I think is really fun and lovely. I also think the symbolism in Irish culture is really special, and it’s nice to be able to contribute to sharing that with a wider audience.
What excites you most about launching your first drop?
I think the thought of seeing people in pieces I designed and imagined is really cool. I also love the creative outlet it has given me to design pieces I have always wanted, and I am really excited for it to keep growing because there are some really fun pieces to come! I hope I can do some physical pop-ups too and get to build a bit of a community that falls in love with the brand, just like I have.
Shop the first drop on theofficialmuc.com and follow the brand on Instagram at @theofficialmuc.
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