This beloved Irish brand have just launched their very own Aran knitwear range
Putting a modern spin on a classic knitwear style, every stitch tells its own story in this beautiful new collection.
Though we may wish the heatwave didn’t end quite so soon, gloomy weather and dark skies have us dreaming of the cosy comforts of the seasons ahead. I don’t know if it’s just me, but autumn-winter dressing always appeals far more than spring-summer. A big fan of layering, I look forward to slightly chillier days (don’t hate me), where I can burrow into big chunky knits, pop on a pair of patterned tights, a pair of boots, and call it a day.
That’s why this new launch has got me extremely excited.
Kilkenny Design have just unveiled The Heritage Collection — a new range of designs in contemporary Aran tradition — as its first offering in a new bespoke private label collection. An online exclusive, the collection features women’s knit sweaters, capes, buttoned cardigans, accessories including hats, scarves, and gloves, as well as handbags and purses.
Along with some core Aran knitwear lines for men and traditional soft crew-neck jumpers, the new knitwear collection was designed in Ireland and exclusive to Kilkenny Design. A long time in the making, these designs were created by a talented team of in-house designers.
Company CEO, Evelyn Moynihan, said: “We are really proud of the design work, which gives Aran Knitwear a modern twist. The Heritage Collection is a beautiful edit of Aran knitwear and accessories for men and women. The gorgeous colourways, from natural moss green, to orange and pink, will see the jumpers being worn for a day at the office and, equally, fitting right in at a festival. They’re versatile and highly covetable!”
Taking inspiration from the heritage of Aran Knitwear, every stitch tells a story, and has a unique and often emotive meaning, traditionally symbolic of luck, good health, success or abundance.
While the collection is rooted in the heritage of Irish knitwear and the origins of Kilkenny Design, the contemporary styling brings innovation and a fresh, modern approach to Aran Knitwear.
A subtle circular ‘KD’ branded disc reflects archive images of the original arched windows at Kilkenny Design Workshops, in the 1970s, and the pop of pink is a nod to current on-trend ‘barbie-core’ vibes.
Marking 60 years of business in Ireland with The Heritage Collection, Kilkenny Design looked to their archival imagery from the ‘60s and ‘70s for inspiration. The colour palette reflects Ireland’s natural environment, then and now. Muted landscape tones are complemented with splashes of vibrant colour, including brilliant sky blue, rich moss green, the orange of sunset and autumn leaves, and a coral pink hue of seashell lustre.
The collection is a first ever proprietary brand for Kilkenny Design, working with its long-term designers and suppliers. It is designed to appeal to both the tourist and domestic market.
The Heritage Collection brand logo, on swing tags and point-of-sale, is hand-written by Marian O’Gorman, the Kilkenny Design chairperson, who built up the family business over fifty years.
“Aran Knitwear goes beyond being a fashion statement. It is rich in history and craftsmanship, and was originally made as a protective layer for fishermen out at sea. We know quality never goes out of fashion, and Kilkenny Design consistently meets demand for affordable quality and style, in all our clothing and homewares. The Heritage Collection is no exception,” O’Gorman said.
Marking the retailer’s eco credentials, The Heritage Collection is presented in 100% compostable bags, with labels and swing tags made from recycled card. The Heritage Collection also includes a unique new collection of luxury throws, made for the luxury retailer’s private collection in Donegal, by McNutt.
You can shop The Heritage Collection exclusively online at Kilkenny Design.
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