Madigan Cashmere: ‘We’d like to be remembered as the maker of garments that bore witness to lives well-lived’
A family-run business from Straffan, County Kildare, Madigan was set up by husband and wife duo, Richard and Elaine Madigan. Sharing a deep passion for Irish design and quality, the inspiration behind their brand stems from their parents who showed them the value of hard work. Cashmere is the basis of the brand, however their continued success has offered them the possibility to expand the Madigan universe to include fragrance as well as a collection of luxury silks.
Madigan is a luxury brand that loves and savours the simple and beautiful.
We are a family business run by my husband, Richard Madigan, and myself. Together, we have always shared a deep passion for Irish design, luxury and quality, which has led to our love, our family and the Madigan you experience today. Celebrating Irish heritage and craftsmanship, we specialise in bespoke cashmere knitwear that is designed and made in Ireland.
Our mission is to preserve the history and technique of fine Irish knitwear, whilst not being afraid to bring these things forward for today.
When we look at the traditional craft of knitwear, it is so closely tied to Ireland and our identity. If we look closely, we can glean such valuable lessons: there is an inherent sustainability when you consider fashion from a more precious perspective. Valuing slow production, using fine, natural materials that are made to last and creating classic silhouettes in unusual colours that you don’t often see in cashmere.
I suppose, in earnest, Madigan Cashmere probably began its journey when I was 12 years old.
I was always one for designing, being creative, learning from my mum. She is a very talented seamstress and taught me to design, draft a pattern and make a beautiful garment. Passing that tradition and knowledge from mother to daughter is something very special.
We strive to create heirloom pieces that sit effortlessly in any wardrobe, season after season.
From our colourful collection of cashmere scarves and wraps in all shapes, sizes and textures, to our cashmere sweaters varying in silhouettes that are sleek and fitted or oversized and effortless, to easy cardigans made to complete any look and lastly, our cold weather essentials like our cashmere hats, gloves, snoods and socks. Each garment is meant to work within your wardrobe while adding a touch of luxury to the everyday. Several years ago, we added in a collection of beautiful silk separates designed to complement our knitwear or wear alone. Each garment we create should be versatile, timeless and luxurious.
Our commitment to customer service meant we could grow organically with the help of our incredible customers.
I love Simone Rocha for the fantasy, femininity and perfect fusion of minimalism and maximalism.
I love Optica Dublin for their elegant and effortless eyewear, Chupi for their championship of Irish design and use of nature in their designs, August Night for their sumptuous satin bags, Nicki Hoyne for her playful and colourful footwear, Paula Rowan for her expressive art for the hands, Sculpted by Aimee for her decadent cosmetics (especially her complexion collection) that seem to suit everyone.
Money is always a battle when running your own business!
We like to say that entrepreneurship runs in our family, so we’ve grown up in this environment. Richard comes from a 4th generation family of watchmakers and jewellers, my mother was a seamstress, and now several of our children have their own businesses today. Interestingly, we launched Madigan in 2013, at the height of the effects of the 2008 recession and the gap in the market, and our commitment to customer service meant we could grow organically with the help of our incredible customers.
Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.
It’s also important to stay curious. Don’t be afraid to hear people out when it comes to your business. There is so much you can learn from your network of loyal customers, fellow business owners, friends and family. With that being said, listen to everyone and then reflect on who you are as a brand and your values and reconcile their advice with your brand identity. The best ideas are just around the corner, but don’t lose yourself either.
There have been quite a few wonderful moments.
Some standouts include our recent mention in Town & Country for our Moss Cashmere Blanket Wrap as an editor favourite (from Roxanne Adamiyatt) and seeing the mention of our Cashmere Aran Collection in Kate Finnigan’s Financial Times How to Spend It article on Irish knitwear last year.
One thing we love about what we do is getting to see a little piece of our work shared in our customers’ adventures.
Our garments go on to lead very exciting lives with their new owners. I suppose we’d like to be remembered as the maker of garments that bore witness to lives well-lived.
Right now, we must admit we are so proud of the surge of incredible Irish talent receiving well-deserved recognition on the global stage.
For that reason, we’d love Eve Hewson, Nicola Coughlan, Saoirse Ronan, Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Hozier and the great Cillian Murphy to take Madigan Cashmere on their adventures… how lucky our garments would be!
Photography by Madigan Cashmere.
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