Waterford's Urban Aran joins Brown Thomas' Irish designer showcase

Waterford business, Urban Aran, has been added to Brown Thomas' initiative aimed at showcasing Irish designers.

As part of 'Kindred of Ireland', now showcasing as part of the 'Celebrating Irish Designers' pop-up, on Level 2 of Brown Thomas, in Grafton Street, Dublin, the Waterford business is presenting a collection entirely designed and crafted in Ireland.

The items on show were created from pure fine merion wool milled using up to four colours of double twisted merino yarn, making it exceptionally soft and insulating.

The showcase will run until Monday, August 25, having begun on Tuesday, August 12.

The new collection draws inspiration from crevice plants which are resilient flora that thrive in narrow, urban spaces, found in crevices in buildings. 

Founder Christine Murphy began the creative process by monoprinting these plants, such as the butterfly flower, often found growing on walls. 

The resulting designs and colour palettes directly inspired the collection's unique aesthetic.

This season’s line includes a barrel-sleeve cardigan, a dress, a jumper, a long coatigan, and a bandana and scarf. 

A standout piece is the outerwear bomber cardigan, which features a repeating brick-like check pattern, a nod to the collection's theme of urban nature. 

The collection's commitment to sustainability extends to its details, with all buttons crafted from 25 per cent vegetable waste.

Part of a four-designer summer showcase running until August 25, the initiative supports and spotlights emerging Irish design talent, with each designer given their own dedicated space to share their story and vision. 

The programme is curated by renowned Irish fashion consultant Eddie Shanahan, and aims to elevate Irish creativity on a global stage - just steps away from some of the world’s most iconic luxury fashion houses. 

Urban Aran was also recently announced as one of two winners of the inaugural BMW Future Entrepreneur Competition. The business, along with BiaSol, was recognised as being an oustanding, early-stage Irish business making an impact through innovation, sustainability and creativity.

Urban Aran was founded by Christine Murphy and is renowned for being a premium Irish knitwear brand, blending traditional Aran techniques with bold, contemporary designs.