GALLERY: Trailblazing Nenagh fashion designer launches new line in Brown Thomas

Laoise Carey is a Nenagh-based fashion designer who last week launched her Autumn/Winter collection in Brown Thomas in Dublin.

Laoise, whose brand is named “Laoise Carey Studio”, launched her “Rising Tide” collection through Brown Thomas’ “CREATE” programme.

CREATE celebrates Ireland’s most exciting and talented designers and in 2024 featured 26 Irish designers of which Laoise was one.

Speaking about her brand, Laoise said: “With Laoise Carey Studio I am trying to define the parameters of circular fashion in Ireland.

“The brand is committed to regenerating and elevating vintage, recycled and other eco-friendly textiles, by creating luxurious heirloom clothing for the eco-conscious customer.

“All my collections are handcrafted in Ireland with the highest quality finishings.

“I try to give new life to old and overlooked materials and play my part in paving a sustainable path forward for the future of fashion.”

Commenting on her new collection she said, “Irish Mythology and the beautiful landscapes of my home county, Tipperary, inspire each of my collections.

“Through my designs, I’m trying to welcome the wearer to step into my world of nostalgia, craftsmanship, luxury and quality.

“This collection combines vintage and antique textiles, such as tablecloths and damask curtains, with Irish heritage linen and luxurious designer-deadstock materials.

“The colours of this collection pick up on the natural environment. They include a dove-grey linen mimicking the large rocks, a sea-foam-green sateen quilted jacket and a sandy-coloured taffeta reflecting the long stretch of white sand beach.

“Styled with this collection is the work of basket maker and artist Gerardine Wisdom, who crafted woven hats and handbags from rushes harvested in Lough Derg.

“Also styled with each look is handmade jewellery by Megan Williams of Saltwater Design, a Cork-based brand.”

Laoise began her career working in the areas of pattern drafting and garment technology.

She learned the importance of high quality fit and finishings in luxury fashion while working for renowned Irish fashion designer, Simone Rocha, in London.

Laoise’s brand “Laoise Carey Studio” was established in 2020 and has since been stocked in Om Diva, Curated by Greens are Good For You and, most recently, the Conscious Atelier, Naas.

Laoise works with various local businesses to help create her clothes and keep her business as sustainable as possible, she said: “All of my garments are handmade in Nenagh by myself and with help from the fantastic dressmakers at Agata Atelier, Nenagh.“While making this collection, I have also been tutoring fashion design and sewing skills at Archerstown FETC Thurles.

“My campaign shoot was photographed at Spanish Point beach, Clare, by Aoife Long, a portrait and brand photographer based in Cashel.”

Laoise Carey’s aim is to be a trailblazer in the Irish Fashion Industry, making circularity and environmental consciousness the rule, rather than the exception, in Irish Design.

Her new line will be housed on the third floor of Brown Thomas on Grafton Street in Dublin and her collection can be found online at laoisecareystudio.com.

Gallery photo credit: Aoife Long