Every time I have visited the historic mill in the charming village of Wicklow in the south of Ireland, where the popular TV show Ballykissangel was filmed, I had no idea that the name “Avoca” actually derived from the Irish word ‘abhoca’ meaning “little treasure”. Avoca, an Irish brand with a 300-year heritage, has a collection called “Timeline” that showcases its weaving tradition and rich history. This collection features stunning throws and contemporary mohair pieces that stay true to Avoca’s roots.
During my recent visit, I was captivated by the way Avoca has incorporated mohair wool into its new collection. Mohair wool coats were considered the epitome of chic during the mid 20th century, and designers like Sybil Connolly made them a global fashion statement. Avoca’s AW collection includes four coats, and my personal favorite is the unstructured purple coat with a large herringbone weave in two shades of purple. It is made from heavy Donegal yarn woven at Avoca’s mill and features an oversized silhouette with dropped shoulders. Available in sizes S-XL.
Another standout piece from Avoca’s collection is the ‘Earth’ coat, inspired by the colors of cliffs and stone walls. It is an ombre grey mohair coat with contrasting tones, and what truly sets it apart is the use of different shades of mohair in a brushed finish that creates a beautiful blending effect. This fitted coat has a collarless neckline and a unique addition of two small slits at the sides, allowing for easy movement. Perfect for jumping in and out of the car or hopping on and off your bike.
While discussing the new collection with the Avoca team, they introduced me to a French brand called Frnch, which they now stock. One of their standout pieces is a tan corduroy jumpsuit available in sizes S-L and priced at €129.
Avoca has been expanding its offerings and now stocks around 20 new brands, including a collaboration with Irish jewelry brand Scribble & Stone. Another brand to keep an eye on is Blank, known for its ‘Karlie’ velvet cover-up that combines elements of a duster coat and a kimono. It features a pretty printed lining and is priced at €285.
The full fashion collection from Avoca is available both online and in select stores. For more information, visit their website at avoca.com.
A standout in the Irish knitwear scene, designer Hope Macaulay continues to gain international success with her signature colossal knits. This season, Macaulay has unveiled the ‘Jupiter’ six-piece set, which includes a wool hat, jacket, top, skirt, crossbody bag, and leg warmers. Based near Coleraine and utilizing knitters from Northern Ireland, Macaulay has made a name for herself with investment pieces that feature statement yarns, color blocking, and oversized patchwork stitching. In her latest collection, Macaulay incorporates a premium element by blending wool with tussah silk and recycled sari silk. Sustainability is a key focus for the brand, with all materials being natural, renewable, and biodegradable. Each knitwear piece is handmade to order, ensuring minimal waste. More items will be released in mid-September and October.
This year, autumnal color trends perfectly align with the season, with shades of orange, brown, and rust dominating the fashion scene. Curated by Design Centre, located in Kildare Village, offers a selection of beautiful layering pieces that embody these autumnal hues.
For a unique shopping experience, be sure to visit Tara O’Connor’s pop-up shop, The Designed Table, located in The Apartment at Kildare Village. O’Connor will be showcasing her ‘Harvest’ collection, and on select days, she will host a tablescaping and wreath-making workshop. This is a fantastic opportunity to express your creativity by exploring color and texture, transitioning from fashion to interior design, and even adorning your front door with a handmade wreath. Tickets for the workshop can be purchased at thedesignedtable.com and include a wreath-making kit, a voucher for The Designed Table, and a generous goody bag. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to unleash your crafty instincts and embrace the beauty of autumn.
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