Local products on shelves at Brown Thomas
TWO Wexford-based companies have won counter space for their handmade products at what is arguably Ireland’s best-known department store, Brown Thomas on Grafton Street, Dublin.
For the first time Agnes Holohan, from Crossabeg, is displaying her Agnes H Design linens and textiles at Bottom Drawer in Brown Thomas, with handmade linen table cloths, napkins, pillow cases and bags.
Gorey-based jewellery designer Bláithín Ennis has been selected for the third year to display her work at the Brown Thomas Create event, which runs until mid-August.
Agnes said: ‘Even though we are stocked in outlets around Ireland and in the US and Canada, it is an absolute thrill to see our products on the shelves in Brown Thomas.’
She has already stocked her items in various retail outlets across the country including House of Ireland, Dublin, Treasure Chest, Galway, New Jersey in the United States and Victoria in Canada.
Agnes Holohan established her business four years ago and her mother is her inspiration, ever since her products have been personally designed and individually handmade.
Having qualified as an interior designer and worked in the industry for many years, it was a natural instinct for Agnes to direct her design skills towards her passion for fabrics.
The range includes tablecloths, table runners, place mats, napkins, pillow cases and bags with collections such as The Heritage Collection, Contemporary Collection and French Linen Collection.
The success of this small Wexford business is based on a combination of traits from Agnes including her skill, passion and ambitious mind.
Meanwhile, Bláithín said she is thrilled to be invited back to the event which has established itself as the launchpad for new and existing Irish designers to showcase their work among the most luxurious brands in the world.
This year, Bláithín was one of two jewellery designers selected to take part alongside acclaimed designers Lainey Keogh, Helen Cody and Mariad Whisker.
She has designed an exclusive collection for Brown Thomas for the duration of the project. She says her new pieces, the ‘Bradley collection’, are designed in deep navy hues and finished in luxurious 14kt gold.
Bláithín explained that the Bradley collection is inspired by her stunning Wexford coastal surroundings. Every piece is designed and made from her studio in the centre of Gorey. Bláithín will be in store every Saturday for the duration of the project until August 14.