We LOVE

A young Wicklow designer is attracting a whole new fanbase for traditional Irish tweed by creating a stunning range of designs for men, women and children. Love Mo Chuisle is the brainchild of Wicklow native Anna Dobson, a fashion and textiles graduate who has long nurtured a love for tweed, describing it as ‘chic, classic and incredibly versatile’. Though just a year in business, Anna has already built a dedicated following for her beautiful handcrafted range of brightly coloured tweeds, using a palette of mustards, bright blues, raspberries and autumn green plaid, alongside the traditional grey and navy herringbone tweeds. For the festive season, Love Mo Chuisle has matching waistcoats, ties and bow-ties for men and boys. The capsule collection also includes women’s fitted fashionable box pleat coats and dresses with a contrasting palette.

Anna says “I saw an opening for top quality children’s tweed. It’s perfect occasion wear and ideal for keeping warm on chilly days. The girls’ collection includes cut panelled coats, hooded capes, matching dress and a colourful array of matching accessories. There was nobody else doing this and I am getting a wonderful reaction from customers. They appreciate that Irish tweed is an intrinsic part of our culture and love the fact that I am broadening its appeal.” She says “I believe there is beauty in tradition. With tweed, you can never be unfashionable, it is timeless and classic. What I am doing is designing a contemporary collection which is adding to its allure. It’s a wonderful fabric to work with; it’s natural and breathable, hard wearing and warm. All my pieces are cotton fused which makes them super soft and also helps to ensure they fall beautifully.”

Stockists include: Kilkenny Design Centre, Shannon Heritage at Shannon Airport Duty Free, The Design Loft at Powerscourt Estate, Quills in Killarney, Kenny’s in Lahinch, the Irish Craft Shop in Doolin and Amora in Bray.