Eight Irish design and craft brands will be showcasing their work in the Design Ireland pavilion at New York’s boutique home and gift show, SHOPPE OBJECT, from the 5-7 February 2022.
This will be the 3rd time that Design Ireland has exhibited at the show – introducing a selection of exciting Irish brands to this key market. As a trade event, SHOPPE OBJECT attracts a diverse mix of buyers and key influencers that are looking to discover brands that are aesthetically strong, have provenance and a story to tell and that are going to meet the needs of their discerning customers and followers. This makes it an ideal platform for the Design Ireland brands – providing them with the opportunity to engage with these independent lifestyle buyers, gift and specialist shops, and small chains that visit the show from throughout the US and Canada.
Baressential Art of Soap, Cushendale Woollen Mills, Inner Island, Jennifer Slattery Textiles, McConnell Woollen Mills, Molloy & Sons, Shock of Grey and Úna Burke Leather will be among over 400 exhibitors showing at the event. Each of these brands have been specially selected by the show’s curators for their suitability and aesthetic fit.
Not only do each of these brands embody provenance, they also highlight the breadth of craftsmanship on the island of Ireland today. While ‘handmade’, ‘time honoured’ and ‘eco conscious’ are just some of the words used to describe them, each has its own unique story.
Rosemary Steen, CEO, Design & Crafts Council Ireland said: “Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) is delighted to support the Irish brands taking part in SHOPPE OBJECT’s first show of the year. DCCI’s new strategy places increased emphasis on supporting Irish brands in reaching international markets. This is one of the ways that brands can develop commercial relationships and export sales; through SHOPPE OBJECT and its digital platform SHOPPE ONLINE. This in turn supports the growth of the Irish design and crafts sector.”
All eight of the brands exhibiting at Shoppe Object are also featured on DesignIreland.ie, developed by DCCI to showcase the best of Irish design and craft and to connect audiences all over the world with Ireland’s makers, their studios and their inspiration.
SHOPPE OBJECT will take place at Pier 36 New York from the 5-7 Feb 2022.
About the featured Irish designers:
Baressential Art of Soap
Located in Co. Kildare, Baressential Art of Soap is inspired by plant power, art and ethics. They blend precious essential oils, raw plant oils, butters, herbs and spices to create naturally beautiful beauty – luxurious soaps, serums and spa products. All products are handmade in small control batches.
Cushendale Woollen Mills
Since 1778, six generations have been producing exceptional textiles from their mill in Kilkenny. Using rare Irish fleece and revered, time-honoured techniques, their fabrics are superior in touch, unique in colour and naturally sustainable. To experience Cushendale is to be connected to centuries of knowledge and craftsmanship with passion and warmth.
Inner Island
Located in co. Kilkenny, Inner Island produces ‘jewellery that’s contemporary but forever’. Carefully considered and detail driven, their collections are inspiring but accessible. They want you to feel joyful in their jewellery. Pieces are to be truly treasured.
Jennifer Slattery Textiles
Located in the heart of Dublin city, Jennifer Slattery established her studio after her grad show pieces sold out in a matter of days in 2011. Today you can find Jennifer Slattery textiles in a host of Irish and international retailers, including our own studio.
Jennifer creates timeless products from Irish linen and lambswool. From napkins and table runners to shirts and scarfs, each piece is made in Ireland and hand-finished in The Old Butcher’s Studios in Smithfield, Dublin 7. She and her small team are proud to collaborate and partner with exceptional Irish weavers and suppliers. Together, they create everyday items that are designed to last.
McConnell Woollen Mills
McConnell is an Irish knitwear brand located in Co. Clare. With a strong focus on heritage and craftsmanship, the collection draws inspiration from time-honoured work-wear pieces. The geansaí for example, is key – and traditional Aran and fisherman rib sweaters are reworked for a contemporary wardrobe.
Molloy & Sons
Molloy & Sons are 6th generation weavers based in Donegal, specialising in authentic Donegal tweed and throws woven from 100% natural fibre yarns. This father and son team are synonymous with what great craftsmanship is today. Built on the solid foundations of a rich heritage spanning six generations, the Molloy family have been in the textile business since Edward Molloy began weaving in the 19th Century.
Shock of Grey
Bold, unique, handcrafted statement jewellery sustainably made in Dublin. Made from unpredictable materials, such as wood, brass, plastic, silicone and clay, pieces are designed, wood cut and painted and clay moulded and cast in Dublin. Wherever possible other parts are sustainably sourced, and finished jewellery is delivered in recyclable packaging.
Úna Burke Leather
Úna Burke Leather, based in Roscommon, is designed for the discerning customer who appreciates quality, heritage and creativity. These collections are timeless, elegant, considered, sculptural and sustainable. They are worn every day by loyal customers as well as being commissioned for blockbuster movies like the Hunger Games, TV series such as Star Trek Discovery and music icons like Janet Jackson, Rihanna and Lady Gaga. All styles are crafted entirely by hand in the Úna Burke Atelier in the West of Ireland and are made using top grade full-grain vegetable tanned cowhides and joined with solid brass hardware, both of which are sourced mainly in the UK and Italy.
About SHOPPE OBJECT:
SHOPPE OBJECT is New York’s semiannual independent home and gift show. With a curated roster of visionary brands and makers presented in an elevated boutique setting, SHOPPE OBJECT is the ultimate resource for premier merchants and influential editors. Born of a vanguard spirit to celebrate and service the progressive retail and design community, SHOPPE OBJECT is a gathering of fellowship, an expression of ideas, and a physical manifestation of a shared ethos – dedication to and reverence for the good, the beautiful, the inspired, the innovative, the well-made.
SHOPPE OBJECT is a fully hybrid event. The digital marketplace, Shoppe Online, offers their community a way to do business before, during, and after market. All of their brand partners are available to preview, browse and shop 24/7, 365 days a year.
For further information, please contact [email protected]
