The gift-buying season is in full swing but this year, more than ever before, we’re consciously shopping for local brands and thoughtful presents people will truly cherish. That’s why six female-led Irish brands have come together to form The Clarendon Collective, an exciting new pop-up on Dublin’s Clarendon Street where each of the brands will showcase their edit of hero gifts, all created with passion.
Shoppers can discover little pieces of luxury from Anna Daly’s clothing brand Little Bliss; candles and home fragrances from Alison Banton’s Brooke & Shoals range; luxurious handbags and leather accessories from My Name is Ted, headed up by Kasia Gaborec McEvoy and Brendan McEvoy; nourishing skincare from Ella & Jo Cosmetics, created by Charlene Flanagan and Niamh Ryan; beautiful artworks from Sarah Wickham Designs; and elegant pyjamas and loungewear from Hollianne Phelan’s Cotone Collection. The Designed Table and Dr Doireann O’ Leary will also have a presence over the duration of the pop up.
The Clarendon Collective pop-up will be held at 40 Clarendon Street, Dublin from November 1 until January 2024.
Pictures Brian McEvoy
More about the brands included in The Clarendon Collective
Little Bliss
Little Bliss is an ethical lifestyle clothing brand founded by TV presenter and mum of three, Anna Daly. These pieces of everyday luxury are cosy and chic and created with love in Fairtrade environments in Portugal, where each item is crafted with care in the finest organic materials. Expect everything from twinning tees for mothers and children to the cosiest hoodies and that perfect longline sweater to wear over leggings or skinnies. Pieces are available to suit adults and children aged from three years; prices from €15-€79.
Sarah Wickham Designs
Dublin-based Irish artist Sarah Wickham specialises in creating bespoke pieces of art using watercolour paint. She particularly enjoys creating meaningful pieces of art which capture the special things in life: a location that holds a special place in someone’s heart, a loving pet, a child’s first toy, and beautifully personalised nursery gifts for new arrivals. Whether it’s landscapes, seascapes, pet portraits or nursery wall art, her unique style combines beautiful soft tones and vibrant colours that will bring joy to the viewer.
Brooke & Shoals
Brooke & Shoals is a premium fragrance brand with mood-boosting scent blends, sustainably-sourced ingredients and ethical manufacture in Ireland. Founded in Greystones, Co Wicklow by fragrance designer Alison Banton, the brand creates award-winning scented candles, reed diffusers and body products and the full collection boasts 14 different innovative fragrance blends, including Lavender Cyclamen & Sea Salt and Jasmine Patchouli & Cashmere Woods. Brooke & Shoals has launched a new collection of gift sets for the Christmas season, containing a scented candle and reed diffuser, priced at €40.
Cotone Collection
Cotone Collection is a lifestyle brand focused on creating high-comfort, high-quality pieces from natural fabrics. The brand places an emphasis on comfort with the design of each piece, making each design decision with the end goal of sleep, in mind. By dropping and extending seams standard across most sleepwear lines, collections boast an oversized relaxed fit to eliminate restriction as you stretch and curl. Made in a family-run factory in Portugal with each piece is handmade with care by seamstresses, providing a fit that enhances both comfort and style. The entire collection is made from 100% European cotton that is woven into a muslin fabric to make everything extra-soft, ensuring a heavenly touch against the skin. Sets range from €150 to €180, with pieces sold individually to allow you to mix and match styles and sizes to create your dream set.
My Name is Ted
My Name is Ted is a multi-award-winning Irish heritage brand creating luxury handbags inspired by life. The fascinating story of Ted Carbery using his mouth and left hand in the 1950s to make leather bags and accessories inspired Ted’s grandson, Brendan McEvoy, and Brendan’s wife, Kasia Gaborec McEvoy, to bring the family tradition and brand back to life, creating timeless, functional designs that are handcrafted in the company’s Mullingar studio and intended to endure from one generation to the next.
Ella & Jo
Ella & Jo was founded by makeup artist Charlene Flanagan and skin therapist Niamh Ryan, who wanted to create skincare products that made the everyday lives of women easier whilst delivering amazing results, combining natural ingredients with active ingredients to provide results-driven skincare with a natural base. Vegan and cruelty-free, Ella & Jo products target skin conditions such as ageing and dehydration with bestsellers like the Melt The Day Away Cleansing Balm, Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum, and Plump & Protect Hydrating Day Cream with SPF 30, while gift sets range from €55 to €120.