WEARINGIRISH showcases top designers/brands from Ireland. In this series, meet the designers and hear their stories. Here Margaret chats with Rosy Temple of Magee 1866.
Visit magee1866.com for more!
WHAT WAS THE MOST DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER? With over 150 years behind us, Magee 1866 has seen and made many changes over the decades to ensure that we survive for centuries to come. Most recently, the decision to start selling online has been a game changer. It gives us the chance to have a shop window to the world. WHAT’S YOUR AMBITION FOR YOUR BRAND? To be a heritage brand that pushes contemporary boundaries, putting sustainability and Irish design at the forefront of global fashion. HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE THE HEART AND SOUL OF YOUR BRAND? We’re a family business, grown from our distinctive heritage in the northwest of Ireland, with a passion for the journey from wool to wearer. WHERE DOES YOUR BRAND NAME COME FROM? Robert Temple, my great grandfather, worked with his cousin John Magee, who founded and named the company in 1866. YOUR DREAM COLLABORATION? In the future, we’d love to work with contemporary Irish artists, mixing mediums between our designers’ creative eye and an artist’s perspective.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU ABOUT THE WEARINGIRISH MOVEMENT?
Ireland is bursting with creative talent, and we’re so excited to be part of a movement that highlights that part of our small island’s culture.
WHO DO YOU WANT TO WEAR IRISH?
For starters, we’d love those with an Irish connection to jump onboard and wear the best of our designs. We’d also like to go beyond nations and let Irish design speak for itself, connecting with anybody who has an appreciation for inspired fashion.
TAKE US THROUGH YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS.
It’s a complex journey for us, starting with our fabric designers. They choose the colour of the yarns, the intricate textile patterns, and the combination of natural fibres—from wool to cashmere to linen. Then, the process passes to our clothing designers, who bring the fabric to life in timeless creations that stand apart from fads and fast fashion.
HOW DOES A SENSE OF PLACE INFORM YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS – SPECIFICALLY IRELAND?
It’s twofold for us at Magee 1866. County Donegal has given us a centuries-old tradition of weaving and working with wool, and the knowledge of that craft has been passed down from generation to generation. Parallel to this, the rugged coastal and mountainous landscape in northwest Ireland is an endless source of inspiration, reflected in our richly-toned colour palette and distinctive patterns.
WHAT DOES BEING IRISH MEAN TO YOU, AND IN WHAT WAY HAS IT INFLUENCED YOUR CREATIONS?
It doesn’t mean being kitsch, or having a tricolor stitched on every label! It’s a much deeper sense of place and community which defines our character, our craft and our very DNA.
MOST COVETED ITEM IN YOUR COLLECTION?
Aha! Watch this space. Our AW19 collection brings some real hero pieces to the fore. We’re excited for tweed reinvented in a men’s duffel coat, and a statement coat in vibrant crimson and bold black for women.
THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
A bicycle so that I can skip the car and pedal into work along the Donegal coastline. A fountain pen so that I can use one pen for life and not buy hundreds of rubbish plastic biros. An Emma coat, which is one of our most timeless herringbone creations in wool and cashmere; it will last far beyond the next generation in business!
YOUR GO-TO STYLING TRICK?
I travel a lot, and always keep one of our colourful tweed capes handy to pop over a dress to bring a little Magee 1866 to an evening event, or to wrap up warm after finding a place for an impromptu wild swim!
TELL US ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW THAT I DIDN’T ASK.
Before joining the family business, I flew to Cape Horn and solo cycled 2,500km north to spend time working on an organic merino wool sheep farm in Patagonia. I am an expert at pulling sheep s*** out of wool after shearing!