MEET THE DESIGNERS | TRIONA SPELLMAN

WEARINGIRISH showcases top designers/brands from Ireland.

In this series, meet the designers and hear their stories. Here Margaret chats with Triona Spellman.

Visit darcybow.ie for more!




TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND.

I grew up in Gorey, Co. Wexford and while I travelled all over the world and lived in London when I decided to settle down with my husband, we returned to Gorey. I am still cabin crew with a large international airline, so I get to satisfy my passion for travel and keep an eye on fashion trends across the world.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER?

I made my goddaughter a dress for her first birthday because I just couldn’t find “the dress.” She wore it for her party and I received so many compliments and requests that I knew there was an opportunity to turn this into my dream job. Now, I am being stocked by The Tot in the United States.


WHAT’S YOUR AMBITION FOR YOUR BRAND?

I would love to see a return to people buying quality clothing that has been designed to be worn and worn again—the clothes we wear are part and parcel of our childhood reminiscences. I want to see Darcybow become part of childhood memories for generations to come.

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE THE HEART AND SOUL OF YOUR BRAND?

Inspired by timeless, classic tailoring with a touch of whimsy, each piece is lovingly made by hand anddesigned for your child’s comfortwhile never relinquishing on style. It is clothing intended to become her favourite and treasured always.

WHERE DOES YOUR BRAND NAME COME FROM? 

When it came to the name I knew it would incorporate “bows” in some way—I have been obsessed with them since I was a child. My married name is Darcy, so I decided to combine the two.

WHO IS YOUR DREAM MUSE? WHY?

Princess Charlotte. This little girl is breaking perceptions of what a princess should be—fun and fearless with boundless energy. She seems to delight in the world around her.

YOUR DREAM COLLABORATION?

Emilia Wickstead—I love everything she designs as they are timeless, sophisticated and unique.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU ABOUT THE WEARINGIRISH MOVEMENT?

I love that the WearingIrish movement is showcasing the incredible talent and the diversity of styles that we have in this country. For so long we thought of Irish design as tweed and wool, but to see what designers are now doing with these incredible materials, it sparks our imaginations and reminds us what a wealth of culture and style we have to inspire us.

TAKE US THROUGH YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?

As a child, I was obsessed with clothes, especially dresses. I was very particular about colours, how it felt when I wore it, how the cuff closed, and where the ribbons were placed. I keep all these details in mind when I am designing for kids. For me, the fabric is critical—you need to feel the quality just by touching it.

HOW DOES A SENSE OF PLACE INFORM YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS— SPECIFICALLY IRELAND?

I love that the Irish people still “get their glad rags on.” We choose to step out of our everyday wear for something special when we wish to mark an occasion; what we wear is intrinsically linked to those special events. That is what Darcybow is all about, creating something beautiful and unique for that extraordinary occasion.

MOST COVETED ITEM IN YOUR COLLECTION?

Darcybow Capes—they encapsulate my design values, timeless, elegant style in sumptuous fabrics that can be enjoyed across seasons. Our capes tend to sell out as people love their versatility.

THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?

My boys, my phone and a decent cup of tea.

YOUR GO-TO STYLING TRICK? 

Love what you wear! Keep it simple with good tailoring, great fabrics and be comfortable.

TELL US ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW THAT I DIDN’T ASK.

I am a great listener and I LOVE to hear people’s stories—there is nothing more enjoyable than meeting new people (preferably over a strong cup of tea).