WEARINGIRISH showcases top designers/brands from Ireland. In this series, meet the designers and hear their stories. Here Margaret chats with Lorraine Rooney. Visit baalandtanit.com for more!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND. I worked in Marketing for over ten years before starting Baal & Tanit. We returned to Ireland from the UK in 2014 after ten years in London. My third child arrived in 2016, at which point I decided to take some time out from consulting. It was during this time Baal & Tanit was born. WHAT WAS THE MOST DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER? The first time I saw a stranger wearing one of my products abroad. It was only then I allowed myself to believe that what had started as a hobby turned into a small business. WHERE DOES YOUR BRAND NAME COME FROM? The brand name refers to the God and Goddess of Ibiza—Baal & Tanit. Ibiza is a place close to my heart; it’s where my husband and I were married.
YOUR DREAM COLLABORATION? We have so much variation in our designs that nearly every week we get to work on a new exciting collaboration with a customer. Our customers have creative control, and we will work with them on colours, materials, and design to create what they have in their minds and bring it to life. It keeps it fresh and exciting for us, and we love experimenting with all the different combinations. WHAT INSPIRES YOU ABOUT THE WEARINGIRISH MOVEMENT? It’s wonderful seeing a focus on Irish fashion and the passion Margaret has for shining the spotlight on Irish designers and brands. WHO DO YOU WANT TO WEAR IRISH? With so many incredible Irish designers, there is something for everyone. It’s an opportunity to show your support and always have a piece of home with you wherever you are in the world. TAKE US THROUGH YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS. Many of the product styles and designs are driven by a passion for creating functional, beautiful pieces that will be useful and serve a purpose while looking great. I love the flexibility of the brand and getting to work on different styles and designs depending on the customer requirements. HOW DOES A SENSE OF PLACE INFORM YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS— SPECIFICALLY IRELAND? Living and experiencing the beauty of Ireland can’t but help shape your creative process and thinking. It’s not just the beauty, but more the culture, positivity, and belief that comes from the people which has personally encouraged me to develop the brand. MOST COVETED ITEM IN YOUR COLLECTION? Our personalized, straw boat hat. THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? Family, friends, and coffee! YOUR GO-TO STYLING TRICK? A good blow dry. TELL US ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW THAT I DIDN’T ASK. I worked in professional sport for eight years before starting Baal & Tanit.