WEARINGIRISH showcases top designers/brands from Ireland. In this series, meet the designers and hear their stories. Here Margaret chats with Finbarr Power. Visit samplafootwear.com for more!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND.
I’ve always had a keen interest in product and design for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Waterford, with GAA and soccer being the main sport, I was inspired by the apparel and footwear around the culture, as well as music and streetwear. When I was a kid, I would spend hours just gazing at shoes, visiting the different shoe shops around the city. Over time I found myself more interested in how the products are made, so much that I decided to create a product of my own. At this moment, I know that this is where I need to be, and this is what I need to be doing.
WHAT WAS THE MOST DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER?
Deciding to leave my previous role to pursue my passion and create Sampla.
WHAT’S YOUR AMBITION FOR YOUR BRAND?
I’m not here to create just another shoe brand; I’m here to make a statement within the industry. I want each person to be proud to wear Sampla, knowing that they are both giving back to our planet as well as owning a premium product. This is where luxury meets responsibility.
WHERE DOES YOUR BRAND NAME COME FROM? Sampla is the Irish word for “example.” The word resonated and felt fitting as the goal from the very beginning was to set an example within the industry. HOW YOU WOULD DEFINE THE HEART AND SOUL OF YOUR BRAND? Where timeless design meets innovative materials; elegance without consequence. WHO IS YOUR DREAM MUSE? WHY? I would have to say German industrial designer Dieter Rams. When designing the model elppá, I took from Rams’ “10 principles of good design” for each aspect of the shoe. YOUR DREAM COLLABORATION? The collaboration that would be the most ambitious for the brand would be Waterford Crystal. Once a pinnacle for the City of Waterford and Irish design, creating luxurious, unique and timeless pieces. WHAT INSPIRES YOU ABOUT THE WEARINGIRISH MOVEMENT? WearingIrish is a movement that should be encouraged as much as possible as it helps put emergent independent designers on the map globally. WHO DO YOU WANT TO WEAR IRISH? Every single person on this planet! TAKE US THROUGH YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS. When designing a product, I always keep the big picture in mind, which is to have a premium product that is as sustainable as possible. Constant research of innovative materials and production techniques fuels the creative process. HOW DOES A SENSE OF PLACE INFORM YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS— SPECIFICALLY IRELAND? With Sampla being a proud Irish brand, it draws the benefits of being constantly surrounded by amazing people, landscapes, food, music and culture. Without these essential parts, the creative process cannot be duplicated outside Ireland. MOST COVETED ITEM IN YOUR COLLECTION? Sampla bio-acetate sunglasses, a small collection that was handmade for friends. Something that will soon be available exclusively on the Sampla page. THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? Spotify playlists, friendships with our suppliers and a teletext jumper by @Robynlynchireland. YOUR GO-TO STYLING TRICK? Always brush your teeth. TELL US ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW THAT I DIDN’T ASK. A new collection of products are on the way alongside interviews and collaborations with upcoming artists worldwide. Follow us over on Instagram @samplafootwear, and don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive updates (samplafootwear.com).