WEARINGIRISH showcases top designers/brands from Ireland. In this series, meet the designers and hear their stories. Here Margaret chats with Ciara Silke. Visit ciarasilke.com for more!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND. I’ve always loved art and design and knew that somehow, I would carve out a career bringing together the elements of these that I love. After completing a degree in Printed Textile Design in the National College of Art and Design (NCAD), I worked as a designer for a small surf-wear company in Ireland. When the opportunity arose, I jumped at the chance to work for Diane Von Furstenberg in New York and the experiences I had there really inspired me to set up my label. At DVF, I was surrounded by vibrant prints, embellished opulent fabrics, and most importantly, freedom for expression. WHAT WAS THE MOST DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER? Seeing one of my scarves around the neck of an attendee at the Oscars ceremony a couple of years back was a real defining moment for me on a personal level. It gave me a tremendous sense of accomplishment that one of my designs was rubbing shoulders with the brands worn by Hollywood royalty on the red carpet. WHAT’S YOUR AMBITION FOR YOUR BRAND? The dream is to keep growing my business on an international level and continue developing new product ranges building on the aesthetic of Ciara Silke. Maybe even a Ciara Silke store someday!
HOW YOU WOULD DEFINE THE HEART AND SOUL OF YOUR BRAND? Unusual color combinations combined with a simple and elegant luxury aesthetic. WHERE DOES YOUR BRAND NAME COME FROM? People always remark on the fact that my surname is Silke and I work with silk. It was meant to be. But the name came first. WHO IS YOUR DREAM MUSE? WHY? Little old ladies in headscarves inspire me, especially when they have a unique perspective on combining their scarf with a trench coat that has not been seen outside in twenty years. YOUR DREAM COLLABORATION? Loewe is a fantastic brand. I’d love to collaborate with them sometime. They are really into the craft and producing beautiful lines. WHAT INSPIRES YOU ABOUT THE WEARINGIRISH MOVEMENT? I love that the WearingIrish movement is highlighting the talent we have in Ireland. There is currently such an array of amazing designers and artisans brave enough to launch their brands and finally getting the recognition they so richly deserve. WHO DO YOU WANT TO WEAR IRISH? I want people to wear Irish who might never have thought that they would. I want people to invest in new Irish designers because there is something there for everyone’s taste. TAKE US THROUGH YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS. Nature is a huge inspiration for me. Wildflowers and exotic flowers I have come across on my travels all feed into my collections. I love the Irish landscape and unique elements we find on our little Island. I live by the sea, so I’m lucky to have this as a constant inspiration. I find nature provides the most stunning colour combinations, shapes, patterns, and textures. WHAT DOES BEING IRISH MEAN TO YOU AND IN WHAT WAY HAS IT INFLUENCED YOUR CREATIONS? I am very proud of my Irish heritage and culture. This pride can be seen in my creations—both in the designs themselves which extract from our beautiful Irish flora and in the Gaeilge names that I give the scarfs. MOST COVETED ITEM IN YOUR COLLECTION? Recently I have been working on a capsule collection of neck scarves. These are exciting designs that will launch soon on my website. Product development is lots of work but so much fun when the new collections come together. THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? My Bláth Poipín silk scarf which is so luxurious—when I wear this on my travels I get so many compliments and it always reminds me of the wild fields of poppy flowers in Ireland. My work phone for business purposes. My Cloon Keen Bealtaine perfume made by a local perfumer here in my hometown of Galway. YOUR GO-TO STYLING TRICK? My personal styling rule ties in with the Ciara Silke brand. A colourful and beautiful accessory—be it a colourful scarf, piece of jewellery, or handbag—is the perfect way to imbue any outfit with an extra touch of style and elegance. TELL US ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW THAT I DIDN’T ASK. That I love meeting my customer in person and building that relationship.