When it comes to dressing for winter knitwear is a fail safe choice for all ages, but now that christmas has come and gone (leaving us with a rather soggy January) a snowman jumper just won’t cut the mustard, no matter how many sparkly bobbles are on it! For the discerning fashionista, finding the right statement pieces to layer up on cold days can prove to be tough work. At the moment, the high street is full of identi-kit chunky cardigans and printed scarves while the lesser spotted couture pieces remain stylistically season based, date quickly, as well as being pricey. So, where can you turn to find something unique?
Etsy.com is a literal, virtual treasure trove of one-off, specialised merchandise. Basically functioning as an online market, the website works as a platform for bespoke designers and craft makers to introduce themselves to potential clients and showcase their hand-made wears from their own personalised shop space. One such designer is Mary Callan who creates unique, vintage inspired wool neck pieces that range from €30 to €40 which will keep you warm as well as looking stylish.
Hailing from Northern Ireland, Mary runs her own small knitwear studio in the Mourne mountains. Having graduated from St Martin’s London College of Fashion she spent time honing the crafts of knitting and hand crochet by working with fashion houses Chloe, John Rocha and Lainey Keogh before branching out to create her own designs. Callan dyes the wool herself and being influenced greatly by vintage techniques and silhouettes, doesn’t work from a pattern but instead opts to use a manequin for draping designs, meaning there is a more flattering fit to body contours.
If you’re looking for something a little different as well as supporting an Irish designer this your chance!
