Aoibheann McNamara: “I am always inspired by where I travel each year”

This week, we head west to meet restaurateur and art curator Aoibheann McNamara from Galway. I have long admired Aoibheann's style and jumped at the opportunity to take her photograph in her beautiful home. From running her award-winning restaurant Ard Bia to designing clothing for her company the Tweed Project with Triona Lilis, this woman is a force to be reckoned with.

[ Tweed short gillet ]

(€650

)

Tweed skirt €550, 

Linen shirt €350 - All from The Tweed Project

Boots: Maje - Brown Thomas, Galway (€220)

Socks - American Apparel (€12) 

The shirt, skirt and gilletare from Aoibheann’s beautiful collection that she designs with Triona. These two know quality fabrics and designs. They themselves describe the Tweed Project as “one-off pieces that combine beautiful Irish fabrics with modern tailoring for a truly authentic expression of Irish design”.

They have managed to take inspiration from the Inis Oirr and our Irish heritage and bring it into the modern day. These standout pieces have a limited run and are available online at thetweedproject.com and by appointment at Follan’s Lane in Galway.

Never afraid to add a bit of sparkle to any outfit these boots are the perfect finishing touch to this outfit. Snatched by Aoibheann is the sale in Brown Thomas in Galway, these babies are on my most-wanted list now!

Personal style We asked Aoibheann to let us in on her inspiration for her envied personal style and what she is looking forward to in spring/summer fashion.

“I dont really have a personal style. I am always inspired by where I travel each year. When I come back from Berlin I am all foiled up in StarStyling gear and when I come back from Morocco all I want to wear is turbans and kaftans so my style can change all the time!

“I can only imagine the what I will be wearing when I get back from Iran in March.

“I have a pretty non-directional approach to fashion. I dont really follow fashion trends as such and that definitely affects the way myself and Triona design for The Tweed Project. We follow our own rhythm and I am really excited for our spring/summer collection which will hopefully include tweed and linen kaftans in a salmon pink colour.”

Photos: Dean Ryan McDaid