As we look forward to Spring 2022 and to welcoming you to the RDS in Dublin we’d like to introduce you to some of the exciting new exhibitors and products at Showcase 2022. From photographic prints to eco-conscious clothing, exciting new accessories to contemporary Irish jewellery, there is a whole range of new products on show for the first time. Come visit Dublin to meet and speak with the designers face-to-face and to experience the wide range of new and exciting products Irish brands have to offer - from heritage designs to contemporary craft. 

PEELO

Founder of new luxury handbag and accessories brand PEELO, Julie Peelo,  began her career as an accessory designer for luxury international brands such as MARNI Milan, John Galliano Paris and DVF in New York but has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to do it her own way.

In 2018, she began researching her dream, putting the groundwork of design, supply and planning together and thus the PEELO brand was born in 2020. Inspired by design, colour and day-to-day life, a multilayered sensory approach is at the heart of Julie Peelo’s design approach to creating modern accessories that are designed with sustainability, versatility and longevity in mind.

Encouraging PEELO customers to develop and express their own individual style, the range includes tote bags, crossbody styles and clutch bags made from the finest quality Italian saffiano leather as well as card wallets and coin purses. For Showcase 2022 the brand will introduce its latest styles including their new leather 'Hobo' bag. Find PEELO at Stand J88. 

Kokoro ZenWear

Kokoro ZenWear is a sustainable Irish brand founded by Sharon Farren, a veteran of the fashion industry with many years’ international experience in fashion having established brands, boutiques and businesses throughout her career. Farren has worked in both Ireland and Europe and has worked with Irish, European and US brands. A fervent eco-activist, she will exhibit her product at Showcase for the first time in 2022.

All Kokoro ZenWear products are designed and made in the brand’s studio in Dublin, Ireland. Made using bamboo and bamboo silk, the clothes are luxurious to the touch, comfortable and timeless. The fabrics used are sustainable, hypoallergenic, antibacterial and free of harsh chemicals making them the perfect choice for active, eco-conscious consumers or those who simply want to look great and feel comfortable.

All of Kokoro’s fabrics are certified eco-friendly with Oeko-Tex and Gots Certifications meaning they are ethical and organic. Bamboo is naturally breathable, sweat-wicking, hypoallergenic and temperature regulating. Bamboo is a much more sustainable choice of fibre for fabric production as it quickly renews, emits 30 percent more oxygen than trees, inhibits soil erosion and requires much less water than, for example, cotton. 

At Showcase 2022, Kokoro ZenWear will be showing a bespoke limited edition resort collection that includes eco-certified kaftans and beachwear in natural bamboo and bamboo silk fabrics, as well as some of their core line of natural bamboo shorts, t-shirts, sleepwear and kimono. Find Kokoro ZenWear at Stand J68.

Siar Photography

SIAR means ‘west’ or ‘westward’ in the Irish language. SIAR Photography is a business based on the Wild Atlantic Way in Co. Clare in the West of Ireland. Founded in 2019 by husband and wife team Gary and Aoife, SIAR Photography is an award-winning business which offers a terrific selection of over 100 photographic prints of places and landmarks around Ireland. 

The photographic prints are based on the photographs of co-founder Gary who offers a fresh perspective on the Irish landscape as well as on Irish culture, environment and heritage. The photos are beautifully shot and highly evocative.

As well as prints, SIAR offer greeting cards, notebooks and tote bags and recently collaborated with a local candlemaker to create their first bespoke candle inspired by the Irish beach and coastline.

SIAR Photography prints are designed to have a contemporary poster-like finish. The couple use a textured 250gsm matt paper to make the colours and textures of the photos as true to the eye as possible. They also use modern border styles and the prints are not mounted in order to achieve a contemporary presentation. 

SIAR Photography is focused on becoming a more sustainable business too and as a result their print paper and wood profile frames are sourced from sustainably farmed FSC certified trees, backing boards that accompany their unframed prints are fully recyclable and their protective sleeves are corn-based plastic and 100% compostable making them a great choice for any retailer. Find SIAR Photography at Stand J12.

Yvonne Bolger Jewellery 

Based in her studio in Emo, Co. Laois, jewellery designer and maker Yvonne Bolger designs and handcrafts her jewellery in sterling silver and gold taking inspiration from Ireland’s rich mythology and beautiful landscape.

Designed and created in the heart of the Irish midlands, Bolger’s jewellery is designed to highlight the “meaning and magic in the everyday sights and sounds” of the Irish countryside.

Having worked as a solicitor for over 10 years, Bolger discovered a love for jewellery design and making and trained as a silver and goldsmith before launching Yvonne Bolger Jewellery in 2019. She will show her collection at Showcase for the first time in 2022.

The ‘Feathers Appear’ collection has already proven a great success while the designer's ‘Love Knot’ collection is a modern interpretation of the ancient Celtic knot which symbolised love, loyalty and friendship. Find Yvonne Bolger Jewellery at Stand J25.