As plans are made for welcoming you to the RDS in Dublin, here we reveal the award-winning brands that are making a comeback for Showcase 2023

The Design & Crafts Council Ireland award winner

Úna Burke Leather

Internationally renowned designer in leather, Úna Burke, was a popular and fascinating addition to the Makers’ Stage at Showcase 2022. Despite having her designs worn by global icons including Cindy Crawford, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lawrence, Michelle Yeoh and Janet Jackson, Burke herself retains a down-to-earth demeanour allowing her beautiful designs to speak for themselves. Once based in London, the Irish designer has returned to Ireland in the past couple of years where she makes her handbags and accessories by hand in her leather atelier in the west of Ireland. Employing fine grade vegetable tanned Italian leathers and age-old craft techniques with a contemporary aesthetic, Úna Burke Leather is renowned as a multi-award-winning brand with class and style. 

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The Gift category award winner

Snugíbabόg

Who could resist the charms of Snugíbabόg’s locally made knitted goods which took top prize in the Gift category at Showcase 2022? This relatively new business has been going from strength to strength thanks to its exceedingly cute range of products for babies that are hand knitted in Ireland from 100% merino wool. The collection includes the award-winning all-in-one rompers, bobble hats and mittens for babies, while cardigans and crewneck sweaters for older children are proving popular at the Design Ireland shop in Terminal 2 Dublin Airport. For Showcase 2023, the brand will introduce its new Aran knit baby sleeping bag which is suitable for newborns to babies aged two. A luxury sleeping bag, hand knit in merino wool, it is designed for use at home or on the go as it features a travel vent for easy transfer from buggy or car to cot.

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The Fashion category award winner

Linen Shirt Company 

Winners of the Fashion award 2022, Anneliese Duffy’s Linen Shirt Company returns to the RDS in January with her latest collection of Irish linen shirts for men, women and children. Her women’s designs include shirts with delicate pussy bow collars and decadent bell sleeves while colours range from classic white to rich moss greens and vibrant blues. Duffy is keen to support and to grow the once flourishing Irish textile and garment manufacturing industries and the shirts in her collection are all made in Co. Kilkenny. Known for her attention to detail, Duffy's designs feature intricate tuxedo pleats, silk cufflinks, double cuffs and delicate bows. Suitable for looking smart every day or dressing up for special occasions, each design is ethically made using locally woven Irish linen. 
 
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The Sustainability award winner 

Badly Made Books

Not only did Badly Made Books have one of the most visually appealing stands at Showcase 2022 but they also scooped the inaugural Sustainability Award - a new awards category introduced this year. Founded in 2015 by illustrator and designer Seán O’Sullivan, this quirky, design-led brand has developed a loyal following for its handcrafted, tape-bound, paperback books. The range includes considered notebooks, planners, diaries and calendars that are tactile and a delight to use. Made by a team of five from recycled paper in Ireland’s other capital - Cork city - these notebooks are the perfect medium for doodling, planning or journaling.

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