Revived in 2017 by husband-and-wife duo Brendan and Kasia Gaborec-McEvoy, TED 1942 is an Irish accessories brand that combines Irish heritage with fine Italian craftsmanship to create elegant bags for a modern luxury consumer. Here we speak to co-founder Kasia Gaborec McEvoy about the heritage of the business as she looks forward to Showcase 2026.

Tell us about your business and products?

TED 1942 is Ireland's first luxury heritage handbag and accessory brand. A tradition founded by Ted Carbery in 1942 in the heart of Ireland, Ted 1942 remains a family legacy, rooted in an unwavering commitment to quality and functionality. 

The brand has been inspired by Brendan’s grandfather Ted Carbery’s original design notes - meticulously documented in his diary from 1959. Guided by his vision, we began researching, designing, and producing luxury handbags that honour Ted’s legacy while reimagining it for a global audience. 

Today, Ted 1942 is recognised for its exceptional standards and enduring commitment to using only the finest full-grain Italian leathers and solid brass hardware sourced from gold-certified suppliers. Its signature Door Bag collection is now carried in over 23 countries from Dublin to New York and Singapore and celebrates Irish heritage through a distinctly modern lens, embodying a global vision of luxury, authenticity and quiet confidence. 

Where do you get your inspiration? 

Our inspiration comes from Ireland itself - its doors, its stories, its craftsmanship and its quiet strength. Ted 1942 was born from the legacy of Brendan’s grandfather, Ted Carbery, a master saddler who began crafting leather goods in 1942. His attention to detail and dedication to quality are at the heart of everything we do. 

Each collection begins with something deeply rooted in Irish heritage - the shapes of our iconic Georgian doors, the textures of the landscape and the feeling of timeless elegance that Ireland evokes. We take those authentic inspirations and reinterpret them through contemporary design, Italian craftsmanship and the sensibility of modern luxury. Ultimately, our inspiration is emotional - it’s about creating pieces that carry memories, that feel like part of your story, not just ours. 

What are your brand values?

At Ted 1942, our values are rooted in heritage, craftsmanship, authenticity, and connection. We believe true luxury isn’t about excess - it’s about meaning. Every piece we create carries a story, made to last and to be remembered. Our heritage comes from a family legacy of craftsmanship that began in 1942, and we honour that through meticulous attention to detail, respect for materials and timeless design. 

We are deeply committed to quality and integrity. We use only full-grain Italian leather, solid brass hardware and we make sure that we work with artisans who share our standards. But beyond the craft, our brand is built on connection - to people, to place and to memory. Each bag is designed to evoke a sense of belonging, to carry a piece of Ireland wherever life takes you. For us, those values aren’t a slogan; they guide every decision we make - from how we design and produce our bags to how we engage with our community. 

What do you like most about what you do? 

What I love most about what I do is seeing an idea, often inspired by a small detail or memory, come to life in a piece that someone truly connects with. There’s something magical about watching a design evolve from a sketch on paper to being handcrafted in Italy, and then seeing someone wear it with pride and love. 

Our customers are a huge part of what keeps me inspired. Seeing them discover the collection, hearing their stories and watching how they style and cherish our pieces is such a joy. Every time I see someone carrying one of our bags, it feels like our story has found a new chapter. 

I also love the blend of creativity and connection in this work: collaborating with incredible artisans, honouring Irish heritage and creating something that evokes emotion. To me, the most rewarding part is turning a piece of Ireland’s story into something people can wear, love and make their own. 

Is this your first time exhibiting at Showcase Ireland? 

This is actually our second time exhibiting at Showcase Ireland. Our first appearance was back in 2017, when we launched the brand under the name My Name is TED at which time we were focusing primarily on men’s accessories. Since then, the brand has evolved significantly. Today, as Ted 1942, we’ve reimagined ourselves as a women’s luxury brand that is rooted in Irish heritage, handcrafted in Italy and defined by timeless design. Returning to Showcase now feels like a full-circle moment. We are returning with a completely new identity and a much stronger sense of who we are and what we stand for. 

What advice would you give to first time exhibitors? 

My advice to first-time exhibitors would be to plan ahead and make the most of every opportunity. A beautifully presented stand makes a huge difference - it’s the first impression people will get of your brand so make sure it reflects your brand story and quality. Don’t wait until the fair begins to start building connections. Try to reach out to buyers in advance and schedule meetings ahead of time - it helps you stand out and ensures your time at the show is focused and productive. And finally, enjoy it! Showcase is such a unique event that brings together incredible Irish creativity. It’s a chance to learn, connect and grow your brand. 

Where are you currently stocked?

We are stocked in Dromoland Castle, The Europe Hotel, Lough Erne Resort as well as a number of American boutiques across the US.

Is sustainability an important aspect of your business? 

Sustainability is a very important part of what we do. For us, it’s not just about materials - it’s about creating pieces that last in terms of both quality and design. We believe true sustainability starts with craftsmanship and longevity. Each Ted 1942 bag is made using full-grain Italian leather, solid brass hardware and timeless design principles so it can be cherished for years. We produce in small batches with highly skilled Italian artisans, ensuring nothing is wasted and every piece is made with care and purpose. 

We also design with intention - fewer, better pieces that carry meaning, not trends. In many ways, our heritage approach naturally aligns with sustainability: quality over quantity, and craftsmanship over fast fashion. 

What's new for Showcase 2026? 

For Showcase 2026, we’re very excited to be introducing a brand-new handbag design alongside a curated selection of small luxury accessories. Each piece continues our commitment to timeless design, Italian craftsmanship, and Irish storytelling - but with fresh details and refined functionality that reflect how women live and travel today. It’s an evolution of the Ted 1942 aesthetic - still rooted in heritage, but with a contemporary edge that we can’t wait to share. 

Find Ted 1942 at Stand L74 in the Local Enterprise Office Showcase.