Recently I attended the Jewellery Launch of Mairead deBlaca‘s 1916 collection which is centered around the Easter Lily. The event itself was held in The Design House on 37 Dawson Street, in Dublin which showcases and selles an array of Irish Designer’s work.
When I arrived I was greeted with warm welcomes and I arrived early so that I could see all that the Design House had to offer. And I was not disappointed. There are treasures in every corner of the building and even the outside of the building is visually stunning – especially when lit up at night.
I got the great opportunity to meet Mairéad and she talked me through both her Easter Lily collection but also her other pieces. What I loved about talking to her is learning about the inspirations behind the different pieces – you can learn so much about a designer’s work by being able to talk directly with them rather than just buying a piece online.
Mairéad is hands down just an amazing women, she was both friendly and warm and I felt like I had known her for years! We discussed her new collection which is centered around the 1916 Easter Lily. Mairéad wanted her collection to be able to be worn by all – and I think the choice of the Lily was a brilliant one. The label pin is one of my favourite pieces of the collection as it is so striking and unusual and yet you can style it into most outfits. The pieces are available in both gold and sterling silver.
The Easter Lily in the shape of a calla lily flower, is a symbol of remembrance of those who died during or were executed after the 1916 Rising. It was first designed by Cumann na mBan (The Republican women’s organisation) in 1925 to raise money for the dependents of Republican prisoners and to commemorate the men and women who fought in The Easter Rising 1916.
The Lily is a beautiful flower first seen in the springtime and hence its connection with Easter 1916 when the first buds of the modern Irish freedom struggle blossomed. Its colours –Green, White and Orange echo the national flag, the tri-colour, which symbolises the hope for Peace, Harmony and Unity between all sections of the community on the island of Ireland.
All of Mairéad’s jewellery is designed and made in Ireland and here is a small selection of some of her other pieces which are just amazing and I would highly recommend that you check out her website to see what she has in her shop. The pieces would make the perfect gift (or a treat for you!).
A big thank you to the Design House and Mairéad – it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and I felt honoured to be there for the launch of this special collection. You can view Mairéad’s pieces as well as purchase on her website, and she also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Keep your eyes peeled on her as there will be a very special interview coming up next week in the run up to Easter with Mairéad and you can learn much more both about her and her inspirations.
