AMN x Brown Thomas

Six months ago, we launched our very first collection at Brown Thomas Dundrum - a milestone that marked an exciting new chapter for Aoife McNamara. Looking back, it’s incredible to reflect on how this partnership has flourished and how deeply grateful we are for the opportunity to continue working with such an iconic institution in Irish fashion.

From the very beginning, this collaboration was about more than just showcasing our designs. It was about amplifying a message of conscious fashion, sustainability, and the power of Irish craftsmanship. Being welcomed into the Brown Thomas family was a dream come true, and to see our pieces embraced by a wider audience has been deeply inspiring.

The collection we introduced at Brown Thomas, Swimming in Plastic, was inspired by a moment that deeply impacted Aoife. During a sea swim in Biarritz, Aoife emerged from the water covered in microplastics. How have we as a society normalized plastic pollution in our oceans? Aoife then knew that she had to channel that shock into something meaningful.

Each season, Aoife strives to share an educational message through her designs. Fashion, for us at Aoife Mc Namara, is a vessel for education, a way to raise awareness about sustainability through storytelling and craftsmanship. Swimming in Plastic embodies this mission, reflecting the urgent need to address ocean pollution.

The collection’s Magee tweed features light flecks representing microplastics, while the unique buttons on our tailored garments are shaped like seashells - a nod to the fragile beauty of marine life. Every piece carries an internal label detailing its origin, inspiration, and the Irish fabric from which it is made. These elements serve as reminders of the connection between fashion and the environment, encouraging a shift towards more conscious choices.

One of the most important aspects of this collection is that it features Irish-woven fabrics. That is such a passion point for us here at Aoife Mc Namara. When you buy an Aoife McNamara piece, you’re not just supporting our small business - you’re also supporting Magee and all the people who work for Magee. This is a huge part of sustainability: fostering a sustainable economy.

At Aoife Mc Namara, sustainability goes beyond materials; it’s about supporting local industries, championing heritage craftsmanship, and ensuring that traditional skills continue to thrive. By choosing Irish-made fabrics, we are strengthening our local economy, preserving centuries-old techniques, and creating a ripple effect of positive impact.

A signature piece in our collection is the Victorian-inspired corset, which features a small emblem of Ireland placed close to the heart. Ireland is always Aoife’s inspiration. When she first started designing, Aoife felt there was a huge gap in the market for contemporary garments made with Irish materials and she wanted to support local fabric, but couldn’t find anything contemporary. Aoife felt that was really missing in the market. That’s why, from the very beginning, using Irish tweeds became one of Aoife’s biggest passion points. It was about taking these incredible, traditional fabrics and reimagining them in a way that felt fresh, modern, and wearable for today.

What makes this moment even more special is that our relationship with Brown Thomas is not just a moment in time - it is an ongoing partnership that we truly value. Over the past six months, we’ve continued to learn, grow, and refine our approach, ensuring that every step forward aligns with our mission to reimagine fashion for the better.

This collaboration has also opened doors to new possibilities. It has challenged us to push creative boundaries, explore new sustainable innovations, and reaffirm our commitment to slow fashion. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue this journey and to see where the next chapter of Aoife McNamara x Brown Thomas will take us.

To everyone who has supported us - whether by visiting the collection in-store, sharing your love for our designs, or simply believing in our vision - we are endlessly grateful. Your support fuels our passion and reminds us why we do what we do.

As we move forward, we remain dedicated to creating fashion that nurtures rather than exploits, that tells a story rather than follows a trend, and that connects us all in a meaningful way.

Here’s to the next six months and beyond!