COLLECTIONThe Shawl Series Inspiration
History & Background
The Shawl - The Galway shawl was a thick, warm shawl worn by women on the Aran Islands from the late 1800s up until the 1950s. The shawl was made in Paisley, Scotland, using a special loom, but it had its own Irish style. It had a plain centre, often light brown, with a wide, colourful border in reds and browns, and fringes around the edges.
It was made from cotton and wool and finished to feel soft and slightly velvety. The shawl was both practical and decorative, often featuring a “buta” pattern, a design with roots in ancient Persia and Babylon.
The men equally work bright colours and patterns in the form of “The Críos” this was a traditional hand woven belt, each had its own unique colours and patterns and was worn with a wool waistcoat and trousers.