Margaret O'Connor (milliner)
Margaret O'Connor | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1986 (age 39–40)[1] County Clare, Ireland[2] |
| Education | GMIT |
| Occupations | Milliner, fashion designer |
| Known for | Millinery |
| Website | https://notionsbymargaretoconnor.com/ |
Margaret O'Connor is an Irish milliner and fashion designer known for creating bespoke hats and headpieces. Her work has been featured at Irish and international fashion events, and she has designed headwear for public figures, performers, and television productions. She is the founder of the millinery brand Margaret O'Connor.[3][4]
Career
O'Connor earned a bachelor's degree in sculpture and paint at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology.[5]
O'Connor trained as a milliner before establishing her own business in Ireland. Early in her career she worked with Irish milliner Philip Treacy, an experience that influenced her approach to couture headwear.[6]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, O'Connor adapted her business by expanding into online retail and virtual consultations, a move that was profiled by The Times.[7]
Her work has been exhibited through projects including the Dublin Fringe Festival, where she designed contemporary headpieces inspired by Dublin statues.[8][9]
In 2026, O'Connor designed the distinctive red sculptural headpiece worn by author Maggie O'Farrell at the British Academy Film Awards. The design received widespread media coverage in Ireland following the ceremony.[10][11]
Recognition
In 2014 O'Connor was awarded Millinerey Designer of the Year at the Irish Fashion Innovation Awards.[12]
In 2017 O'Connor won the Global Innovations Award in Shanghai for her collaborations with designer Derek Lawlor.[13]
In 2019 O'Connor won a national entrepreneurship award recognising her work in developing her business.[14]
Style
O'Connor's work combines traditional millinery techniques with sculptural contemporary forms. Her collections frequently incorporate hand-shaped felt, silk, sinamay and sculptural embellishments. She has described her aim as producing wearable couture suitable for both formal occasions and everyday fashion.[15]
References
- ↑ Lucey, Ray (2 September 2019). "Notions: Margaret O'Connor wins big at ILDN Enterprise Awards". changingireland.ie.
- ↑ McDermott, Roe (29 August 2017). "Revolution in the Head: Hot Press speaks to Irish hat designer Margaret O'Connor". Hot Press.
- ↑ Ryan, Charlotte (12 July 2023). "Margaret O'Connor on designing for "everyday queens" of all class". RTE.
- ↑ McQuinlan, Deirdre (17 February 2018). "Making heads turn: Clare milliner Margaret O'Connor". The Irish Times.
- ↑ "Hats off to Irish milliner Margaret O'Connor". theupcoming.co.uk. 3 January 2014.
- ↑ "Passing the hat: Irish creatives tell what it's really like working for the legendary Philip Treacy". Irish Independent. 27 July 2019.
- ↑ "Milliner Margaret O'Connor Is Among Irish Retailers Throwing Their Hats In A New Ring During Lockdown". The Times.
- ↑ Roberts, Sam (13 September 2018). "Dublin Fringe Festival: Famous statues receive colourful makeovers as festival gets underway". Irish Mirror.
- ↑ O'Connor, Ruth (11 September 2018). "Margaret O'Connor is turning heads in the most unusual spots in town". Irish Examiner.
- ↑ Byrne, Aoife. "Maggie O'Farrell's red Bafta headpiece was made by Margaret O'Connor and costs €260 – Here's what we know about the Irish designer". Irish Independent.
- ↑ "Designer Margaret O'Connor: How I made Maggie O'Farrell's BAFTA headpiece". RTE. 11 March 2026.
- ↑ McGann, Colin (24 April 2014). "Hats off the milliner Margaret". Clare Champion.
- ↑ McQuillan, Deirdre (25 December 2021). "Irish creatives mix food and fashion by pairing hats to cakes". The Irish Times.
- ↑ Clarke, Vivienne (17 May 2019). "Milliner Margaret O'Connor wins top entrepreneur prize". The Irish Times.
- ↑ O'Regan, Elaine (26 May 2019). "Hats off to Co Clare milliner going places". Business Post.