Blarney
Life on the Aran Islands at the west coast of Ireland was hard and tedious. The weather was rough like the sea which separated the islands from the mainland. In order to brave the lashing pitiless wind, which often turns the raindrops into wet missiles during storms, a fisherman needs one thing in particular: weatherproof, durable clothing. This is how Ireland’s and particularly the Aran Islands’ famous garment was created. Today, besides tourism, residents live on the production of the so-called Aran sweater after having largely averted grueling fishing. It is considered weatherproof and almost waterproof. In fact, it works as a water-repellent garment when it is manufactured according to the original, traditional production.
The traditional creamy white sweater usually consists of pure new wool and is mainly characterized by a feature that makes the Aran sweater almost an essential winter fashion piece. The charming, refined cable stitch is available in innumerable variations and has always influenced the knitwear.
Image Source: left: www.aransweatermarket.com, right: www.blarney.com
While Blarney and Aran Sweater Market offer traditional Aran sweaters and cardigans for women, men and children, attracting attention with charming subtle home designs and a high quality, other ready-to-wear labels resort to more extravagant variations of the Irish fashion classic.
Image Source: www.isabelmarant.com
In the winter 2016/17, Isabel Marant equips the fashion fanatics with Aran sweaters that impress with military decorations, very typical of the rocking, wild and preppy style of the designer.
Image Source: prabalgurung.com
Those who like it more extravagant and dignified should check out the modified, yet unbelievably beautiful sweaters of Prabal Gurung which are casually combined with midi skirts on the mannequins.
