Local heroes: Celebrating style ahead of Cork Fashion Week

Ahead of Cork Fashion Week, Carolyn Moore pays tribute to our boutiques and their independent spirit.

It’s what Cork is known for, and this season it’s the prevailing mood in fashion — an independent spirit swept the autumn/winter collections and the fashion world is celebrating individuality like never before.

It’s an attitude that comes naturally to the independent spirits who have been shaping Ireland’s fashion landscape for decades; the passionate retailers and boutique owners who work tirelessly to stay ahead of the curve, sourcing new labels, championing creativity, supporting emerging designers, and — most importantly — putting their unique stamp on the increasingly homogenous high streets of our towns and cities (not to mention our increasingly clone-like wardrobes).