Desire Lines: New design label celebrates notable Irish women

Plus a new collection from one of our go-to affordable jewellery brands

Check out this week's highlights from the Weekend team.

The Gracie dress by Irish design label Mná. (€425)

The new label

After building a loyal following with Queens of Archive, Irish designer Sarah Plunkett is launching a brand-new label: Mná. With pieces named after Irish women including Dolores O’Riordan, Grace O’Malley and Imelda May, its not surprising the founder says the label is made for fierce, rebellious women.

Think black leather, gold accents and snakeskin. The brand will stock UK sizes 6 -16 and launch across two curated drops. The first is on August 1, with the second following in mid-August. Prices start from €54 for slogan T-shirts (we love the Sinéad O’Connor inspired ‘I Don’t Know No Shame’) with the Gracie dress, pictured, retailing at €425.

• the-mna.com

The Celestial Diamond Pinky by Betty and Biddy. (€55)

The accessory

Betty and Biddy has established itself as one of our go-to affordable jewellery brands. The new ring collection makes a statement while remaining effortlessly wearable, with sculptural silhouettes and brilliant stones. Our favourite? The Celestial Diamond Pinky, €55.

• bettyandbiddy.com

One of The Montenotte's newly refurbished suites

The urban retreat

The Montenotte has refurbished 36 of its bedrooms, creating a Signature Collection and securing its position as Cork’s urban resort.

Building on the success of the Woodland Suites, the rooms feature a palette of warm neutrals and soft blush tones, layered with tactile fabrics. Clever design means the rooms have three distinct seating areas, reflecting a shift towards experience-led stays, with layouts tailored to how guests can enjoy the space, from morning to night. Rates for the Signature Collection rooms start from €325 per night including breakfast.

• themontenottehotel.com

Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Easy Eyeshadow Sticks. (€35)

The eyeshadow stick

Charlotte Tilbury’s new Exagger-Eyes Easy Eyeshadow Sticks are quick, easy glide options for fuss free summer make up. Think bigger brighter eyes in seconds with high impact colour and the promise of 24 hour waterproof shading. Trust us, they deliver. Available in 12 colours from light cool nudes to chocolate bronzes. €35.

• charlottetilbury.com

Samui x Faliero Sarti scarf featuring iconic cork landmarks

The scarf

Samui is marking its 25th anniversary with an exclusive collaboration with Faliero Sarti. The limited-edition scarf, a wearable work of art, is an illustrated tribute to Cork, featuring a hand-drawn map alongside local landmarks including the English Market, Blackrock Castle and Charles Fort.

• samuicork.com

Tom Keogh (left), founder and MD of Keogh’s Farm, and former Ireland and Ulster Rugby captain Rory Best at the launch of Rory’s Miles to Mayo ─ the Trilogy. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

The charity challenge

Ireland rugby legend Rory Best will captain a team of business leaders on a powerful journey this September. They will walk nine marathons in nine days, covering over 235 miles throughout Ireland. It is all to raise money for Cancer Fund for Children. The charity provides emotional, social and therapeutic support to young people impacted by cancer and their families. Tom Keogh, the crisp founder, is one of the business leaders taking part, and as part of its support for Rory’s Miles to Mayo, Keoghs has released a limited-edition batch of its Mature Irish Cheese & Onion crisps featuring the Cancer Fund for Children daisy logo.

A scannable QR code on the bag will give people the opportunity to donate to this very worthy cause.

• RorysMiles2Mayo.CancerFundForChildren.com

Coleen Rooney is collaborating with Penneys for the second time for an autumn/winter collection

The collection

After the success of her first collection with Penneys earlier this year, Coleen Rooney is back with her first autumn/winter edit for our favourite budget brand. Expect versatile wardrobe staples in seasonal shades of burgundy and navy, with trendy checks and funnel necks all making an appearance.

Available from July 28, the collection also marks her first foray into kidswear, with a range of affordable hoodies, T-shirts, polos and joggers in a variety of colours. We reckon this funnel-neck jacket will be one of the first pieces to sell out. €34.

• primark.com/en-ie