What services do you provide?

Saraden Designs offers a collection of ready-to-wear millinery and hair accessories, available through the online store and selected stockists, alongside a bespoke design service for clients looking for something truly individual.

I also offer complimentary online styling consultations, where I work with clients to discuss their outfits, personal style, colour preferences and the overall look they wish to achieve. Whether it’s a wedding, a day at the races or another special occasion, I can offer guidance on styles, shapes and designs to complement each individual.

What makes Saraden Designs different is that I handmake all of my own fabrics in my studio in Ashbourne, Co. Meath. Using my background in textile design, embroidery and sculpture, I develop and manipulate these fabrics into distinctive, sculptural pieces. This allows me to create completely individual designs and coordinate millinery with almost any outfit.

Sustainability is central to the business. Everything is designed and handmade in-house, with fabric offcuts continually reworked into new designs, ensuring materials are used thoughtfully and waste is kept to a minimum.

I also offer a millinery rental service, providing clients with the opportunity to wear a statement piece for a special occasion.

How did you break into the industry?

I’ve always been creative. Growing up, I was constantly making things, and I was the person who would sew outfits before going out on a Saturday night, mend friends’ clothes and always have a needle and thread in my bag!

I studied Fashion and Textile Design before going on to study Visual Arts Practice at IADT in Dun Laoghaire. During my studies, I developed my own fabric medium, which ultimately became the foundation of Saraden Designs.

The real turning point came when my mum asked me to make her a hat for a wedding she was attending. That one request opened up a whole new creative direction, and I began exploring how I could transform my handmade fabrics into millinery. Saraden Designs was established in 2016, and what started as a creative experiment has grown into an award-winning millinery atelier.

Since then, I’ve received over 20 business awards and accolades, been featured in Irish and international publications, appeared on television and showcased my work at fashion events across Ireland and internationally. More recently, being selected to represent Irish millinery as part of The Irish Edit at Ireland Fashion Week 2026 was a particularly special milestone.

I’ve also had the opportunity to collaborate with some incredible stylists, photographers, designers and creatives. Every experience has opened new doors and challenged me to develop my work further. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m still as passionate about creating and pushing the boundaries of millinery as I was when I first started.

What is your favourite part of your job?

Without a doubt, creating. I genuinely believe that the more you create, the more creative you become. Ideas begin to flow, one thought leads to another, and before you know it, you’re completely immersed in the process.

For me, the most exciting part is taking an idea that exists only in my head and working out how to bring it to life. I love experimenting with my fabrics, exploring different textures, manipulating shapes and discovering what I can create from materials I’ve developed myself.

I can lose hours in my studio without even realising it. It’s not unusual to look at the clock and wonder where the day has gone! That feeling of being completely absorbed in what you’re doing is what makes me so passionate about my work.

I also love that I’m constantly learning. No two designs need to be the same, and there’s always another technique to explore, another idea to experiment with or a new direction to take. For me, creativity is about never standing still.

What’s a snippet of advice for a bride?

My biggest piece of advice is to choose your dress first and then consider your hair and accessories as part of the overall look.

Your headpiece should complement your dress, hairstyle and personal style rather than compete with them. Think about the neckline, detailing and silhouette of your gown, as well as how you plan to wear your hair.

I’d also encourage brides not to leave their accessories until the last minute. Your headpiece can make a real difference to the overall look, and it’s worth taking the time to explore different styles, shapes and colours.

Most importantly, don’t feel you have to follow trends. Your wedding day should reflect you. Whether you choose something understated and elegant or a more sculptural statement piece, the right accessory should make you feel confident, comfortable and completely yourself.

I always encourage brides to book a complimentary styling consultation. It’s a lovely opportunity to explore ideas, discuss your outfit and find something that brings the entire look together.

What is happening in your business now?

2026 is a particularly special year for Saraden Designs as it marks ten years in business. What began as a passion project has developed into an award-winning millinery atelier, and I’m incredibly proud of how far the business has come.

I’m continuing to develop new collections, expand my stockist network and explore exciting opportunities within the Irish and international fashion industries. Being selected for The Irish Edit at Ireland Fashion Week 2026 was a fantastic opportunity to showcase my work alongside some of Ireland’s most exciting designers.

I’m also delighted to have received the Outstanding Achievement Wedding Accessories Supplier of the Year award in 2026 Lets Talk Weddings Awards, recognising the creativity and craftsmanship behind my bridal designs.

You can explore the collections, discover bespoke designs and book a complimentary online styling consultation through my website.

Website: www.saradendesigns.com 

Instagram: @saradendesigns