In this candid conversation, we sit down with Irish fashion designer Claire Garvey to explore a career shaped by instinct, individuality and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. From sculptural one-off creations to repurposed hubcaps transformed into bodices, Claire has built a distinctive niche in Irish fashion over more than two decades. Based in Temple Bar, her work challenges convention, celebrates craftsmanship and proves that staying true to your vision can become a lifelong livelihood.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your creative beginnings.

“My mum is an artist,” Claire explains, reflecting on a childhood filled with painting and decorating. Creativity was never separate from everyday life it was woven into it. That early exposure to art shaped the way she approaches fashion today.

Interestingly, Claire notes that her process has remained largely unchanged. What has evolved, however, is her philosophy around production. Where she once created limited edition pieces, she now produces entirely one-off designs.

“Every time I did more than one of something, it diluted it in my mind,” she says. “I love the idea of just doing one and that’s a special piece in itself.”

A woman in a sophisticated dress and a wide-brimmed hat, exuding elegance and charm.

A woman dressed in a fancy gown and a large hat, showcasing a refined and fashionable appearance. — Model Patsy Pleasure with Claire Garvey creation - Credit : Cara Raven Photograhy

The moment everything changed

When she first opened her shop, Claire was growing tired of producing limited editions. Then came her very first customer, a woman celebrating her 21st birthday who wanted to “look like a tree.”

It was a turning point.

Claire sculpted a bodice to resemble bark, leaning fully into her love of theatrical, organic design. The response confirmed what she instinctively knew: this was the direction she was meant to take.

From there, commissions grew organically. Musicians, singers and creatives began seeking out something unconventional, something sculptural and deeply personal.

Nile Rodgers and Claire Garvey hold a red ribbon together, symbolizing unity and celebration — Nile Rodgers and Claire Garvey

Sustainability as a core value

Long before sustainability became an industry buzzword, Claire was already questioning excess. She recalls being in college alongside designers who travelled internationally to source expensive fabrics.

“To me that just didn’t seem right,” she reflects. “Everybody should have the same playing field.”

Instead, she worked with what was around her acorns, pine cones, found objects. For Claire, sustainability is not a trend but a mindset. Everything holds potential.

She recently learned how to cycle and, during one ride, discovered a discarded hubcap on the road. That hubcap became a bodice later worn by Irish performer Bambi Thug.

Moments like these perfectly encapsulate her ethos: resourceful, imaginative and unapologetically original.

Claire is optimistic about the direction of Irish fashion. She highlights the phenomenal progress being made, particularly by younger generations. Events such as Dublin Fashion Week showcase designers embracing reclaimed fabrics and circular practices. She also judges at Junk Couture, where 14 to 17-year-olds create sustainable designs from recycled materials.

“They’re the future of Ireland and the world,” she says. “It’s so inspiring.”

A woman in a colorful dress by Claire Garvey strolls along the street at the Cow’s Lane Fashion Show, photographed by Colin Mulcahy. — Cow’s Lane Fashion Show - Credit : Colin Mulcahy Photogrphy

Carving your own path

Claire is passionate about encouraging emerging designers to resist conformity. Early in her career, she was advised to produce commercially safe pieces, palazzo trousers and semi-mass production lines in order to survive financially.

Instead, she chose the harder route.

After 24 years, she now owns her shop outright and has established a recognisable niche built on one-off sculptural work.

“You don’t have to follow the masses,” she advises. “Go off and be the black sheep and do what you want. If you do that from the heart, it shows in your work.”

Her message is clear: authenticity resonates.

Elle Vosque from RuPaul's Drag Race UK, showcasing her vibrant red hair and intricate costume design by Claire Garvey — Elle vosque for Ru Paul’s Dragrace UK

What’s next?

Claire is currently working on some of her most sculptural pieces to date larger and more ambitious than ever before. What begins as an intention to create something simple often evolves into something bold and dramatic.

She is also participating in The Corset Revival, a project that reimagines and recycles corsets into entirely new forms. The work will be featured in Birmingham this March as part of a circular fashion initiative, further reinforcing her commitment to sustainable innovation.

Claire Garvey’s journey is proof that individuality can be a business model. In a world that often rewards repetition and speed, she champions singularity, patience and purpose. Her career stands as a reminder that when creativity is guided by conviction rather than convention, it not only survives, it flourishes.

To watch the full interview with Claire Garvey, click HERE and discover more on our Instagram.