I nis M eáin
A uthentic Persian rugs can only come from Persia. Authentic Native American turquoise can only come from the American west. Therefore, the Aran sweater can only be authentic when it comes from the west coast of Ireland, thirty miles out to sea on the Aran Islands. Inis Meáin is one such authentic producer of Aran sweaters. Each piece is hand-knit and finished on Inishmaan, the middle of the three Aran Islands. The company was founded in 1976 by husband and wife Tarlach de Blácam and Áine Ní Chonghaile—the latter a native of Inishmaan. The couple are committed to preserving the traditional knitting techniques utilized by generations of seafaring families, while exploring contemporary designs and materials for the modern consumer. The Aran sweater, characterized by its woolen construction and cable- knit patterns along the body and sleeves, was classically worn by fishermen and knitted by the women of the islands. Its oily, lanolin- rich wool yarns were both warm and water-resistant—perfect for the perpetual dampness of life around the sea. The quintessential example was dark in color with simplistic patterns. On land, decorative Aran sweaters in brighter white or cream with more intricate cable-knit designs were worn for formal events. The raised, dimensional nature of cable knitting makes it harder to replicate with a machine or even a 3D printer. Therefore, authentic Aran sweaters are knitted by hand. It is the delicate handiwork of an Inis Meáin knit that makes their sweaters perfectly imperfect. Their creations are crafted with genuine human-to-human interaction in mind. The resulting products are an updated version of what the Aran fishermen and Aran townspeople would wear. Inis Meáin can be found at high-profile retailers like Barneys and Matchesfashion.com, as well as over 100 independent haberdasheries and fine clothiers around the world. Today, the brand follows the seasons, releasing heavier knits of wool, cashmere, and alpaca fibers for fall/winter and lighter yarns in the spring/summer.
The linen “pub jacket” cardigan is especially elegant for the mid-year months when the sun peeks out and the days stretch longer, but a chilly breeze persists. A new knit shirt-jacket is also on offer this year. Such pieces have become pervasive in menswear, as they blend the warmth of a jacket with the slouchy informality of an unbuttoned overshirt. Inis Meáin sources its yarns across the world from the best mills of Italy and Japan. Using sustainable, traceable supply chains creates an ecologically-conscious end product. While the designs may appear simplistic at first, knowing the history behind each understated garment makes the pieces special in a new way. The fashion world is clamoring for uniqueness and authenticity; focusing on niche designers rather than products produced en-masse. Brands that have been quietly preserving the traditions of fashion—like Inis Meáin—are now gaining prominence in today’s market. Inis Meáin knit sweaters, jumpers, and jackets range from $375 to $700 and are available at the brand’s online shop and many fine retailers around the world. END
Rare Luxury Living 217
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