About Mary O'Sullivan

“Mary O’Sullivan was born out of a desire to create, at a time when I couldn’t do anything else.

After completing my honours degree in Limerick School of Art and Design and having worked in London’s embroidery houses, I decided to step out of the intense fashion industry and focus on raising my daughter and nurturing myself as a single parent. When Covid arrived and with loved ones urgently needing face masks, I returned to the sewing machine. 

It started with simple, functional face masks for friends and family, but it quickly evolved into commissioned pieces as demand grew. Custom prints, embroidery, embellishments...before I knew it, I had created a 3 piece bespoke collection of hand beaded face masks, becoming a finalist in the Fashion Textiles category for the Irish Design Institute. I had found myself back on the path of creativity and design.

But what would that path look like? Over the years, the problems of fast-fashion had come increasingly apparent: its exploitation, its pollution, its waste. I desired a more intimate and slow approach when it comes to making garments. I yearned to embrace the essence of traditional clothing construction and pay homage to my skills in embroidery and modern print design.

I began exploring my creativity and my heritage, combining aspects of my home and my personality to create something that captures the essence of my hometown of Limerick. This manifested as a contemporary Toile de Jouy print where each hand drawn landscape and floral illustration is made using modern technologies that consume less ink than traditional means. 

And now, I am producing an array of eclectic designs and interior pieces from my hometown of Limerick. As a small brand and artist, I embrace a deliberate and thoughtful approach to my work. This means utilising eco-friendly printing processes, using compostable and recyclable packaging and practicing responsible production methods, with each garment made in micro batches or specifically made to order.

With my work, I want to create timeless, lasting pieces that people can bring with them on their journeys. Pieces that stand out from the crowd. Pieces that let you know and connect with other members of the Mary O’Sullivan community at a glance. Pieces that tell the world that you are part of a community of people striving for positive change, who love and respect others and who always are up for the craic.’’

- Mary O’Sullivan