The Making of the Donegal Galanta Vest

The Donegal Galanta Vest started with a simple question: could I design something that worked like a poncho, but without all the drawbacks?

I've always loved throwing a poncho over an outfit, especially when the weather can't quite make up its mind. The problem is that they can be bulky. They don't always sit well under a coat, they're awkward with a backpack or cross-body bag, and sometimes they end up getting in the way more than they help.

I wanted to create something that gave that same feeling of comfort and warmth, but in a much more practical way.

The result is the Donegal Galanta Vest.

It's designed to be one of those pieces you don't have to think too hard about. Throw it over a slip dress on a summer evening, wear it with a crisp white shirt for work, or pair it with a simple vest top and your favourite jeans. Because your arms are free, you can still wear a little rucksack or cross-body bag comfortably without everything bunching up underneath.

The shape took quite a while to get right. I wanted it to skim the body rather than swamp it, creating an easy silhouette that works on lots of different body shapes and layers naturally over clothing without feeling too oversized.

Like so much of my work, the landscape of Ireland found its way into the design process. Living with Irish heritage, I seem to come back to it time and time again. The muted colours of the coastline, the rolling hills, weathered stone walls and changing skies all influenced the finished piece. I didn't want obvious motifs or traditional patterns; I wanted the garment to capture a feeling instead.

Choosing the yarn was just as important as designing the shape. I settled on a beautiful blend of cashmere, merino wool and silk, combining softness, warmth and strength in one yarn. It feels luxurious to wear but is also practical enough to become part of everyday life.

Each vest is knitted individually in small batches by myself on my hand flat knitting machine before being carefully finished by hand. There's no electricity used in the knitting of this garment until the wash stage. I don't believe clothing has to be made quickly to be good. I'd much rather spend the extra time making something that will still be in someone's wardrobe years from now.

The Donegal Galanta Vest is available in three colourways, each inspired by the Irish landscape in different ways. They're colours that are easy to wear, easy to layer and, hopefully, won't date.

For me, good knitwear isn't about following trends. It's about making pieces that quietly earn their place in your wardrobe. Garments that you reach for without thinking because they just work.

I hope the Donegal Galanta Vest becomes one of those pieces.