Irish Stars Who Joined Victoria Beckham in the Fashion World
The Challenge of Turning Celebrity into Fashion Success
The journey of turning a celebrity name into a successful fashion brand is no easy task. It requires dedication, resilience, and a deep understanding of the industry. As highlighted in a recent Netflix documentary about Victoria Beckham, even with her fame and resources, she had to learn new skills, face challenges, and work hard to establish credibility in the fashion world.
In Ireland, several celebrities have attempted to make the leap from sports, modeling, or entertainment into the fashion industry. Some have found success, while others have struggled. Let's take a closer look at seven Irish fashion brands founded by celebrities and how they have fared.
Joanne McNally – Anxious Preoccupied
The Dublin comedian Joanne McNally, known for her work on TV shows like The Late Late Show, co-founded the accessories brand Anxious Preoccupied with Nikki Lannen in 2023. Initially hesitant about leveraging her celebrity status, she has since embraced her role as an entrepreneur.
The brand’s name was inspired by an ex-boyfriend’s attachment style—“anxious preoccupied.” The range features bold vegan bags that are now available in major retailers like Arnotts and Brown Thomas, as well as online. One of the most popular items is the oversized holdall, priced at €149. While McNally remains committed to comedy, her side business has grown into a profitable venture.
Pippa O'Connor Ormond – POCO By Pippa
Pippa O'Connor Ormond, a Kildare model, launched her denim line POCO By Pippa in 2016. The brand quickly gained popularity, selling 149,000 pairs of jeans in its first five years. With a strong social media presence and a series of pop-up shops, POCO expanded rapidly.
In 2023, O'Connor ventured into beauty with her first product, Universal Glow. The brand now has a presence in major stores and online. While she focuses on her beauty line, there are no plans for new fashion collections this year, though she intends to return to it in the future.
Paul Galvin – Dunnes Stores
Paul Galvin, a former GAA All-Ireland-winning footballer and teacher, has become one of Ireland’s most successful menswear designers. He launched his collection for Dunnes Stores in 2013, gaining a reputation for stylish and sometimes unconventional designs.
Galvin has no formal design training but believes in dressing authentically. His current collection, Bas, draws inspiration from hurling, keeping him connected to his sporting roots. The streetwear line is modern and contemporary, reflecting his personal style.
Sonya Lennon and Brendan Courtney – Lennon Courtney
Lennon Courtney, founded by TV presenters Sonya Lennon and Brendan Courtney, launched in 2012 at Arnotts before moving to Dunnes Stores from 2014 to 2022. The duo, known for their show Off The Rails, has a taste for clean, modern designs.
Since 2023, they have collaborated with Kilkenny Design on a range of clothing, accessories, and homeware. Their brand offers distinctive, colorful styles that appeal to Irish women looking for something unique.
Bono and Ali Herson – Edun
Bono and Ali Herson, the couple behind the brand Edun, aimed to promote trade in Africa by sourcing production there. They also used organic and recycled materials to reduce their environmental impact.
However, the brand struggled financially and accumulated losses of $1.8 billion by 2018. In 2010, the couple appeared in a Louis Vuitton ad wearing Edun clothing, but the brand eventually ceased operations. Despite multiple creative directors, including Irish designer Sharon Wauchob, it never found a consistent market or identity.
Nathan Carter – Carter Clothing
Country singer Nathan Carter surprised many when he launched Carter Clothing in 2024. The collection, developed over 18 months, focuses on "dressing well with minimal hassle." It includes classic, high-quality pieces such as T-shirts, Aran sweaters, cargo jackets, and joggers.
Carter emphasizes comfort and fit, using natural fibers and preshrunk fabrics for consistency. The brand, available at carterclothing.com, offers a casual yet stylish look.
Glenda Gilson – G
TV presenter and former model Glenda Gilson launched her jewelry brand G By Glenda Gilson in 2017 with designer Natasha Obernik. With a strong social media following, she saw an opportunity to expand her influence into fashion.
Her designs, featuring rose gold, sterling silver, and 18-carat gold, were well-received. However, the brand eventually ceased operations, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a fashion label.
