‘Pigeon’ t-shirts are set to fly at design show in RDS

A UNIQUE set of eco-friendly t-shirts featuring the iconic Poolbeg Chimneys are expected to be one of this year’s most sought-after fashion items at the Gifted Contemporary Craft and Design Fair in the RDS.

The Poolbeg Chimneys, which are part of the Pigeon House complex, have proved the most popular t-shirt design by rapidly-expanding Dublin makers Due South.

The t-shirts, which are made from recycled plastic bottles and organic cotton, have even inspired one customer to replicate the design in a tattoo.

Founded by former life-coach Paul Harrington, from Rathmines, the t-shirts comprise clean and simple designs, which have evoked a certain nostalgia – and have been snapped up in Ireland and abroad.

 “I was advising people to make life changes, so I decided to follow that very advice myself and turn my screen-printing hobby into a business, with huge support from my fiancée Melanie Mondini,” said Paul.

 “When we designed the Pigeon House t-shirt, it was like making a number one hit single – everyone suddenly wanted one.

 “The Dublin landmark has created so much nostalgia,” he added.

“People are sending us stories of growing up and one customer liked our design so much, he got it tattooed on himself.

 “One man recalled how times were especially tough for his family one Christmas and that their mum, who couldn’t afford a tree, told them to look out at the Pigeon House – that was their tree that year.

 “Our range of designs are a subtle nod towards Irish lifestyle,” Paul explained. “A lot of them also denote the West Coast and coastlines such as surfers or the Skellig Islands.”

Gifted celebrates the best os over 600 Irish designers and makers from fashion to jewellery and beyond.

Record-breaking crowds of over 45,000 are expected to generate more than €1m per day in sales at this year’s largest-ever six-day fair, which runs from from December 5-10.

Formerly known as the National Crafts and Design Fair, Gifted includes top cutting-edge designers and makers in Irish fashion, ceramics and glass, jewellery, art and photography, children’s gifts and presents that are inspired by nature.

The event includes a spectacular Christmas Food Emporium featuring over 120 artisan food producers, who will be taste-tempting visitors with the best of the season’s fare.

Gifted offers Ireland’s largest Christmas gift shopping experience with prices starting from as little as €5.

In addition, there will be 10 per cent off everything at the fair on the opening day, Tuesday, December 5.

The Gifted Contemporary Craft and Design Fair is taking place at the RDS Main Hall from December 5-10 from 10am each day. See www.giftedfair.ie