Edenderry designer debuts new collection at Paris Fashion Week

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Edenderry native Margaret Coyne debuted her collection, Loinnir, at Paris Fashion Week on Thursday, October 2, as part of the Flying Solo “Ones to Watch” showcase.

Representing Ireland among a select group of 72 international designers in the Flying Solo “Ones to Watch” showcase, Margaret's appearance at Paris Fashion Week marked a proud moment for Irish couture.

Speaking to the Offaly Independent about where her love of fashion and design came from, Margaret credited her mother as her first inspiration.

"When I was young, my mother was very, very creative,” Margaret said. “She was always making clothes, knitting, crocheting. I used to always be just sitting at her elbow, being fascinated with how she could take a piece of fabric and the next thing, it’s a dress.”

Having went to school in St Mary’s Secondary School in Edenderry, Margaret went on to study fashion at Grafton Academy in Dublin.

“I was always sketching and getting into trouble in school for drawing on my copies. It was always there in me.

“When it came to choosing a career, it just felt like the most natural thing in the world,” she said.

Magaret has spent many years perfecting her craft in bespoke bridal, evening, and occasion wear.

Her label, which she launched in 2021, reflects both architectural precision and a love for natural form, an aesthetic deeply influenced by the wild beauty of her surroundings.

The collection, titled Loinnir, an Irish word meaning a fleeting glimpse of light, radiance, or beauty, captures that sense of quiet brilliance.

“The landscape here in West Cavan is rugged, but every so often you see these glimpses of beauty: dewy cobwebs, wildflowers, little moments,” Coyne explained.

Her Paris debut was more than a professional milestone, it was an emotional triumph. Following the loss of her husband last year, Margaret found new strength through creativity.

Encouraged by her daughter to apply for the Flying Solo showcase, she was selected from hundreds of submissions worldwide.

“It was an incredible honour to be the only Irish designer showing there,” she said. “The energy, the creativity - Paris was alive with it. To be part of that was unforgettable.”

Since the show, 'Loinnir' has received widespread praise, drawing attention to Margaret’s small but fast-growing label.

“It’s a huge boost for my business,” she said. “I want people to know that they can find fine, beautiful couture here in Ireland - they just have to come to West Cavan!”

Now back in her studio, she is already sketching new ideas, still buoyed by the excitement of Paris.

“I’m back to the grindstone for my clients, but I’m still on a bit of a cloud,” Margaret added.