Aisling Maher

Background

Irish Designer, Aisling Maher creates beautiful hats, headpieces and fashion accessories. Drawing on the influence of her training as an architect, Aisling’s pieces possess a sculptural character which is timeless and breathtaking.

Aisling spent six years studying and working as an architect and has used this design experience along with time spent studying millinery in the London College of Fashion to create an inspiring collection of products.

The Brief

We were challenged with successfully positioning Aisling Maher’s brand, this required the development a brand strategy and brand identity design that will:

1. Connect with ideal target customers

2. Align with the business strategy

3. Differentiate Aisling Maher from competing boutiques

4. Influence the development of her brand

Brand Research & Insights

The following keywords consistently appeared within the customer research conducted:

• Stylish
• Feminine
• Quality Boutique

However, these words could easily describe some of the business’ competitors. We needed to dig a little deeper and focus on Aisling Maher’s true differentiators which include:

• Aisling’s unique story
• The creation of hand-crafted pieces
• Aisling’s eye for detail
• Aisling’s unique ability to interpret fashion and create bespoke pieces that transform an outfit.

Brand Positioning

Categorisation

Aisling’s differentiator is that she is a milliner (i.e. a person who designs and creates bespoke hats). Aisling Maher’s business is a ‘Millinery’ as well as a ‘Boutique’. It was important to have these two distinctions sitting under the brand name, as it is a competitive advantage that distinguishes Aisling’s brand from competing boutiques.

Positioning Message

Exquisitely Styling You

Aisling Maher’s signature and positioning is in fact a representation of the personal approach and unique gift in styling individuals with meticulously selected garments and hand-crafted pieces. It is inspired from Aisling’s beautifully created headpieces that have a great sense of fluidity, elegance and femininity.

Brand Identity

We took inspiration from Art-Deco architecture to create the Aisling Maher Monogram that sits proudly on the eponymous brand. This monogram is Aisling’s stamp of authenticity, representing the personal approach she takes when styling individuals. We explored many design routes and compositions.

The dot centred between the sloping lines completes the ‘A’ and represents the beading that Aisling had such a passion for at a young age. Intricate secondary graphics, reminiscent of the elements Aisling uses to create exquisite headpieces and jewellery complete the brand identity system.

Brand Activation

Store Signage, Packaging & Marketing Collateral

Branding Solutions Delivered

Brand Design 

• Brand identity
• Brand identity guidelines
• Packaging
• Store & In-store signage
• In-store Activation
• Printed Collateral