A classic, monochrome design for a chance to “impress at races”, or a quirky design to stand out and bring a smile to people’s faces…Camelia Shanahan strives to give the 21st century woman confidence to express her own femininity through high quality limited edition garments and accessories.
After working as a knitwear designer, and a production supervisor for many years throughout Europe covering fashion to medical textiles, Camelia Shanahan’s passion for traditional crafts led her to launch a new knitwear label – Meli Bondre.
Born in a Transilvanian city, Camelia completed her first knitted garment at the age of eight. With a keen interest in maths and science, in 1986 she enrolled at the Technical University "Gheorghe Asachi" - Faculty of Textiles and Leather Engineering to study textiles and specialise in knitting.
While working as a knitwear designer and programmer for the computer assisted textile machines, she became passionate about computing. Camelia moved to Ireland in 1998 and by 2001 she enrolled at the Tipperary Institute to study computing and software engineering. She graduated in 2004 with first class honours and won a couple of awards, including the Best Software Project 2004 award.
Her entrepreneurial spirit led her in 2008 to founding a company, designing healthcare products, where she continues to serve as a Director. Her passion for crafts, however persuaded her to reconnect with textile world and establish Meli Bondre in June 2010 in her adopted county, Tipperary.
Inspired by the Irish nature and the traditional Aran yarn, her first collection is a range of exclusive hand crocheted bags and scarves. Uniqueness, elegance and playfulness are at the centre of Meli Bondre’s designs. Using the finest Donegal Aran wool in a rich colour palette, the humble crochet stitches are transformed into stunning, one-of-a-kind timeless pieces. Her maths-oriented mind combined with a minute attention to detail is uncovered in the precision with which every shape is constructed.
From concept to creation, Meli Bondre offers excellent craftsmanship and quality to every piece.
