Tubber woman leading the #WearingIrish initiative Stateside

Tubber's Margaret Molloy is a US business dynamo but Ireland remains very much in her heart.

Now Chief marketing officer at Siegel+Gale, one of the world’s leading brand consultancies, branding is very her forte.

And as one of Forbes Magazine’s most influential CMOs on Twitter with more than 30,000 followers, she has huge reach online which is using to great effect to promote Irish design.

Instead of 'wearing the green' for St Patrick's Day, she has put her 'green' into promoting style from her native home for the month of March as part of the influential #WearingIrish initiative and is inviting others to do the same.

The Offaly Independent's Deirdre Verney caught up with Margaret, who lives in Manhattan with husband Jim, an economist and sons Finn and Emmet, recently to find out about St Patrick's Day away from home and the inspiration behind her social media phenomenon.

Your #WearingIrish initiative has proved a great success again this year, tell us a little about the idea.

'I launched #wearingirish to promote Irish fashion by encouraging friends of Ireland to wear fashion or accessories by Irish designers during March and to post their photos on social media using the hashtag #wearingirish.

'Wearing Irish isn’t about fashion models it’s about role models. It’s about real people showcasing Irish fashion in everyday situations. Wearing Irish is not rooted in nostalgia it is about discovering pieces that are both stylish and meaningful.'

Where did the inspiration for #wearingIrish come from?

'Living the US, it is clear that Ireland is the only country in the world that claims a month. As a fan of design, it is apparent that Irish fashion does not get the visibility it deserves.

'And as a marketer, I am fascinated by the possibilities that social media provides for consumers to show support for brands. Connecting all three insights—fashion, marketing, and Irish heritage—I saw an opportunity for people to come together on social media to showcase Irish designers, especially when all eyes are on Ireland in March.

'One of the appealing aspects of Irish fashion is that there are options for every budget and taste—from world-class couture to smart-work wear to fast fashion. A second takeaway is that the awareness of Irish fashion brands is very low. To address this gap, I published an online directory of Irish fashion brands.'

What sets Irish fashion apart in your opinion?

'Irish design draws inspiration from nature and the Irish landscape and this is reflected in the abundance of vibrant colors any motifs.' 

How do you plan spend St Patrick's Day in in New York?

'My day starts early with the Mayor’s breakfast and then a host of events throughout city.

'I am an active member of the vibrant Irish American community here. There is so much going on from a cultural and philanthropic standpoint. We attend many Irish American events. I am a board member of Origin Theatre, a cross-cultural theatre company dedicated to and emerging playwrights. I also serve on the advisory board of The New York Irish Center.

'I have been honoured by various Irish American organisations. Irish America magazine included me in their list of 'Top 100 Irish Americans in Business' and on the list of 'Power 50 Women.''

What do you miss most about being away from home?

'I miss having my family close by, especially the opportunity for our sons to spend time with their grandparents. We try to visit Ireland a couple of times every year.'