MELI BONDRE

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.

Born and bred in Transylvania, Camelia completed her first knitted garment at the age of eight under her mother’s guidance. 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. Mastering the knit and crochet techniques over time, she earned tuition money in college by selling custom made garments.

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 number of awards, including the Best Software Project 2004 award.

With a twenty year career spanning the textile and software engineering sectors, Camelia launched knitwear label Meli Bondre in 2011. Inspired by the Irish nature and the traditional Aran yarn, her Meli Aran collection is a range of exclusive, limited edition hand crocheted bags and scarves. Uniqueness, elegance and playfulness are at the centre of Meli Bondre’s foundation. Using the finest Donegal Aran wool in a rich colour palette, Meli Bondre’s innovative designs transform the humble crochet stitches 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.

Themed “Romancing the Lace”, the 2012 collection is luxurious, offering exquisite dresses, chic tops and cardigans. Conveying femininity from a slick silhouette inspired by the 1920’s haute couture, Camelia is guided by her passion for feminine fashion and intricate artisan designs. Meli Bondre offers creations that are classic, unique and infused with Irish spirit.