Our Story
Cathleen Behan
Cathleen has always been sewing from making herself outfits to making her children’s outfits from kids to their wedding day and then her grandchildren. From working in a Dublin factory Cathleen became interested in the fashion industry.
Instead of staying at the one job in the factory, she made sure to move around and get as much knowledge as she could about every aspect of the industry. Then on she wanted to open up her own shop and create fashion for people’s special occasions, that flatters women in a timeless yet modern way.
In 1993 she started the business from a small shed outside her house, collecting alterations and making for the local community. In 2004 Margaret, Cathleen’s daughter joined her to create C&M Bridal Wear. From then, C&M Designs and C&M Bridal have made over thousands of bespoke dresses. Cathleen and Margaret have also been featured on Don’t tell the bride twice produced by RTE. In 2019 Rebecca, Cathleen’s granddaughter joined C&M designs.
Rebecca Hanratty
Rebecca from a young age was interested in being a fashion designer. Cathleen was a huge influence seeing how you can make anything you imagine and doing that as a career. Rebecca went to Griffith college Dublin and got a BA Honours in fashion and design.
Rebecca’s graduate collection was featured in Irish arts review, Expose fashion show in Remis France, and a finalist in Frankfurt Style Award, Germany. Rebecca was also a finalist in Irish student designer of the year in Kerry Fashion week and Finalist at UCD young designer of the Year. Before joining C&M Designs, she gained more knowledge of how the Irish fashion industry works, interning with Jennifer Rothwell, David O Malley, and Umit Kutluk. Also, she did, graphic print design for Lucan fabric. She has joined C&M Designs in 2019.