MONTEL: IRELAND’S KEY TO MINIMALISTIC SPORTSWEAR
We sat down with Montel, the CORK label born at the end of Covid from an 'if you know, you know' tee idea, to discuss their long-awaited debut. In this interview the team talks through SS26, their first collection of elevated minimalism led by the technical Tekka Tracksuit, why being Irish pushes them to raise the bar, and how their core values of creativity, exclusivity and quality shape everything from ethical production to their plan to build a culture beyond Ireland.
What inspired the creation of Montel, and how was the process in building the brand identity?
Montel is something we started working on during the end of covid. We wanted to create something and Montel was what followed. We begun with graphic tees and we wanted it to be something that if you saw it on the street, it was an if you know you know type of thing.
As time went on whenever we came close to putting it out there, but each time it came to that point we said we could do better. Each time that happened, what we were building became more clear; it started with a name then a logo and then a brand.
How does being an Irish brand influence your design and products?
Montel being Irish was never the vision while we are proud that someone can look at it and say it came from Ireland. Montel came first, everything else comes after. If anything, being an Irish brand in another way drives us to be better with the creative boom happening amongst Irish culture. It dictates what we put out to compete with the standard of other Irish brands out there.
What values do you want customers to associate with Montel from day one?
We want Montel to be associated with creativity, exclusivity, and quality.
What has been the biggest challenge in production with a new brand being based in Ireland?
Being based in Ireland is challenging as a brand. Product sourcing from Ireland is difficult from all ends of the funnel. From garment production to packaging and the customisation, it’s just not there, which is why we had to source it elsewhere unfortunately.
Talk to us about your SS26 drop. Is this the first collection?
This is our first official collection. The first drop had to be perfect, we wanted to display our vision and represent the brand. The core theme of this drop is elevated minimalism across the collection, our branding has been deliberately restrained to let the details do the talking: Silver hardware, embossed and embroidered finishes, reflective elements, thick fabrics and considered construction.
What are the key pieces from the range so far? The shell tracksuit is standing out.
Our Statement piece is the Tekka Tracksuit, the collection was built around this garment to compliment it. It is a high density water resistant polyester shell with a breathable mesh lining, It combines performance inspired design with a clean silhouette. Reflective piping, concealed zipper charm. It is a technical and purposeful design that can also be used for everyday wear.
The Charm hoodie is a heavy weight brushed back cotton fleece with a raglan fit subtle embossing and embroidery, The hoodie was designed with comfort and cozyness in mind with a 450gsm
The tee combines embroidery and screen printed logos with slightly oversized proportions
The beanie was designed to accommodate different hair types, its silked lined so that braidstyle users can wear it comfortably without worrying about fuzzing braid styles, it has a jacquard knit exterior and a silk lined interior.
Our debut collection was designed with a focus on quality longevity and purpose rather than loud branding.
Talk to us about the details of the garments. Are the zips and features carefully considered?
The details are a big part of the collection. We wanted the garments to feel minimal from a distance, but when you get closer, you start noticing the small decisions that make them feel more considered.
On the Tekka tracksuit, the zipper was one of the main details. We used a silver zipper pull charm to bring in a subtle branded element, while the concealed zipper fabric keeps the front of the jacket clean and streamlined. The jacket also has curved inline pockets, mesh lining for breathability, an interior zipper guard for comfort, and an adjustable bungee hem so the fit can be changed depending on how you want to wear it.
The hoodie follows the same idea. It has a raglan shoulder, crossover hood, ribbed cuffs and waistband, a kangaroo pocket, sleeve print, and the silver pendant detail at the centre. It’s not overloaded with branding, but the details give it identity.
Across the range, the aim was to make each feature feel intentional rather than decorative. The zips, trims, lining, pendants, and fit adjustments were all chosen to make the garments feel more premium, more functional, and more recognisable as Montel.
What role does sustainability or ethical sourcing play in your business model?
When connecting with suppliers we wanted to be assured that during production, our pieces were constructed ethically. To support this, we had our production collaborators sign an agreement confirming that the garments would be sourced and constructed ethically. It was a step we felt was necessary from the beginning, because we want to build Montel properly and make responsible decisions as we grow.
Are there any upcoming products, collaborations, or expansions that customers should be excited about?
We’re excited to start showing more of what we have planned for SS26 and FW26. The feedback from this first drop has been amazing, and it has given us a lot of confidence moving forward.
There are new pieces already in development, along with some exciting collaborations that we think people are really going to connect with. This first collection was only the starting point, and there is a lot more to come from Montel.
Where do you see Montel in the next five years, both in Ireland and internationally?
Our first collection was intentionally subtle and restrained. We wanted to introduce Montel in a way that felt considered, not forced. But at the same time, we want people to know that we are here, that we have something to offer, and that this is only the beginning.
Bolder pieces are already in the works, and we have clear goals for where we want to take the brand. We want Montel to grow into something much bigger than a single drop or collection.
The creative culture in Ireland feels like it is growing right now, and it feels like the perfect time to create, contribute, and be seen. We want Montel to be part of that movement, but we do not want to stop there. The aim is to build a culture, not just a brand, and eventually expand that outside of Ireland.
Shop the collection at
STREET STYLE
