An ode to the female form with an incredible philosophy behind it, Irish Socksciety’s latest design is a tribute to all mná with a reminder to shift your mindset and practice self love.
Having spent the past four years adding colour, vibrancy and quality craic to the soles of feet around the globe, we at Irish Socksciety have nestled our way into many hearts and sock drawers around the country and above.
Always endeavouring to celebrate the quirks of the Irish population, our latest design has quite the poignant philosophy behind it. They say inspiration sparks in the strangest of scenarios, and for co-owner Joanna, this couldn’t be more true.
‘Sitting in the bath, lamenting my imagined imperfections, I realised that if you give yourself a little space, adjust your mindset and add a simple apostrophe, what you see as imperfect becomes a declaration of self love and a daily affirmation - I’m perfect.’
So came our fantastic tribute to all mná. In true Irish Socksciety form, the design features beautiful, eye-catching illustrations that celebrate bodies of all shapes, sizes and skin tones. A product made by women, for women, this pair of socks are an ode to the vastly varied female form, serving as a reminder to celebrate ourselves and alter our attitudes to the bodies that do so much for us each and every day.
The photoshoot
When I did the call out for women of different shapes and sizes, I was wondering what they would feel if I asked them to do a photoshoot in underwear. It can be a huge thing, way out of one's comfort zone.
These beautiful women came into the photoshoot with so much strength, pride and confidence, it blew me away.
During the first few minutes Julia Dunin, the photographer, worked her magic, chatted to them, warmed them up while I was standing on the side looking at this image of various individuals, unique characters, body shapes, skin tones, smiles…I was soaking it all in, breathing in that moment of happiness when things you image and hope for are going beyond your expectations. I was prepared to join in, in case the Ladies needed someone to glue them together. I joined in, because I wanted to be part of it, part of the energy and image that they created, part of them.
Then this profound moment happened when I handed the IMPERFECT letters. All the sudden, without any guidance, their mood dropped for a moment as if they physically experienced the weight of the word.
Oh how happy I was to interrupt it with the apostrophe, and change the narrative into the I’M PERFECT.
The idea behind the campaign was to encourage a thought/action that a small change can open new perspectives. But the experience of finding myself alongside strangers that met to send that message out, brought another layer to it for me, personally. I was lucky to experience the IMPERFECT -> I’M PERFECT twist truly and deeply, and I’m so, so grateful for that. Aoife, Orla, Ana, Jennie, Órla it was a pleasure to get to know you and thank you so much for joining us in our campaign.
Donating 50% of profits from I'm Perfect socks to the National Women’s Council, we are pledging our support to the leading national representative organisation for women and women’s groups in Ireland. An organisation that fights for true equality for women and girls, feminism, inclusivity and diversity are just some of their core values.
We’ve got pure Grá for all you Mná.
click TO SEE i'M pERFECT sOCKS
Photos by Julia Dunin Photography
Featuring:
Jennifer Keane
Aoife Cunningham
Orla Culligan
Ana Caroline Teixeria
Órla Kearney
Joanna Ciezka