We find out how exciting and edgy experiences led Anna Campbell to become a knitwear designer in Donegal.
A common fashion accessory spotted on Instagram, holiday snaps, and Wild Atlantic Way pictures is the Bogman Beanie – a colourful woollen hat worn by people who love adventures and are proud to sport a little piece of Donegal.
They’re living the ‘Bogman’ life in style, which is exactly what creator Anna Campbell loves to see.
Anna Campbell – Bogman Beanie Creator
bogmanbeanie.com
Ethically made and inspired by the hills of Donegal, Bogman beanies make a statement and create a movement – “Do Everything, Regret Nothing”
What many do not know is that these beanies are an expression of the talent and well-travelled background of Cloghan resident Anna Campbell.
Anna was born in the Highlands of Scotland. She was that little girl who ordered Vogue from the local shop, with her sight set firmly on high fashion life in the States one day.
In her twenties Anna caught her big break, finding herself in San Francisco where her beauty and make-up addiction paid off. She bagged herself a career as makeup artist in film and TV and then for large companies such as MAC; who then, and now, hired artists for their ‘look’; as they wanted to promote what was new and different. In those days Anna sported a shaved head with spiked blond hair and piercings. Her friends and connections from that era, she said, left a big impression on her life.
Anna Campbell – Bogman Beanie Creator
Anna met a Donegal man in San Fran, and the rest is Bogman history!
While the beautiful diverse landscape drew her in, Donegal is not the easiest place to secure ‘career goals’ and after unsuccessful job hunts and attempts, Anna settled back down to doing what she loves; being creative, and creating a lifestyle.
Through legendary local knitter and maker, Edel MacBride, Anna was introduced to the beautiful colours of Donegal Yarn. She was simply smitten, having knitted for her own family from the age of six.
Weaved into her Bogman beanies and sweaters are Anna’s inspirations, her fashion background, and the many roads that life brought her on.
Bogman sweater, worn by influencer @SnazzyYazi
Bogman Beanie was designed and named for Anna’s husband. When she first met this lovely man who was out of his depth amongst her edgy set of San Fran creative-type friends, Anna lovingly referred to him as her BOGMAN from Donegal (keeping in mind that the place Anna grew up was more boggy and backward than where he came from!)
Bogman beanies are made to last and the earthy Donegal wool is a pleasure for Anna to work with.
She uses a lot of greys and pinks greens and blues from both the Donegal Tweed and the fine merino blend which is very soft and flexible.
The expression of colour and what it can mean and signify is important to Anna, who loves to make up her own designs from old patterns of her grandmother’s and mother’s to put an edge or twist on an old 1920s style or an Aran from the ’50s.
bogmanbeanie.com
As they say about Donegal, “up here, we’re different”, and we love how Anna’s bogmans stand out from the crowd.
Check out the full collection on bogmanbeanie.com
