Margaret was born in County Kerry, southwestern Ireland and is the second oldest of twelve, (“Not uncommon for a good Irish family back then!” says Margaret). Her passion for knitwear was nurtured by her mother Rita almost before Margaret uttered her first word. In those days it was customary for all knits to be produced by the family and it was rare for an Irish farm family to buy store bought knitwear.

After immigrating to San Francisco in 1990, Margaret created hand-loomed knitwear in her tiny apartment and began selling her creations to local boutiques. Within a year she was discovered by Barneys and the orders multiplied. The knitwear line grew into a full collection and led Margaret to open her first retail store in San Francisco’s Claude Lane. There are now eight Margaret O’Leary Boutiques.

Margaret’s collections evolve from the styles that she enjoys in her own wardrobe and that meet her personal mix of active elegance and California chic. Margaret personally oversees the entire creation of all of her knitwear, from initial design, selection of the finest yarns and cashmere, and ultimate production, ensuring the legendary quality for which she is known.For inspiration Margaret travels far and wide, shopping cashmere in Asia, wool in Italy, and leading buying trips from Paris to Istanbul to find the great shoes, t-shirts, jeans and accessories that complement her sweaters in the Margaret O’Leary boutiques.

Margaret O'Leary and husband Bill live just over the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County California with their 3 sons; Jack, Chaz and Dan.