The Kennedy years have been good to the Dublin-based designer, whose reputation is truly international, writes Deirdre McQuillan
HER CRYSTAL is in The White House, her clothes on the back of some of the most prominent women in Ireland, the UK, Russia and Canada, and for her this year marks 25 years as a successful designer. Louise Kennedy, whose latest collection is photographed here in Castletown House in Kildare, will launch a mini version of her London shop at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Enniskerry this week, and at the end of September her new crystal collection for Tipperary Crystal is unveiled. It doesn't stop there. Next year her first ceramic collection and home fragrance will debut at the end of February, in collaboration with Tipperary Crystal.
Poised in her splendidly elegant Merrion Square headquarters, she explains that the fine bone china, decorated with platinum and gold, will come in two table top collections, one inspired by Georgian architectural details in Dublin and the other simple and classical. "I feel very fortunate as an Irish designer to work in other media", she says adding that "gifting" items are "important as a way of introduction to the brand".
She still harbours a great desire to design footwear, which may be her next step in every sense. Shoes, notably stilettos, are a passion, along with Art Deco jewellery, and watches, of which she is an ardent collector. "I have a great love of beautiful things, fine craftsmanship and elegant proportions," she says. It shows in this latest fashion collection with her signature elegance, classic proportions and weighty price tags. Given the elaborate workmanship, fine materials and elaborate detailing, she offers some of the items as "heirloom pieces". Take, for example, a jacket made of Linton tweed in the UK, painstakingly reworked in India with woven ribbon, tiny beads and embroidery based on research of techniques from the 1920s and 1930s, then tailored in Italy. Or the fuchsia fox collar, with sequins knotted into each fine strand of hair.
A black coat, called Natasha, in black angora wool with silver, purple and white embroidery, took 175 hours to make, she says. Simply but artfully styled, the collection shows the importance of accessories in freshening up a little black dress, for example, illustrated by the Mattie, in fashionable black lace, worn with long fuchsia gloves and a knitted cashmere and rabbit shrug. The proportions of a three-quarter length jacket with a long skirt are just right, while for shorter lengths, a glimpse of stocking, in purple, leopard print or fuchsia, provides a striking shot of colour.
• Louise Kennedy and her team will be presenting a special instore designer workshop in Brown Thomas today from 10am to 7pm