ELEGANCE is an ATTITUDE
... and it sums up Louise Kennedy’s exquisite new collection perfectly
THERE is always an element of grandeur to a Louise Kennedy show, and things don’t come much more opulent than the exquisite surroundings of Ballyfin Demesne in Co. Laois.
The choice of venue to showcase her Spring/Summer collection may have been influenced by a touch of nostalgia — Kennedy went to boarding school at Brigidine Convent in Abbeyleix, just a few miles away from the stately manor. Whatever her reasons, the luxury hotel was the perfect backdrop for a lunch and intimate fashion show styled by Catherine Condell.
All of Kennedy’s signature pieces were there in full glory — embellished tailored dresses, delicately-embroidered kaftan gowns and a series of separates that she served in a palette of bright, bold hues, inspired by photographer Slim Aarons’ iconic poolside snaps from the 1950s.
‘This time, it’s all about colour, in particular clashing, vivid neon shades,’ she tells me. ‘I’m constantly inspired by places I go. From the bold hues of the Bahamas to the vivacious tones of India, a place which is close to my heart.’
For Spring/Summer, this passion translates as an explosion of oranges, pinks and yellows, served on softly tailored separates, including trousers, jackets, a cropped cape, and looser shirt dresses with tassel belts.
Darkness followed the bold brights, with a whimsical navy tulle skirt teamed with a T-shirt and tweed jacket, draped jersey kaftans, an exquisitely-embellished sleeveless cape and a floaty dress with tulle overlay and a dusting of bead embellishment that she named ‘Liv’ (it also comes in ethereal daffodil yellow).
Hints of classic Kennedy colour codes still prevailed. Her signature navy and white palette (which I spotted on many of her lunch guests) was seen on knits, tunics and trousers with a new season, athleisure edge.
PERHAPS I have weddings on the brain, but the highlight came courtesy of the grand finale, when model Thalia Heffernan emerged in a dreamy tulle skirt and delicate lace bomber. It was an absolute vision. You can rely on Kennedy to break the rules and redefine what it means to be a modern bride.
Foreign lands may be a constant inspiration for Kennedy, who travels extensively throughout the year to mills in Italy and India, some of which she has a 35-year relationship with, but her heart belongs in Dublin.
She shares a close bond — and the same zest for fashion, life and art (not to mention love of dogs)— with her sister, PR doyenne Caroline, who sat across from me in Ballyfin’s magnificent dining room.
‘Being surrounded by the gorgeous Georgian architecture in Merrion Square and escaping to the park with Mr Paddy Paws [her dog] is one of life’s simple pleasures,’ says Louise. ‘There really is no place like home.’
I’ve interviewed Kennedy often over the past eight years and there is a litany of fine adjectives for her: graceful, strong, kind and humble among them. On the day of her show, as news comes that Karl Lagerfeld has passed away, we speak about another of her attributes, elegance, and how it has come to define her brand.
In true Kennedy style, she says: ‘It’s fitting to quote Lagerfeld today: elegance is an attitude.’