LOUISE KENNEDY

Designer

A graduate of the Grafton Academy of fashion and design, Tipperary-born Louise Kennedy always believed the design business to be “in my DNA”. Since establishing her eponymous label in 1983, Louise has earned an international reputation for creating clothes that are appreciated for their sophistication and quality of design, a luxurious approach to modern feminine dressing.

Louise Kennedy quickly became synonymous with elegance, understated style, texture, and exquisite detail; her use of colour and intricate detail, taking luxury to a new degree. In 1989, Louise was commissioned by President Mary Robinson, the first female President of Ireland to design for her inauguration ceremony.

I know how fortunate I am to work in an industry where creativity and innovation intersect with commerce. My passion is shared by my team who are critical in helping me realise my vision each season.

She has also dressed members of the British, European and Middle Eastern Royal Families and many American and European award-winning actresses. Her gentle tailoring is enhanced by delicate embroideries and underpinned by pure silk linings; quality is never compromised. Louise has shown her fashion collections globally, and exports her work all over the world.

In the mid 1990’s, Louise joined the British Fashion Council. She was also chosen to design the uniforms for Aer Lingus, Ireland’s national airline, which are still worn today.

In 1998 her flagship store was launched, located at 56 Merrion Square in the heart of Georgian Dublin. In 1999, Louise was commissioned to design a contemporary crystal collection. This went on to become the fastest growing brand of designed crystal in the international marketplace.

In 2010, Louise was honoured with a national stamp by An Post. In the same year, The Bridal Room, a bridal ‘Couture’ Atelier was launched at 56 Merrion Square. In late 2011, Louise was commissioned by the Chief Justice to design the first national judicial robes for the Irish Supreme Court. These were officially launched in October 2012 which marked a historic shift in the judicial court attire in Ireland.

2013 marked an important anniversary for Louise Kennedy where she celebrated 30 years in the fashion industry. Her very first collection was bought by Ireland’s flagship luxury department store, Brown Thomas, who continues to stock the brand 31 years later.

In the same year, Louise also launched ‘The Kennedy’ Bag and her first signature fragrance, ‘The Louise Kennedy Eau De Parfum’ to celebrate her thirty years in fashion.

She has been the recipient of many prestigious awards including Tipperary Person of the Year Award in 1992, The Bird and Bell Award from The Ireland Funds of Great Britain for her contribution to the fashion world, Irish Designer of the Year in 1985, 1989, 1991 and 1993 and a Fashion Oscar.

In 2003 she was awarded the Veuve Cliquot Business Woman of the Year award, and in early 2009 Louise became the first female style envoy for Mercedes-Benz Ireland. In 2013, she received a Special Achievement Award presented at The Irish Tatler Woman of the Year Awards. Louise has also been the recipient of The Great Britain and Ireland Company of the Year Award presented to her by The Irish Post newspaper and holds an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy from the Dublin Institute of Technology.

On December 3rd 2014, Louise was invited to become an ambassador for a promotional ‘GREAT’ Britain campaign by British Prime Minister David Cameron in recognition of her personal support and contribution to the UK’s most ambitious international promotional campaign ever.