WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD
Ireland’s iconic designer Louise Kennedy’s latest stunning collection is shimmering, opulent and...
SHIRLEY BASSEY’s voice opened designer Louise Kennedy’s show yesterday morning in her flagship Dublin store in Merrion Square. Big Spender boomed from the speakers overhead as model Sarah Morrisey emerged in the first look — an orange and purple jacquard lurex swing jacket paired with matching skirt.
The same exquisite fabric followed on trapeze jackets, full skirts and then a silk purple cocktail dress with hand encrusted f l oral embellishment, before the designer turned her attention to a combination of mesmerising black and gold looks.
Kennedy’s main inspiration came from fine jewellery showcase The Fab-erge collection, which she saw at The Metropolitan Museum in New York on her last visit. Faberge featured heavily in her early sketches and translated into one of her most impressive autumn/winter stories to date. Kennedy was fascinated by the intricate filigree enamelling. The [ Faberge] collection was incredible. I had no comprehension, other than the Faberge eggs, how they had the most beautiful evening bags and art deco jewellery,’ Louise said yesterday.
‘I don’t think I ever intended for gold to be such a huge story. A lot of the big, international collections have that level of opulence this season but I just went with my gut.
‘For me it’s really about creating an investment piece, one that you can make your own.
‘You should be able to wear it with your skinny jeans and suede pumps or dress it up for eveningwear.’ The daywear collection is also gilded — gold woven skirts paired with cropped black cardigans and wool tops.
Jersey dresses are teamed with statement cape coats bearing meticulously handcrafted detail, others with crystal-encrusted necklines — exactly the kind of wow factor Kennedy is known for.
Evening wear came in the form of her signature kimono-style dress with embellished sl eeves, alongside intricate lace dresses, a handstitched, embroidered black and gold cape, and wraps over sweeping gowns.
‘This took eight months to make,’ stylist Catherine Condell told me backstage, holding up the eyecatching cape. ‘When I saw the final piece, I thought I’d like to frame that,’ Kennedy added.
The gold woven lurex babydoll coat also stunned, as did the floor-length gown encrusted with sequins. This dress silenced the crowd as model Yomiko led the finale to Sting’s Fields of Gold. Kennedy’s real strength as a designer is her passion for exquisite fabrics — and the pieces she delivers season after season are beautifully tailored, with timeless style.
Her store in London underwent a huge renovation last year, and this is where she will house much of her latest couture.
You may have to be a Big Spender to i nvest i n Kennedy, but these heirloom pieces are worth it.