Irish designers court ‘relatable’ Meghan’s fashion seal of approval
IT’S the stuff of dreams… Meghan Markle, the new Duchess of Sussex and one of the world’s most celebrated style icons, comes on her first royal visit to Ireland and falls in love with your fashion or accessory brand.
The duchess is due to meet a number of Irish fashion designers at the reception and garden party being held at the British ambassador’s Glencairn residence tonight.
It has been confirmed that many Irish designers have been invited to the party.
And judging from the weekend rush to find newness, guests drawn from the worlds of business, politics and entertainment are clearly out to look their best by supporting local designers and wear Irish.
Meghan, the former ‘Suits’ actress who visited Dublin for the One Young World summit in late 2014, loves a modern, contemporary look with pared-back silhouettes in strong block colours.
She is increasingly displaying a taste for more classic styles in neutral hues.
Over the next few days, the former actress who has Irish roots stretching back to a Mary McCague from Ballinasloe, could wear something green.
However, the obvious angle if Meghan wants to tip her cap at her Irish ancestry might be to wear something by Philip Treacy, the first Irish designer to make it into her royal wardrobe and who, as it just happens, comes from Ahascragh which is just 11km from where Mary McCague was born in 1829. Small world.
And before any visiting scribes dare call the Galway man a milliner, he is not.
In his own words, Philip is “a hat designer”.
On Queen Elizabeth’s State visit here seven years ago, she made a point of wearing a silk dress adorned with 2,091 embroidered shamrocks and a harp diamond brooch.
Meghan’s wardrobe choices have been very international with lots of Canadian and American brands. But with her fondness for modern feminine tailoring, an obvious starting point for her among Irish designers would be Louise Kennedy, who has an international reputation for gentle tailoring enhanced by delicate embellishment and pure silk linings.
The sleek ‘Paula’ ivory crepe coat with little crystal doggie paws on the cuffs and tab back (pictured top) would appeal no end to Meghan, whose beloved beagle Guy holds a special place in her heart.
Another Irish brand to fascinate Meghan might be Alison Conneely, from Clifden, whose structured wool capes in ‘old white’ were inspired by her Connemara roots with future lines sculpted from the lifelines of the ancient past.
Alison was recently picked up by Bloomingdales in New York and her aesthetic would definitely appeal to Jessica Mulroney, the Canadian stylist who is Meghan’s BFF.
Paul Costelloe could feel the warm glow of royal patronage again with Meghan and just like Kate Middleton wears Catherine Walker, one of Princess Diana’s favourite designers, Paul could find himself being called to Kensington Palace again for the new duchess.
British ‘Vogue’ reports that Meghan’s wardrobe is “so relatable it could add £1bn to the British fashion economy”.
All the more reasons and to dispatch gifts in the hope she might keep them, and better again, wear them. It is known a number of gifts have been sent to the British embassy for the visiting royal couple. Kensington Palace has declined to comment on whether gifts can be offered or accepted.