Meet the Maker: Louise Kennedy

Renowned Irish designer Louise Kennedy has dressed the likes of Meryl Streep and Anjelica Houston, but, as she tells Dream Escape, she has always remained connected to her Irish roots…

With parents as retailers, the business of fashion has always been a part of Irish designer Louise Kennedy’s world. But it wasn’t until she visited New York, while studying a Foundation Arts course in Dublin, aged 18, that she realised how fashion was truly in her future.

“I remember the moment as if it were only yesterday” she tells Dream Escape, describing how she faced the difficult decision of choosing between interior or fashion design. “It was really playing on my mind. But when I paid my first visit to Bergdorf Goodman - the incredible store best known as the greatest temple of style - I knew there and then that this was the arena I wanted to work in.”

From that moment on, Kennedy knew that fashion and retail was where she wanted to be. And her career to date shows an incredible desire for making this a reality. Often described as the "uncrowned queen of Irish fashion", Louise Kennedy’s designs are elegant, colourful and timeless, and popular with everyone from Irish presidents to members of the British, European and Middle Eastern royal families, and plenty of the Hollywood glitterati.

She has flagship stores in London and Dublin, is a member of the British Fashion Council, and has been named Irish Designer of the Year twice. “I am incredibly proud to be Irish, and living and working from Dublin, the capital city where my head office is based,” she says, referencing her beautiful Merrion Square flagship store, which opened in 1998.

Traditionally, she explains, it has been difficult for some cities in Europe to compete with Paris, Milan and London, so flying the Irish flag overseas has always been really important to her.

Opening her London flagship in 2000, Kennedy was struck by how few Irish designers had eponymous stores in the city. “London is an incredibly important market to showcase Irish design to international audiences and our sense of Irish heritage is a point of difference,” she adds.

Kennedy’s passion for her heritage has led to her twice being commissioned by Aer Lingus to design their women’s and men’s uniforms, while she has continued a global expansion into the US, with New York shows every year.

The ‘Alena Sweater’ and ‘Fleur Trousers’

The ‘Loren Dress’ in Ivory paired with ‘Danielle Necklaces’ and ‘Alaia Brooch, all from the SS20 collection

Super chic, lightweight and always admired, this is a classic. I have a Camilla in every colour in my own wardrobe!

Closer to home, in 2020 Kennedy was appointed by Ballyfin Demesne – a Dream Escape hotel partner, to develop the Ballyfin Scarf. Kennedy designed this exquisite silk scarf, inspired by her favourite suite at the hotel, the Lady Caroline Coote. Built in the 1820’s, Ballyfin is the most lavish Regency mansion in Ireland and one of the most spectacular country house hotels in Europe.

Notable for their striking designs and luxurious materials, Kennedy’s designs epitomise classical elegance with a flair for colour and detail. The Camilla silk top is a long-standing signature piece, with a layered ruffle sleeve detail that has been made in over 20 colours. “Super chic, lightweight and always admired, this is a classic. I have a Camilla in every colour in my own wardrobe!” says Kennedy. Elaborate bead work and feathers are a key feature in eveningwear, best reflected in the long black Maia cape which showcases the skill of the many artisans Kennedy and her team work with. “Pieces like this are forever,” she says. “And should be viewed as investments that will always bring joy.”

An emotional connection to items is important to Kennedy, who explains that, while luxury might often imply high-priced items, for her, “it is more about owning or experiencing something that is rare, authentic, and truly beautiful”.

From carefully hand-woven embroidered shawls to the silk lining of an evening jacket or dress, Louise Kennedy luxury is about joy and beauty as much as it is about quality.

Investment pieces form a large part of her collection, which is in part due to her commitment to sustainability – and wanting to create pieces that become heirlooms, passed to friends or family through the years. “Quality endures and is never wasted,” she says. “Choosing a more sustainably-led lifestyle means you reduce your waste as well as the amount of clothing you invest in.”

Louise with Paddy in the Dublin flagship store, 56 Merrion Square.

Louise with Paddy on the steps of the Dublin flagship store

The ‘Rowen Top’ with pearl embellishment, paired with the ‘Pippa Trousers’ and The Kennedy 26 Bag, in red

The pandemic helped us realise just how sustainable our brand and business are in terms of being able to ride this global storm.

The ‘Nova Dress’, ‘Lily Sweater’ in yellow and the Kennedy 26 Bag in red, all from the SS20 collection.

Like every business, the last year has seen changes, and while the pandemic hasn’t impacted the scope of her designs, Kennedy says her more relaxed pieces have naturally seen a boom in the past 12 months. But it has also reinforced her desire to cherish some of her most special pieces. “Before Covid, we had already made the decision to create a Permanent Collection to house the beautiful hand-beaded and handcrafted garments that deserve special treatment - never to be placed in an end-of-season sale,” she explains. “The pandemic made us even more determined to really cherish these works. It also helped us realise just how sustainable our brand and business are in terms of being able to ride this global storm.”

As the summer stretches out, Kennedy and her team are busy in their London and Dublin stores. Kennedy splits her time between both locations, and says each store has a special place in her heart.

“When I am in Dublin my mornings start with an extra hot latte and a walk in Merrion Square. The design studio is based in Dublin – and a lot of our day is spent selecting new fabric, planning new shapes and new silhouettes.” Later Kennedy meets clients for lunch or a consultation or fitting, while also finding time for the ‘office pet’, Paddy. “He’s a miniature schnauzer who keeps us all entertained with his demands for treats, cuddles and lots of daily walkies,” she laughs. “He frequently stars in our fashion campaigns and is beloved by the team.”

Over in London, Kennedy sees lots of clients for private consultations – an exclusive appointment which can be arranged by the Dream Escape team in both her Dublin and London showrooms. “This is the part of the job I love most,” says Kennedy. “Getting direct client feedback is key to ensuring a successful result.

Depending on the style, it will require a few fittings and maybe a toile before we commence making the garment. It’s a privilege to be part of any client’s special event.”

Find out more

Louise Murray, Head of Planning, London & England “Dream Escape’s fashion focused programmes take you on a spree through the quintessential British & Irish brands and fashion houses with your own private guide, providing exclusive access and private experiences including @LouiseKennedy, for added touches of luxury that are off limits to the general public”

⬥ louise@dreamescape.co.uk → dreamescape.co.uk