Fashion History
Remembering
Digby Morton..
‘My suits are really based on architectural lines, but I must say I’m not much interested in evening clothes. The sight of massed rolls of chiffon and lace gives me the shudders’
Exotic paddy field location in 1966 for a rose-tinted blouse and lime green slacks for Daks
For such a small nation, Ireland has produced a disproportionate number of movers and shakers in the world of fashion: think of Harper’s Bazaar editor, Carmel Snow, the currently feted J. W. Anderson, Louise Kennedy, Sybil Connolly, Phillip Treacy, Lainey Keogh and Paul Costelloe, to name but a handful. But in the history of fashion, perhaps its most illustrious name, Digby Morton, invariably figures as a kind of footnote to the story of Sir Hardy Amies, couturier to the Queen. For Irish, and indeed British, people of a certain vintage, however, the name of Digby Morton is one that’s recalled with real affection and admiration. One of the very greatest couturiers Ireland has ever produced, he was justly lauded across the world. And yet, he’s largely unremembered today. There are probably several reasons for this. Perhaps the principal reason for his (relative) obscurity in Ireland now, is due to the fact that Digby made his name in the UK and America. Though it frequently retains huge pride in those who choose to make their fortune elsewhere, a nation of Ireland’s size, tends to favour sons and daughters who’ve chosen to make their home country their place of 6 Senior Times l May - June 2020 l www.seniortimes.ie
Digby Morton: ‘A great innovator’, according to Hardy Amies
Matthew J Hughes traces the life and work of one of Ireland’s greatest fashion designers who, unjustly, is largely forgotten today.
Timeless gown with ruching detail by Digby Morton 1956
