The World of Irish Fashion Richard Carroll
Photography: Halina Kubalski Part One The world of fashion on the Island of Ireland is a sparkling Irish shamrock bursting with inspiration. From coast-to-coast the vision and creativity of Irish fashion designers is striking. A 1,000-mile driving excursion led us past October fields of vivid green steeped in eternal beauty with early morning mists rising in luminous tendrils. Led by Dubliner John Colclough, owner of Ireland & Britain Observed, we followed the trail of Irish fashion revealing a stunning collection of both classic and high fashion garments with elevated fabrics and eminent knit sweaters, coats and jackets, many of which are a lifetime purchase, inane trends ignored. The history of Irish knitting, the tailors, faithful weavers, and elegant tweed designs, illustrate the pride of the country. The fashion houses primarily family owned with some dating to the 1800’s, are a collection of free-thinking designers with quality and distinction a precedence. The well-traveled imaginative designers, creating clothing and accessories made in Ireland, are shaping the way of life on the island. Center stage, Irish fashion is for those who desire to look dazzling in wearable clothing and be comfortable and classic. From our reflections, the collection of Irish fashion designers we interviewed match any of those in Europe. A photo shoot in the Dublin Camden Court Hotel arranged by spirited Eddie Shanahan, chairperson of the Counsel of Irish Fashion Designers, encompassed Abigail, a 19-yearold model, three fashion designers bringing two looks, and two others who have created accessories for both women and men, all five are colleagues of the prestigious 57-member Council of Irish Fashion Designers. For luxury and fashion tours, contact Ireland & Britain Observed. irelandandbritain.com
