5 Minutes with Louise Kennedy
Craig Hough meets Irish fashion designer Louise Kennedy to discuss her love for the business and her Spring Summer ‘21 collection
Where does your passion for fashion come from?
I grew up in Ireland where my parents were both retailers so my passion for fashion ultimately comes for them. When I went to art college, I initially studied interior design before soon realising my real interest was design, so I moved courses swiftly to study fashion design. Fashion satisfies all my interests, from texture, colour, design and shape- it is where I feel most at home.
What designers and business owners have inspired you and your business model ?
This is a question I am frequently asked, and I always return to Manolo Blahnik as my hero in the design world. I have admired his work and his business for many, many years and each season I am reminded that he is the master of attention to detail. His work is timeless, and I can but marvel at the craftsmanship of his collections all marked out by their exquisite details.
I think the Weston family are super impressive as business owners and champions of premium retail operations. Their business in Ireland, the Brown Thomas Group recently acquired another department store, Arnotts, and the combination of how they satisfy all market segments is exceptional. In the UK, the Selfridges group is a world market leader, the same for their brands in the Netherlands, de Bijenkorf and Holt Renfrew in Canada. Alannah Weston, the groups creative director has a background in journalism, art and fashion- a potent mix for her current role.
How would you describe your customer?
Our customer base is international but in common with all our customers is their overriding interest in clothes that are stylish, purchased as investments to wear across many seasons, not just one. They appeal to a woman with a sophisticated eye for detail and an appreciation of fabrics, craftsmanship and classic styling. We can say with confidence, that once we meet a new customer, she tends to return each season to add to her Louise Kennedy wardrobe. That’s always so nice to see.
What does a typical day look like?
If it wasn’t for the pandemic, I could tell you a typical day involves a plan to travel overseas or to return home! Our partners in production are based in Italy, Portugal and India so studios must be visited to oversee each season’s production. We retail in the UK and North America so trips here are frequent to meet customers and plan new season campaigns.
The past 12 months have meant I’ve been grounded in Dublin with some limited essential travel to London and I must admit it has not been bad! I’ve had time to draw breath each day, walk in my local neighbourhoods- in Dublin, that is magnificent Merrion Square and in London, it’s been Ennismore Gardens that reminded me how important it is to stop and relax for a period to soak up the nature all around us. It’s been good for my soul.
In between my time is filled with zoom calls which I now really enjoy especially as we all dab hands now at selling virtually. There is truly a solution for every problem.
What does sustainable fashion mean to you?
Investment dressing is the very definition of sustainable fashion. Buying carefully with the intention to keep and wear a garment for many seasons before passing it to a family member or friend, perfectly intact. Quality ensures, never wasted.
What was the inspiration for your Spring Summer ‘21 collection?
The SS/21 collection is inspired by dreams of visiting the idyllic archipelago of islands, The Maldives and boasts bursts of therapeutic colours such as bold azure, duck egg blue, powder pink, ivory, and pure white – all of which perfectly contrasts with touches of midnight navy. It allows the Louise Kennedy woman to look forward to a bright future and enjoy the uplifted spirit of planning the summer wardrobe, that we all have so longed to do.
Any favourite pieces?
I adore our pretty and fun Freya silk printed chiffon dress, the structure of the Navy classic Gianna Jacket and our ever-popular Ivory Lily Knit that can be worn in summer and winter.
Do you have any favourite areas in Cheshire to visit?
I had a great Irish friend who once lived in Prestbury, so I visited the area many times and adored each visit. I am hugely interested in architecture so for me the fun was seeing such pretty houses and leafy lanes as well as enjoying some great shops and restaurants.
We have some very loyal clients who live in Cheshire but shop with us in London so I might have to plan a visit there soon once we can all freely travel again!
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