What can I say about the last few months? It has been a whirlwind, but as wind swept as I am, I have finally made it to this day, my fiftieth birthday, and I am launching my own brand. Is this actually real?
I am so proud to introduce you to my five hero pieces, along with my four hero accessories.
It all started years ago with a dream to design dresses for women that would make them feel amazing at any special occasion, but would also be their go to dress for other events. Their favourite dress that they would wear time and time again, but would be able to change and adapt so that it always looked new and fresh.
The journey to get here has been a long and hard one, but I wouldn’t change a second of it. It turned from a far-fetched dream to a “must do this” goal last May 2024, when I made a dress for the end of year fashion show at the Grafton Academy. The moment I saw the model Sarah Mc Govern start to walk out in my design, my hands started to shake and I knew that this was it. No more messing, no more dreaming, it was time to get organised and make this happen.
I was determined to have this collection made here in Ireland, but I knew enough about myself to know that my skills do not lie in the perfect finishing of a garment, I’m not a finisher! I had learnt that at sewing class, where once I could see the garment take shape, I was on to developing the next pattern. I had no interest in going back in turning up hems and pressing seams! Plus I want to make this brand huge! I was not going to be able to make the quantities myself. But how was I going to do that here in Ireland where there is practically no manufacturing?
And then I met Anneliese Duffy of Linen Shirt Company who had just started a new adventure called Fashion Connect, in New Ross, Co. Wexford. Her dream was to help new Irish fashion designers get their garments manufactured here in Ireland. I arranged a meeting and instantly fell in love with her passion for the industry and her dedication to her dream. I knew we would be a match made in heaven.
The real work started then. The sourcing of fabric, the endless rounds of sampling, the constant fittings on bodies of all shapes and sizes, the drives up and down to New Ross (I know that road like the back of my hand now).
And then all the other things you just don’t think of, the labels, the packaging, the hangers, the photoshoot, the website. It has been non-stop, but I have been so happy at each and every stage of the process. Because I know you are going to love it.
I have lots more to tell you, but I’ll leave it at that for today. Thank you so much for all the support I have received over the years from my Instagram community. None of this would have happened without your support and in particular the encouragement from my special group of zebras!
