Just under a month ago, Catherine Connolly became the tenth president of Ireland. For her inauguration outfit, she opted for a total purple look by celebrated Irish designer Louise Kennedy. In an interview with Her.ie, Connolly expressed her desire to use her voice and role to “enable and empower”. With this intention, the colour of her outfit takes on a more powerful meaning. Purple’s feminist symbolism has its roots in the suffragette movement, as one article in The Suffragist from 1913 describes: “Purple is the colour of loyalty, constancy to purpose, unswerving steadfastness to a cause”.
Purple shows strength and status. It was also widely used in Celtic culture as a symbol of loyalty and spirituality. Moreover, the silhouette of the suit, with its straight, relaxed lines and elegant yet functional tailoring, reflects a desire for modernity without compromising on quality and elegance. This is a beautiful example of symbolism and fashion coming together to express a specific intention. But this is not the first time that the symbolism of this distinctive colour has been used by an Irish president. Mary Robinson, the first female President of Ireland also wore a purple two-pieces suit at her inauguration ceremony in 1990.
Lousie Kennedy is an acclaimed Irish designer who has been described as “the uncrowned queen of Irish fashion”. After graduating from fashion design at the Grafton Academy in Dublin in 1983, she opened her own business. With a sophisticated, timeless and elegant style, Kennedy’s firm quickly grew in the Irish fashion industry.
Her designs are characterised by their details, straight lines and impeccable tailoring. The pieces that stand out more are her suits and coats designs, although it also has a line of handbags and jewellery. Kennedy’s brand is committed to the quality of fabrics, mainly wool, cashmere and silk, defending that “true luxury lies in longevity”. Their main supplier is Linton Tweeds, an iconic manufacturer of fabrics since 1912. As they say, “Every new season begins with a visit to Linton’s archives”, being a fundamental key to the brand.
Another great feature to highlight is her embellished designs. Handmade by craftspeople in India, these unique garments are the culmination of the brand’s essence and effortless glamour.
Lousie Kennedy takes care of every little detail of all her pieces so that “all our designs are as beautiful to wear as they are to behold”, as stated on their website. Her designs have not only been worn by high-profile figures, like Irish Presidents Mary Robinson and Catherine Connolly, but they are also the judicial robes for the Irish Supreme Court and the uniforms for Aer Lingus staff, thus demonstrating great versatility.
Louise Kennedy advocates for detail and longevity, describing her garments as “Designed to last”. Elegance, timelessness and quality are key to her brand. As we saw with Catherine Connolly’s suit, each of her garments and designs says something, unique in their creation and made with artistry.
