Louise Kennedy - Biography

Louise Kennedy is one of Ireland's most successful fashion designers who continues to build an international reputation for creating clothes that are appreciated for their quality of design and sophistication. (View the Autumn | Winter 2008 collection)

Since establishing her own label on graduating from the Grafton Academy Dublin in 1982, her name has become synonymous with elegance, luxury and understated design. Throughout there is an emphasis on the highest standards of workmanship and fabrication, which appeal to those who value discrete luxury and contemporary glamour.

Louise's reputation for attention to detail and design has clearly benefited her design company. Her first collection was bought by Brown Thomas and in 1990 Mary Robinson chose to wear Louise Kennedy for her inauguration, which was a very prestigious commission due to the international exposure for Ireland's first female President. In 1997 she was chosen to design the uniforms for Aer Lingus, Ireland's national airline, which are still worn by the male and female staff. It is a testament to Louise's classic designs that the uniforms still look so stylish ten years on.

In 1999 Louise was commissioned to design a contemporary crystal collection, in collaboration with Tipperary Crystal, which included a varied but comprehensive collection of stemware and giftware. Her collection has become the fastest growing brand of designed crystal in the Irish marketplace with an ever-increasing following in the UK and US markets. In April 2005, to great acclaim, she launched her spectacular chandelier and lighting collection.

In Ireland, her clothing is available at Louise Kennedy, 56 Merrion Square, Brown Thomas Dublin and selected boutiques. Her boutique at the Ritz-Carlton in Powerscourt, Co Wicklow is due to open this Summer.

With a number of interior design projects underway, there is no better way of experiencing Louise's innate sense of beauty and style than by visiting her headquarters in 56 Merrion Square, Dublin 2. Housed on five floors of a fine example of 18th Georgian Dublin, here she has created a truly unique and exclusive retail and office environment, which is open to shoppers from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday. 56 Merrion Square has become a destination for discerning Irish and overseas customers who wish to see how her clothing and crystal designs sit so easily with David Linley furniture accessories (which are exclusive to 56 Merrion Square in Ireland), along with other exclusive objets d'arts and gifts.

Louise's London flagship store epitomises her elegant and sophisticated style and is set in a stunning prime location on the corner of West Halkin Street and Lowndes Street in the heart of London's Belgravia. Encompassing exquisite designs and restrained décor, No 9 West Halkin Street exudes a sense of light and space which is unparalleled, resulting in a truly unique retail experience.

Here in Belgravia, her eponymous store sits alongside leading international labels such as Chanel, Armani and Gucci Christian Louboutin amongst others. Fast becoming a mecca for London's most discerning fashionistas, the demand for Louise's highly fashionable label in the United Kingdom is apparent as the label is also being stocked in premier retailer Harrods.

Proving that Louise's exquisite designs are garnering attention further afield, her collection is currently being stocked in the stylish and sophisticated Hazel Boutique in Toronto's über chic Hazelton Hotel, Canada.

Taking on her most ambitious interiors project to date, Louise has been commissioned by LM Developments to design the interiors of the two showhouses of the luxurious Streamstown Wood development in Malahide, Co Dublin. Louise and her team will be designing the interiors of the Mandeville (7,383 sq ft) and the Lanchester (5,505 sq ft) residences and purchasers will get the opportunity to work with Louise, if they so wish, to recreate any of the looks of the showhouses in their own homes. The unique homes will boast ultra luxurious feature options, such as an indoor heated swimming pool and gym facilities, a private cinema room, a games room and bar, a temperature-controlled wine cellar and a nanny suite.

Commenting on the project, Louise stated, "It is incredibly exciting to have been chosen to work on a project of this high quality. I have at my disposal a superb team of craftspeople and a brief to source only the finest contemporary soft furnishings and furniture, which will be mixed with fine art and antique pieces. It will be a joy to work on this project over the next year".

The first completed homes will be ready for occupation in September 2008.

Louise has been the recipient of many prestigious awards including Irish Designer of the Year on four separate occasions. In 2004 she was awarded the Veuve Cliquot Business Woman of the Year award and in 2005 the Irish Tatler Fashion Designer of the Year.

Perhaps the most accurate measure of her achievements today is the loyalty of Louise's distinguished client list that includes Andie Mac Dowell, Jo Malone, Kylie Minogue, Sarah Ferguson, Anjelica Huston, Yasmin Le Bon, Enya, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sofia Milos and Meryl Streep. This list continues to grow as more women discover the distinctive elegance that is the essence of 'Louise Kennedy'.