Fashion world: 50 years of Irish domination

Fifty years of iconic styles: How Irish fashion trends have led the way

Of all the amazing achievements Ireland has made on the global stage, one that doesn’t receive as much praise as it should is our country’s contribution to the world of fashion.

For decades, Irish designers have been creating trends that have set fire to catwalks the world over.

From the stylish seventies to the modern age, Ireland has been a mecca for the fashion savvy.

We thought we’d take a look back at some of the iconic styles that have stemmed from our island over the past 50 years.

Let’s do this thing:

1970s:

Sybil Connolly could be considered the grandmother of Irish fashion.

She was the first Irish woman to have the international world of fashion falling at her feet.

Through her innovative use of traditional fabrics, she became the first designer to successfully target the American market and also change the way sophisticated women dressed.

Sybil was known as ‘Dublin’s Coco Chanel’ and designed dresses of the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Jackie Kennedy, two of the biggest names in the world at the time.

A Vouge article showing Jackie Kennedy modelling Sybil Connolly design

A hard act to follow, Sybil set the bar very high for any future Irish fashion designers.

1980s:

The 1980s was the decade the world fell in love with Princess Diana.

Famed for her down to earth persona and iconic looks, Diana was one of the most famous faces of the entire decade.

And the man behind a lot of her iconic looks? An Irish designer by the name of Paul Costelloe.

Princess Diana in an iconic Paul Costelloe piece

And Costelloe didn’t stop in the 80s, 40 years and seven children later he is still one of the leading fashion designers in Ireland.

With his company Paul Costelloe Womenswear, Menswear, Bags, Jewellery & more, still at the forefront of fashion.

Speaking recently to the Irish Times about his showing at London Fashion Week, Costelloe said:

“I am lucky to be still showing at London Fashion Week whether good, bad or indifferent. People believe it, and it keeps the brand visible and the name at the very top.”

1990s:

No matter what season it is in Ireland, there’s something you’ll always need on hand, and that’s a good knit.

And in the 90s a good knit was synonymous with one name: Lainey Keogh.

In 1984 Keogh opened her first shop in Dublin, where she gradually built up her business and reputation, before presenting her first major catwalk show in Autumn 1997 at London Fashion Week.

Anna Harvey of UK Vogue declared Keogh's show the "jewel in the crown" of that Fashion Week.

And so began the international legacy of Lainey Keogh.

Key to note about Lainey’s work is her use of ethically sourced, natural fibres and dyes, and exclude synthetics and chemicals.

Truly one of the good guys!

Lainey Keogh was a key figure in the 90s fashion world.  Image: Irish Times

2000s:

Fashion starts from the head down, and one of the most renowned designers of hats and headpieces is Phillip Treacy.

The Galway native was described by Vogue magazine as "perhaps the greatest living milliner."

And his record backs up that statement, having designed headpieces for a host of celebs and the Royal family.

Among his impressive resume you’ll find designs for:

• Motion picture phenomenon Harry Potter (most notably the Beauxbatons hat, for The Goblet of Fire in 2005).

• Sarah Jessica Parker has worn his hats at Sex and the City premières (2008, 2011)

• And Treacy designed Madonna's gold headpiece for her 2012 Super Bowl half-time show

Kate wears a Philip Treacy hat in 2016

And those are just a few in a long, long list of achievements.

2010s:

Today, fashion in Ireland is just as strong as it’s ever been thanks to names such as Simone Rocha.

The daughter of fashion designer John Rocha, Simone is quoted as saying it was "inevitable" that she would follow in his footsteps, adding that fashion was "100% part of [her] life".

Having rocked London Fashion Week for the first time in 2010, Simone hasn't taken a backwards step since.

Harper's Bazaar named Rocha their Young Designer of the Year in 2014 and in 2016 she was named Womenswear Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards.

And with names like Kate Middleton and Michelle Obama wearing her designs, it’s safe to say she’s gone global.

Simone Rocha. Image https://www.businessoffashion.com

Another torch bearer in the now long line of Irish fashion designers who’ve strutted their stuff on the world’s stage.