Louise Kennedy Celebrates 30 Years of Design with her First Handbag Collection

2013 is a very special year for designer Louise Kennedy.

One of Ireland's most successful fashion designers, Kennedy established her eponymous label in 1983 and has since earned an international reputation for creating clothes that are appreciated for their sophistication and quality of design.

Her very first collection was bought by Ireland's flagship luxury department store, Brown Thomas, who continues to stock the brand 30 years later. This season, she celebrates 30 years in the fashion industry and launches her first handbag collection, which was revealed at a Gala Fashion Show to showcase her Autumn/Winter show in Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane last week.

The limited edition “Kennedy” bag is a collaboration with Tanner Krolle, Britain’s iconic luxury leather goods company. The bag is constructed using the finest French calf leather, hand crafted in Italy with a labour intensive raw edge construction. The bag is available in Jet Black and a very distinctive Kerry Blue and priced at €1,495.

With a design ethos devoted to creating garments that flatter the female silhouette, the roll-call of Louise's supporters is very impressive. Mrs. Mary Robinson, the first Irish female President commissioned Louise to design her inauguration outfit in 1990 and continued to dress the president throughout her term in office.

Louise has also dressed members of the British, European and Middle Eastern Royal Families. Other supporters over the years include Meryl Streep, Angelica Huston, Meryl Streep, Andie McDowell, Kylie Minogue, Enya, Jo Malone, Emma Thompson, Yasmin Le Bon and the late Elizabeth Taylor.

LOUISE KENNEDY AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

The glamorous Art Deco period of the 1930's provides the backdrop and inspiration evident throughout Louise Kennedy's new Autumn/Winter collection.

Graphic prints mirroring architectural details are used cleverly to accentuate clean silhouettes for easy tunic dressing and silk shirting’s worn over fluid jersey palazzo pants.

Colour blocking using black, white and sapphire deliver a rich, dramatic palette for asymmetrical gowns and silk shifts.

Tailoring - a hallmark of the Louise Kennedy label - features strongly in coats, separates and dresses using fine and luxurious fabrics such as double-faced crepes, pure cashmere, silks and silk jerseys.

The slightly oversized coat is a statement piece to own this season. Amber, mulberry, black and sapphire shades are presented either cleanly or embellished with black jet crystals.

Not surprisingly, the cocktail collection exudes femininity and glamour using fine laces, silk chiffons and hand-encrusted beading. Lengths are knee-skimming, mid-calf or ankle length.

Twenty black full-length gowns ready for any red-carpet occasion closed Gala Fashion show alongside a stunning Louise Kennedy bridal gown.

Prices for the Louise Kennedy AW13 collection start at €395 for silk shirts, €295 for knitwear, €895 for coats, €595 for jackets, €695 for dresses and €375 for trousers.