Sybil Connolly on a lifetime of working in the fashion industry.
The work of the designer Sybil Connolly, who put Ireland on the map in fashion terms, was officially acknowledged with a Satzenbrau Fashion Oscar at an awards ceremony in Dublin. The awards were presented by BBC broadcaster Selina Scott is also a guest on 'The Late Late Show'.
Sybil Connolly admits finding it hard to believe that she has spent half a century working in the industry, but is as busy as ever, and has no plans to retire.
I can't imagine doing anything else, I just love it.
Projects in recent years include designing china for Tiffany & Co. in New York and fabrics and wallpaper for interior design company Brunschwig & Fils. Fashion design remains her primary interest however.
A Sybil Connolly designed garment takes many months to create, as it is made by hand. She uses Irish textiles, which are reflected in the price of the finished garment. The style of linen dresses she has created have been best sellers,
I laughingly say that my house in Merrion Square is the house that pleated linen built.
Former First Lady of the United States Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is among her clients and wears a Sybil Connolly gown in her official White House portrait by Aaron Shikler. It was he who chose the dress, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was so pleased with the result that she returned the dress to Sybil Connolly to be conserved for posterity.
It will be nice for students to see these sort of things.
This episode of The Late Late Show was broadcast on 20 May 1988. The presenter is Gay Byrne.
