Irish Fashion Designers

RTÉ Archives looks into the world of fashion with this collection of interviews with Irish fashion designers.

A look into the world of fashion with this collection of interviews with Irish designers, from Sybil Connolly, who shot to international stardom in the 1950s to contemporary figures such as Joanne Hynes and Orla Kiely. What inspired them to become designers? What kind of careers have they had? 13 designers talk about their experiences and their work.

Included are couture designers such as Pat Crowley and Peter O'Brien from his days at the House of Rochas in Paris. We revisit the days of Quin and Donnelly on the Irish high street with a TV clip from their time at A-Wear. Louis Copeland explains what a tailor does while Louise Kennedy describes the challenges of designing corporate uniforms. Paul Costelloe thinks that Irish men are "the most charismatic male species in Europe" and Lainey Keogh says there is a "third dimension" to Irish knitting.

The accompanying image shows models at 'The Late Late Show Fashion Awards'  at the RDS in 1989. The photographer was Tom Holton. © RTÉ Archives 2162/081