The inspiration behind Roz Purcell’s Cork-inspired Ireland Fashion Week dress – and how to own it
Roz Purcell and Mary O'Sullivan at the opening of this year's Ireland Fashion Week
There was one dress at this year’s Ireland Fashion Week that we couldn’t stop thinking about — and now we know how to get our hands on it ourselves.
Modelled by Roz Purcell at Irish Roots show on Thursday, the design is the work of Limerick designer Mary O’Sullivan and it marks the debut of her first-ever ready-to-wear collection.
The Cities of Ireland Toile de Jouy dress celebrates some of the country’s most iconic landmarks through hand-drawn illustrations of Dublin, Galway, Belfast, Limerick and Cork. And yes, our very own Shandon Bells features in the beautiful print, giving Cork a place among the landmarks representing Ireland’s rich heritage.
O’Sullivan first gained attention for her bespoke Limerick Toile dress, adapting the distinctive print into midi and mini dresses, a full skirt and a modern corset, as worn by Limerick broadcaster and How to Gael podcaster Louise Cantillon. She also went on to design a bespoke look for this year’s Limerick Rose.
Now, she is expanding her vision beyond her native city, with Cork firmly in the picture.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the latest design, O’Sullivan says the dress is, at its core, “a celebration of what it means to be Irish”.
“We are naturally storytellers at heart and we have such a deep connection to where we come from. With the Limerick Toile de Jouy, I wanted to celebrate my own roots by honouring the landmarks that are important to me as a Limerick person.
“With 'Cities of Ireland Toile de Jouy', I wanted to expand that vision to honour the whole island of Ireland, not just Limerick, uniting the country by showcasing some of the best parts of our shared heritage.”
Alongside King John’s Castle for Limerick and the Shandon Bells and Tower for Cork, the design also features the Spanish Arch for Galway, the Poolbeg Chimneys for Dublin and the Harland and Wolff shipyard for Belfast.
“I chose landmarks that represented the people of those cities and would connect with the heritage of the people of Ireland. This heritage is also the inspiration behind the silhouettes. I have always been a long-time admirer of 1950s silhouettes, in particular 'The New Look' by Christian Dior. I wanted to hone in this year on a silhouette that I’ve become known for.” Of course, Roz Purcell is the perfect choice to model this ode to Ireland.
"I have been a long-time admirer of Roz and what she’s done,” O’Sullivan continued. “Having the opportunity to dress Roz for the 'Irish Roots' show, marking my second time showcasing at Ireland Fashion Week, has been an absolute honour. Roz is one of the most down-to-earth and lovely people that I’ve met this year. I love what she’s doing to promote Ireland through The Hike Life, and I am a fan of everything she does.”
It is a particularly big week for O’Sullivan, as it marks the first time fans can order her designs through pre-order on her website, maryosullivandesign.com.
The Orlaith dress, as modelled by Roz, retails at €475, with a strapless, fitted bodice with a sweetheart-style neckline and a voluminous mini skirt. The design is always available in Rebecca, €595, a midi variety with wide shoulder straps, a square neckline and a fuller, longer skirt.
Ten designers came together for the Irish Roots show at Ireland Fashion Week on Thursday, with Coco Rocha opening the show in Monto and Perri and Alana Hadid closing the runway.
As for O'Sullivan's plans for the remainder of Fashion Week?
"Attending Sinéad O’Dwyer‘s fashion show in City Hall on Friday night. It is amazing that Sinéad has come home to Ireland to showcase her work. I am also very excited to see what the young designers have produced for the graduate show, 'Damhsa', at the RDS. Their runway looks looked amazing last year, so I can’t wait to see what they have created.
"It’s incredible to see the wealth of creative talent we have in Ireland, and it goes to show that the more we support creativity in Ireland, the more it produces for Ireland.”
We couldn’t agree more.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
