Profits at Kennedy’s design firm rise 88%

Dublin-based designer Louise Kennedy, whose customers include singer Beyoncé and actress Meryl Streep, saw profits at her design firm almost double to €313,116 in 2011.

Kennedy is one of Ireland’s most successful designers and figures show that accumulated profits at her company, Signum Ltd, rose by 88%, or €146,963 in the period.

The abridged accounts show that cash more than doubled, from €243,405 to €540,932.

A spokesman yesterday attributed the increase in business at Signum last year to significant growth in the export market.

“We can confirm that 2011 produced satisfactory results, largely arising from a significant growth in the export market,” he said.

“The company increased its staff numbers and is currently recruiting further additional staff for Ireland and the UK.

“The company continues to make significant investment in product design which is paramount in the highly competitive world of international fashion.”

Kennedy established her eponymous label in 1983 and operates flagship stores at Belgravia in London and Merrion Square in Dublin.

The Co Tipperary native’s profile was heightened in 1990 when Mary Robinson commissioned her to design her presidential inauguration outfit. She continued to dress Mrs Robinson and Mary McAleese throughout their presidencies.

In 1997, Kennedy was chosen to design the uniforms for Aer Lingus, which to this date are still worn by staff.

Kennedy has been the recipient of many prestigious awards, including Irish designer of the year on four separate occasions.

In 2009, she became the first female style envoy for Mercedes Benz and has also been honoured by An Post with a stamp celebrating her work.

She has dressed members of the British, European, and Middle Eastern royal families.

Other supporters include Angelica Huston, Jo Malone, Emma Thompson, and the late Elizabeth Taylor.