Kennedy has it in the bag... 30 years on

Louise Kennedy’s clothes are never off the fashion pages, but it’s difficult to believe she’s been designing for 30 years.

Appearing in the entrance of her Belgravia boutique, flaxen-haired and sylphic in a neatly tailored, black suit, she looks as fresh as a woman whose career is beginning.

Yet, a fortnight after her 30th anniversary show, where she greeted every guest at the door of Dublin’s Hugh Lane Gallery, she flew to Paris to select fabrics for her next collection.

And last night, she partied with perfumer, Roja Dove, who supplies her Dublin flagship, exclusively in Ireland.

Now, she’s briefing a fitter on the refurbishment of this store, masterminded by Mallow-born interiors expert, Michael Mortell.

“If I didn’t look at the numbers, I wouldn’t know it had been 30 years.

“I don’t feel any different from when I started and I put that down to the passion and energy I have for my work. I’ve just begun planning autumn/winter 2014, and still get that same excitement when I see, and feel, the new fabrics.”

Kennedy is known as a designer who truly listens to women, and they respond with loyalty, even in a recession.

The Louise Kennedy look is well-established as uncluttered, luxurious, and expertly-fitted. She meets daughters and even granddaughters of early clients wearing inherited pieces.

“These are not throwaway clothes. They’re expensive and clients want to know their investment will come back to them.”

Two exciting new brand extensions — a signature fragrance out next month and “The Kennedy”, her first handbag — will make Louise Kennedy even more appealing to equity buyers.

Bags and perfumes are the kind of entry-level products that really drive a luxury brand. Few of us buy a ready-to-wear collection per season, but a bag to cherish for years? That’s a worthy investment.

“I’ve always thought that way. I was never one for buying a new ‘it’ bag each season. I was lucky enough to inherit a crocodile-skin Kelly bag that I still use and send to Paris when it needs a little TLC. Someday I hope to pass it on.”

No doubt plenty of women will keep “The Kennedy” safe for future generations.