We spend time catching up with one of Ireland’s hottest fashion exports, Louise Kennedy.

Louise Kennedy in her Bridal room. Image courtesy of Justin Harrington.

She’s besties with Jeanne Beker (they have been friends for over a decade), just started a bridal collection after 27 years in the fashion biz, and hopes to make her way back to Toronto sometime in the near future. We chatted with the Irish designer about Dublin hot spots, travel musts and what makes her luxe line so Irish and international at the same time.

Louise Kennedy has become synonymous with Irish fashion. Her clean, classic lines and bold bright colour choices have put her not only on the Irish design map, but the fashion world’s map as well. And her shop in Dublin has clearly become a destination for visitors looking for her clothing and more — she also has a line of crystal, a selection of other design and home products that she handpicks, and now her 25-piece bridal collection.

Why start a bridal collection?
“It was the next natural progression. From my collection, to a crystal collection (which Jeanne Beker helped launch in the Irish high-end department store Brown Thomas) and eventually we will do china, after 27 years it was natural to get into the new market of bridal.”

A dress from Louise Kennedy's bridal collection. Image courtesy of Justin Harrington.

Explain a bit about the bridal collection.
“There are 25 dresses, all completely bespoke. It was created for the non-traditional bride. It’s leaner, more about the cut and the body and very ’30s inspired. I guess I’ve always been known for cut and technique and timelessness. This brings in the detailing and craftsmanship to the bridal collection. At our store it’s a very seamless experience for the bride.”

Describe Irish fashion.
“From my personal perspective, we’re all about tailoring and international and not necessarily the heritage of Ireland. A lot of people outside of Ireland think we’re American based. It’s not necessarily Irish influenced and more about the woman and what will look good on her. I love fine fabrics and silks and use them a lot.” Read the rest of this entry

If you’ve been following us on Facebook or Twitter, you’ll know that I’m spending a little bit of time in sunny (albeit, chilly) Ireland. I’ve spent the last few days in Dublin, scouring for local designer shops and unique finds, chatting with designers and dipping into a Guinness or two (or three, or four … who’s counting?). I found a spot that is definitely worth sharing and is a must on any Dublin visit (calling all fashion addicts!).

A Claire O'Connor dress and Philip Treacy topper. Image courtesy of Justin Harrington.

At the Powerscourt Shopping Centre you’ll find a slew of quaint, eccentric, unique little shops (from flowers, to jewels, to coffee and ice cream) and it’s just off of Grafton Street (the main pedestrian shopping area). But the real gem for fashion lovers is on the very top floor in a spacious corner called the Design Centre. Here’s what I learned about the shop and a few tidbits about Irish design:

1. The Design Centre has been a mainstay in the Irish fashion industry for 30 years. The first of its kind in Dublin, it’s a platform for Irish designers (old and new) and has launched many design careers (John Rocha, anyone?).

2. It used to only be Irish designer goods you could find here, but in the mid-’90s they introduced the Irish style-set to international finds such as Preen and Julien MacDonald. Read the rest of this entry

This summer I’m taking a new approach to my hair. I’m going to work with my natural texture instead of against it. That means I’m going to accept my natural, imperfect waves instead of forcing them into curls or a sleek straight ‘do. My main reasons for doing this?

1. I’m tired of spending way too much time on my hair in the morning – I’d rather some more shut eye minutes!

2. I want to give my over-processed hair a break from styling and products.

Jorge Joao, Redken Artist and stylist at KOI Hair Studio also got me hooked on this idea. “It’s huge right now to embrace your natural texture,” he insists. “Use very minimal product and it means less maintenance. The humidity can be our biggest enemy, so take advantage your own texture and use what you have. The less work and artificial tools you use, the better your hair will look.”

Hmm, ok, so I asked Jorge to give me a cute example of how to do something fun and simple to your hair, without all the product and styling, and we came up with this look from the Charlotte Ronson runway. Here are the simple ways to get this look if you’re letting your natural texture shine through. Seriously, it’s only two steps!

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Audrey Hepburn’s French pleat in Breakfast at Tiffany’s has been named the most influential style ever in a Hairdressing Council poll.

Audrey Hepburn’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s hairstyle has been named most influential style ever.

The late actresses’ French pleat in the 1961 film – in which she played lead character Holly Golightly – has been given the honor after hairdressers voted it as number one on their list in a Hairdressing Council poll, revealing it is the most requested style in salons.

Other vintage cuts in the list included Some Like It Hot actress Marilyn Monroe’s trademark blonde curls (which were second) and model Twiggy’s crop in third. Read the rest of this entry

Change a #prfail into a #jobwelldone

I may be one of the few people left in the digital world who just discovered what #prfail is. (No, not the hashtag itself, but what the hashtag itself represents.) Chatting with Canadian Living magazine’s Julia McEwen at an event last week,  I found out that this has become a trending topic on Twitter (a very viral one) and one that is the nouveau way to stick it to public relations firms who don’t live up to our (unrealistic? warranted?) standards.

Given today’s media climate and the fact that nothing is secret, nor sacred, anymore (do I really need to know what you ate for dinner on Facebook?) this open-book phenom that is the #prfail is no big surprise; but having taken a look at the Twitter thread, I couldn’t help but feel compassion for those PR firms who really screwed up.

So, in that vein, I’m listing the ways to avoid the dreaded #prfail; humbly of course. Read the rest of this entry

Versace is to launch a childrenswear line next year, which the Italian fashion house has promised will be ”glamorous and colorful.”

The Italian fashion house – headed by Donatella Versace – are planning to release the range, entitled Young Versace, for spring/summer 2012 and promise it will be “glamorous and colorful.”

Gian Giacomo Ferraris, chief executive officer of Versace SpA, said: “This is a high-end, glamorous and colorful collection in line with the brand’s essence, with a touch of rock ‘n’ roll. Donatella Versace strongly supports and is behind the project, we have a state-of-the-art technological platform and supply chain, and we directly manage our core business.”

The collection – which is aimed at children up to the age of 12 – will incorporate the label’s iconic symbols, such as the Greek frieze and the Medusa while adding a more youthful and ironic twist.

Versace is the latest luxury label to branch into childrenswear.

Lanvin recently announced plans to debut a collection for youngsters as part of their spring/summer 2012 outing.

Thierry Andretta, executive vice-president of the brand, said: “It’s a way to translate the universe of Lanvin ready-to-wear to the world of kids. We really want to stay in the luxury world.”

Marni, Dior and Chloe have also branched into expensive childrenswear in recent years.

If you have young children, would you buy them Versace clothes?

(BANG Media)

14-year-old Academy Award nominee Hailee Steinfeld has been named as the new face of Miu Miu.

The 14-year-old ‘True Grit’ star will front the Italian fashion house’s autumn/winter campaign after being introduced to executives from the brand at the Screen Actors Guild awards earlier this year.

A representative for the brand’s sister label Prada said: “I can confirm Hailee Steinfeld has been shot to appear in the new Miu Miu fall/winter 2011 campaign.” Read the rest of this entry

The S.M.I.T appeal (Don’t worry, I’ll explain it.)

I was having dinner with a friend last night when conversation turned to what he did for a living. Long story short, he’s a copywriter for Showcase. Part of his day-to-day is to take new and existing shows on the network and develop promo “spots” to entice T.V viewers to tune in.

He (Will, by the way) explained this concept he coined the” S.M.I.T appeal.” It stands for the Single Most Important Thing; meaning, when content managers come to him from all directions on how they want their TV programs promoted, Will goes back to them and asks: what’s the single, most important thing you want your show to represent.

The idea stuck with me and, weirdly, came to a crescendo this morning while I attended the Holt Renfrew Fall 2011 designer preview. As I’m walking around the Holt’s Cafe, I’m assaulted (in a good way, of course) by all of the exceptional new designer lines available at the retailer over the next several months. At first I thought  I would want nothing more then Rachel Zoe‘s tuxedo jacket with satin lapels, but that was before I stumbled upon House of Harlow‘s gorgeous carmel tote with leopard print lining.

The madness didn’t stop there. David Livingstone coerced me into trying on a navy wool men’s blazer from McQ by Alexander McQueen, and then I tempted fate by slipping one of YSL‘s flower rings (in this spectacular shade of burgundy) onto my finger. So much beauty, so little finances. Then it hit me: What’s the single most important thing? In this sea of options, what’s the single most important thing I want my wardrobe to represent? It comes by way of accessories (shocker there) and the name: Shourouk. The piece I covet is listed in the photo gallery below; plus, I couldn’t resist snapping other pretty finds that could invariably be your #1s this fall season.

Pat Field and Kotex want you to get creative

U by Kotex and former Sex and the City stylist Patricia Field have issued the ultimate creative challenge: design a pad, accessory or inspiration board for “Ban the Bland” and revolutionize feminine care. I recently caught up with the iconic fashion personality at her home in Manhattan where she told me why this creative collab peaked her interest.  “At this point in my career, I am thrilled to have the chance to speak with young women and bring design to the bland feminine care category,” Field says. “I’m looking forward to seeing the creativity come to life in the design contest and final products.” Pat Field is just the latest celeb to venture into this kind of collaboration: Who could forget Cynthia Rowley’s band-aid line and Diane Von Furstenberg’s colourful hospital gowns?

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Does anyone else get tired of the standard wavy beach hair that we see every summer? I do love the easy breezy look and feel of beachy waves, but every now and then I want a super sophisticated, sleek ‘do that will be perfect for a late night summer party, wedding, or just on a day when I don’t want to combat frizz.

Look no further than Max Mara. It’s not only impeccably smooth hair, but it’s slicked and groomed back from the face (there’s no hiding here!). I LOVE it. It’s polished, and oh-so-chic. I asked Justin German, co-owner of Shagg Salon in Toronto and Pantene spokesperson for his tips.

Image courtesy of ImaxTree.com

“To me the way this is flat, almost tunnel hair, all down the back is quite a strong look,” says Justin. “It’s a nice departure look from flowy, beachy hair. For a girl that really wants to make a statement and is really secure with slicking it off their face, this is a great look.”

Step 1: Start by shampooing with an anti-frizz cleanser and conditioner. This is a look that really calls for no fly-aways.

Step 2: “On wet hair put the Pantene Medium-Thick Hair Solutions Heat Protection & Shine Spray,” says Justin. “This will lead into keeping fly-aways and frizz away because there’s an anti-humidity protectant in that.” Read the rest of this entry