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A graduate of the Grafton Academy of fashion and design,Tipperary-born Louise Kennedy always believed the design business to be “in
my DNA”. Since establishing her eponymous label in 1983, Louise has earned an international reputation for creating clothes that are appreciated for
their sophistication and quality of design, a luxurious approach to modern feminine dressing.
Louise Kennedy quickly became synonymous with elegance, understated style, texture, and exquisite detail; her use of colour and intricate detail,
taking luxury to a new degree. In 1989, Louise was commissioned by President Mary
Robinson, the first female President of Ireland to design for her inauguration cere-
mony.
She has also dressed members of the British, European and Middle Eastern Royal
Families and many American and European award winning actresses. Her gentle tai-
loring is enhanced by delicate embroideries and underpinned by pure silk linings;
quality is never compromised. Louise has shown her fashion collections globally, and
exports her work all over the world.
In the mid 90’s, Louise joined the British Fashion Council. She was also chosen to de-
sign the uniforms forAer Lingus, Ireland’s national airline, which are still worn today.
In 1998 her Dublin Flagship Store was launched, located at 56 Merrion Square in the
heart of Georgian Dublin. In 1999, Louise was commissioned to design a contempo-
rary crystal collection.This went on to become the fastest growing brand of designed
crystal in the international marketplace.
In 2010, Louise was honoured with a National Stamp by An Post. In the same year,
The Bridal Room, a bridal ‘Couture’ Atelier was launched at 56 Merrion Square. In
late 2011, Louise was commissioned by the Chief Justice to design the first national
judicial robes for the Irish Supreme Court.These were officially launched in October
2012 which marked a historic shift in the judicial court attire in Ireland.
2013 marked an important anniversary for Louise Kennedy where she celebrated 30
years in the fashion industry. Her very first collection was bought by Ireland’s flagship
luxury department store, BrownThomas, who continues to stock the brand 33 years
later.In the same year, Louise also launched ‘The Kennedy’ Bag and her first signa-
ture fragrance,‘The Louise Kennedy Eau De Parfum’ to celebrate her thirty years in
fashion. She has been the recipient of many prestigious awards including Tipperary
Person of theYear award in 1992,The Bird and Bell award fromThe Ireland Funds of
Great Britain for her contribution to the fashion world, Irish Designer of theYear in
1985, 1989, 1991 and 1993 and a Fashion Oscar.
In 2003 she was awarded the Veuve Cliquot BusinessWoman of theYear award, and
in early 2009 Louise became the first female style envoy for Mercedes Benz Ireland.
Louise also acts as a valued partner for the “Great” Britain Campaign. In 2013, she
received a Special Achievement Award presented at The Irish Tatler Woman of the
Year Awards.
In October 2014, she was also the recipient of The Great Britain and Ireland Company of theYear Award presented to her byThe Irish Post. In No-
vember 2014, Louise was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy from the Dublin Institute of Technology. On December 3rd 2014,
Louise was invited to become an ambassador for the ‘GREAT’ Britain campaign by Prime Minister David Cameron in recognition of her personal
support and contribution to the UK’s most ambitious international promotional campaign ever.The ‘GREAT’ Britain campaign showcases the very
best of what Britain has to offer to encourage the world to visit study and do business with the UK, to deliver jobs and growth at home.
In June 2016, Louise received the prestigious ‘Arts & Culture’ award from the International Women’s Executive Network (WXN). This award
honoured Ireland’s top 25 women in business. In September 2016, Louise launched her first design collaboration with the iconic British menswear
companyTurnbull &Asser.This exciting shirt collection will be in store from October.