A dress fit for a first lady: young designer Claire is in White House good books

Irish designer tells Barry Egan of her delight at receiving a letter of thanks from Michelle Obama

Sunday July 31 2011

Last Friday morning, acclaimed young Irish designer Claire O'Connor got a phone call from the Design Centre at Powerscourt Townhouse Centre in Dublin to say that an important looking envelope had arrived for her postmarked: The White House, Washington DC.

Claire's feet barely touched the ground as she raced into town to open the mysterious package. Inside was a warm and generous letter from the first lady to the shy first girl of Irish fashion.
"Dear Claire, thank you so much for your generous gift," Michelle began.

"The beautiful dresses were such a nice gesture, and I hope you know how much I appreciate your thoughtfulness." The letter was signed in Michelle Obama's own hand.

Claire had sent the two dresses to the American embassy in Ballsbridge the week before President Obama and Michelle were due to arrive in Ireland on May 24. There is a serious vetting process both at the US Embassy in Ireland and at Michelle Obama's office at The White House.

This is Claire's second coup from across the Atlantic. Last week, a high-profile fashion shoot involving the current Miss Universe, Jimena Navarette, in Claire's designs was published and the stylists have since sent for more of her dresses. In any event, Claire O'Connor's designs made it all the way to Michelle.

It was a testament to the hard work Claire put in: she had stayed up till dawn three nights in a row to make sure the gunas were as impressive as they possibly could be.

"The first one was a long, silvery, black silk evening dress with a digital print down the skirt," explains Claire. "The second one was a knee-length dress with Swarovski crystal sewn onto the front."

About how many crystals? I ask.
"Jeepers!" she hoots. "A fair few! All I know was I was up till 5am putting them on."

To make matters slightly complicated, Claire didn't have Michelle's size and had to take an educated guess from extensively poring over pictures of her.

"Obviously as regards fashion designers, Michelle is the one person in the world every designer wants to be acknowledged by.
"I'm still shocked by the letter. I didn't even put my address on the package when I sent the dresses in. I thought nothing more of it," Claire told me, adding that, "for somebody so obviously busy and -- well, she is the first lady of America -- to write a letter so real and so human is so special for me. I will cherish it forever"
It says a lot about Claire that she was more impres-sed about what Michelle said about Ireland than the praise for her dresses.
"As our nations confront our own distinct yet interconnected challenges, my faith in a better tomorrow continues to grow stronger. Your generosity and kindness are deeply appreciated, and I wish you all the best," said Mrs Obama.

Gently does it for Claire in Miss Universe coup

By Barry Egan
Sunday Jul 24 2011

I'M with Coco Chanel on this. Gentleness doesn't get work done unless you happen to be a hen laying eggs. Or unless you happen to be Claire O'Connor.

Because the young Irish designer manages to be both gentle and get work done so well that it is rapidly earning her international acclaim.

First the Canadian edition of Elle magazine eulogised her and now Latin America acknowledges her creativity and talent in a way so casually complimentary that it is astonishing.

The current Miss Universe Ximena Navarrete wears one of Claire's gorgeous gowns in an editorial for Mexico's biggest-selling fashion magazine, Fernanda.

How she got her creation onto the back of Miss Universe for this hugely high-profile fashion spread is typical of the serendipity that characterises Claire's life.

It was April in New York, where she had been commissioned by the hip Hayes Brothers to work on a left-field fashion film called Metamorphosis (the fashion world is nothing if not Kafkaesque, is it not?) when she bumped into a photographer who was familiar with her work -- actually he thought it was great.

"He recommended my designs to the Miss Universe stylist and I ended up on the fashion shoot," she told me. "I was simply thrilled to have been considered. Then when I saw the sea of clothes that arrived on set and the company I was keeping I could not believe it -- literally the top names in the world. To see my dress being used was thrilling enough, but to see it then published is fantastic."

If I faint with all this literally breathtaking good news for young Claire, someone please bring me around with my favourite smelling salts -- a whiff or two of Chanel No 5.

- Barry Egan

Read more: http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/independent-woman/fashion/gently-does-it-for-claire-in-miss-universe-coup-2829854.html#ixzz1T2UezMsN

Chantilly lace wedding dress with Swarovski embellishment as featured in Confetti Magazine

Claire O'Connor featured in the Irish World

ELLE canada feature on shopping in Dublin

May 30th, 2011

Shopping in Dublin

by Jennifer Weatherhead

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.

Philip Treacy's candy-hued spring/summer confections. Image courtesy of Justin Harrington.

3. Now the shop carries the very best that Irish design has to offer, from deliciously pale pink John Rocha silk tops, to the ever-more-popular-thanks-to-the-royal-wedding Irish-born milliner Philip Treacy‘s divine creations (I got to try on a few! Swoon!), to up-and-coming designer Claire O’Connor.

4. The designers themselves are often in the shop … wouldn’t it be ah-maz-ing to say that you not only met John Rocha, but he helped fit your current covetous piece? Sigh.

5. Despite being in a recession, fashion lovers in Ireland are still splurging on investment pieces — classics that will last from season to season … something many Irish designers tend to follow, rather than committing to trends.

Playing dress-up with Philip Treacy's fascinators. Image courtesy of Justin Harrington.

6. Siobhan Carnegie, who works at the Design Centre, sums up Irish design this way: “It’s not as trend driven. John Rocha is John Rocha, he doesn’t necessarily follow every trend — it’s always very body conscious. If you open any magazine from around the world, you’ve looked at the same pieces, same brands. But in Ireland, fashion is its own insular thing … it’s not trend driven and you won’t find it in every magazine. It’s unique.”

So, if you’re in Dublin and you’re dying to find a one-of-a-kind number that will last you longer than a season or two, stay true to some Irish roots and pick up an Irish designer piece. And throw in a Philip Treacy fascinator while you’re at it (even at € 1,200 a pop). 

Shopping in Dublin

ELLE canada's tweet about Claire O'Connor

Claire O'Connor: The award winning designer on her new collection

                                                                                    image: Angela Halpin@Jang

By Sinead Van Kampen

Tuesday May 17 2011

Award-winning Irish designer Claire O'Connor makes pieces which are edgy, precise and above all beautiful. She branched out on her own in 2005, having worked with the likes of Marc O'Neill and Pauric Sweeney, with a range of couture-inspired pieces and one-off creations available at Dublin's Design Centre.

We caught up with her to find out her thoughts on school discos, Queen Rania and her own take on the fashion she creates...

When did you realize that you wanted to be a fashion designer?

I was nine years old, it was a Friday afternoon. Having got a half day from school, I came home to chocolate and a copy of Hello magazine my auntie had left in the house. I saw something by John Galliano which blew me away and I decided there and then that I wanted to be like him when I'm big. It's my destiny.

What was the first thing you designed?

My class was going to Wesley disco for the first time, and my parents refused point blank to let me go. Before I almost drowned in a pool of my own tears, my mum asked me if I'd like her to show me how to sew.

While my friends danced the night away we made a pair of trousers, which I still have to this day. Some of my classmates wore them.

What's inspiring you now?

The people around me, my family, my friends. In the industry there are so many creative people, who are charging forward in the face of uncertainty and keep going to find the way to make a place for themselves and their clothes. They strive to put Ireland on the map.

How would you describe your Spring 2011 collection?

The signature look to this season is very contemporary with some avant-garde pieces. Lots of soft metallics, soft fabrics and bright colourful digital prints.

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

As a designer working in Ireland, I feel the government lends little support to aid new and up-and-coming businesses. The small, indigenous craftspeople, who want to grow enterprise and need support. This is something that our new government needs to work on to help us and our economy on the road to recovery.

If you could choose a celebrity endorsement, who would it be and why?

Queen Rania of Jordan is not just a style icon and a great beauty but has also taken on an interactive role with leaders like Nelson Mandela on the Global Leadership Initiative which helps improve the welfare of children. She is an ambassador for many charities and a great ambassador for women around the world.

Whose collection have you really been impressed by this season?

Armani Privé Spring 2011 Couture Collection has been a much watched collection this season. It has taken a bold new direction and has been inspirational with its futuristic shapes. The textures of the fabrics have strong asymmetrical forms and the bold metallics and bright colours are for the strong, beautiful woman.

What is the one item every person should have in their closet?

The coat. A beautiful coat is a must have. The building block of any good wardrobe. Even if you look awful underneath it will deliver you looking sharp and well dressed. Coats are a weakness of mine!

What was your most tragic fashion moment?

I've had a few. Even the best of us get it wrong.

Where do you like to shop?

New York, which has the most eclectic and wonderful little shops, with such gorgeous little things.

Where can we find you on a Sunday afternoon?

And on the seventh day he rested, and all was good. I think that is sound advice.

Share one insider secret?

Be happy with who you are.

Who do you most admire, and why?

My mother. She has a great understanding of the world. Things that are important, things that are not. She has great perspective, is always there without judgment, and just pure love. She does not allow outside influences to determine how she feels and I think that is a most beautiful quality.

How would you like your clothes to be remembered?

Timeless. I would like to think that in 20 years time, people will open their wardrobes and say something of mine is their favourite thing.

See more of Claire's work at www.claireoconnor.ie

- Sinead Van Kampen

Read more: http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/independent-woman/fashion/claire-oconnor-the-award-winning-designer-on-her-new-collection-2649769.html#ixzz1NJ2uI9LE

''Claire O'Connor, the name on everyone's lips, presented a collection of stunning eveningwear that oozed originality and creative authority''

Sunday May 15 2011

The recent Fashion Exposure show at the Stephen's Green Hibernian Club, is one of the few platforms for young designers to showcase their creative talents to the kind of audience who buys designer wear, now that Dublin Fashion Week is no longer in existence and there is a growing trend among Irish retailers for ignoring Irish labels.

"Even established designers in Ireland don't have the resources to put on a full show, so to [share] the cost and to take part in something together was a great relief for us," says young designer Sean Byrne who recently returned to Ireland following an internship with Burberry Prorsum. And judging by his collection of draped jersey dresses and stunningly tailored coats, the leading fashion house has taught him a lot.

"It was fantastic," he enthused about the show, "to have established designers and new designers on the same platform together, because I suppose it makes the statement that we're all in it together. That's vital at the moment." While it's true that the Irish consumer should not be blackmailed into buying Irish purely on the basis of loyalty, if you had attended this show you would have realised that there's no need for duty purchases. Irish fashion designers have the acumen, originality and price competitiveness to rival their international counterparts.

This event, which showcased the designs of some of Ireland's finest fashion talents -- including stalwarts such as Philip Treacy and John Rocha as well as rising talents Claire O'Connor and Heidi Higgins, left the viewer confident about the future of Irish fashion, not to mention basking in a warm glow of pride.

"The show was a phenomenal success," organiser Fiona Foy-Holland said days after the show. "It is pre-booked for next year.

"We achieved what we wanted to achieve.

"It was good for the designers, it was good for the charity, it was good for the services that helped support us on the day."

The event, which is in its second year, raised €15,000 for the Order of St Lazarus.

MC for the afternoon, our own LIFE editor and TV frontman, Brendan O'Connor, had the 100 or so women, who included Caroline Harrington, JP McManus's daughter-in-law Anne Marie, Liz O'Donnell and Andrea Roche, giggling like schoolgirls as they lapped up his compliments and the champagne prior to the show.

The show itself had a real international, salon feel to it -- the kind of intimate showcase Victoria Beckham has been championing for a number of seasons.

Fresh-faced, stunning young models with soft hair and make-up, modelled to subtle, unshowy music, all of which fixed your attention firmly on the clothes.

Attendees also had the opportunity to buy after the show, and I'm reliably informed that they did so with gusto.

Irwin & Jordan, which is designed by relative newbie Zoe Jordan, daughter of former racing boss Eddie, was something of a revelation for women in the audience. Simple but sophisticated, contemporary but not overly trendy, mixing rigid with fluid, there's a touch of Stella McCartney about this young designer's spring/summer collection.

Rocha's collection injected an element of fun and playfulness into his trademark black.

Meanwhile, Higgins' collection was bright and beautiful. Ageless in its cut and style and easy to wear, it would suit everyone from mothers of the bride to women with aspirations to win Best Dressed Lady competitions. Ella Boo, which is also quite occasion-driven, was equally pretty, yet functional.

Claire O'Connor, the name on everyone's lips, presented a collection of stunning eveningwear that oozed originality and creative authority.

Roisin Linnane brought a laid-back vibe to the show with her soft jersey dresses and light knits.

Synan O'Mahony, who provided a finale to the show, was typically glamorous showing why Irish celebs continue to love him. Ashling Kilduff of the Design Centre, who was heavily involved in the organisation of the show, has always been a proud proponent of Irish designers.

"She is another unsung hero who puts herself forward, takes chances on young designers, and wants to grow it out. She knows how important it is.

"We don't want the talent leaving the country. We don't want them disappearing," explains Fiona Foy-Holland.

"It is important for us to move forward, to not take this lying down anymore, be reliant on ourselves, strengthen our economy, galvanise ourselves. [And ] beat this recession."

Photography: Tony Gavin

Styling: Aisling Farinella, assisted by Kieran Kilgallon and Kathryn Hay

Hair & Make-up: Dylan Bradshaw, 56 Sth William St, D2, (01) 671 9353

All clothes and jewellery from the Design Centre, Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, 59 Sth William Street, D2, (01) 679 5863 or www.designcentre.ie. All shoes from

Fitzpatricks, Grafton St, D2, (01) 677 2333. Furs supplied by Barnardo Furriers, 108 Grafton St, D2, (01) 677 7867

Claire O'Connor S/S 11 as featured on TV3 Xposé

http://www.tv3.ie/videos.php?video=34336&locID=1.65.68