Nenagh designer's new collection
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Portroe-born model and former Miss Ireland Niamh Kennedy (right) and Benedicte Akambu from the County Louth based 1st Option Models showing Laoise Carey’s creations with hats and baskets woven from reed collected on Lough Derg, made by Gerardine Wisdom from Terryglass.Image 2 of 2
Nenagh-born designer Laoise Carey is launching her Christmas collection next Friday, November 27th.By Peter Gleeson
The award-winning Nenagh born fashion designer Laoise Carey, whose creations have been showcased by Brown Thomas, now has her own fashion label and is about to hit another milestone by launching her Christmas collection on this Friday, November 27th.
Laoise launched her fashion label, Laoise Carey Studio, back in September while home in Nenagh during lockdown.
Her Christmas collection will feature luxury face coverings and wool accessories.
Laoise Carey Studio is a luxury womenswear brand which sits on the border between craft and design.
"My garments are completely one-of-a-kind, hand crafted from vintage and recycled textiles in my studio in Nenagh," she told The Guardian.
‘‘I work with old curtains, tablecloths, vintage doilys and antique lace to create contemporary designs, which are rooted in the past.’’
Laoise added: ‘‘My garments are designed to have as little impact on the earth as possible, and my approach to creating clothes can be considered ‘Slow Fashion’.’’
She said her goal was to spark a renewed appreciation for fashion history and the textiles and the skills that make up clothing.
Her work has previously won her an RDS Craft Award and her creations have been showcased in Brown Thomas’ CREATE exhibition this year.
Laoise said her business was very much a family affair. ‘‘My mum Carmel helps to wash and prepare all of the vintage fabrics, and my siblings Maebh and Fiachra have assisted on photo shoots, setting up my e-commerce shop and creating videos and music for my website.’’
She said an intrinsic part of her work was to support local. ‘‘I am passionate about supporting local Irish businesses, so I am also working on a Christmas collection using wool from John Hanly’s Woollen Mill in Ballyartella.’’
The launch of Laoise's studio two months ago coincided with a lookbook photo-shoot of her work featuring many Nenagh natives.
Integral to the highly successful launch was local photoggrapher Paudie Bourke who was ably assisted by Edel Breen. Also involved were Caoimhe Mai Makeup, Makeup Artist; Niamh Kennedy, Portroe (former Miss Ireland) model; and Gerardine Wisdom’s woven baskets and hats, created from reeds collected from Lough Derg.
The photoshoot took place at Jamestown Court in County Westmeath and also featured Benedicte Akambu from County Louth based 1st Option Models.
Laoise Carey Studio collections are available to purchase via her website www.laoisecareystudio.com, in store at Om Diva Boutique, Drury Street, Dublin 2 and via online retailer Les Fleurs Studio https://lesfleurstudio.com/brand/laoise-carey/.