On the Town: Venice inspired the collection of clothes launched by Jen Kelly in Dublin this week. "It's all the glistening blacks of the gondolas that we are producing out of season," said the Derry-born designer.
His new collection of 36 pieces, including gowns, dresses and suits, was shown in his elegant 1770 Georgian house on North Great Georges Street, where he intends to maintain a "true" Irish house of haute-couture fashion.
"I love the elegance, I love the flow, and their statement of simplicity," said Dublin property sales businesswoman Cathy Crinigan. Her friend, Mia O'Farrell, agreed.
Camilla McAleese, under treasurer at the King's Inns, with her friend, barrister Jacinta Hogan, was also excited about the show and the prospect of seeing Kelly's new designs.
A hush descended on the upstairs reception rooms as the voice of Maria Callas was heard singing Puccini's O Mio Bambino Caro. Then the champagne glasses were set aside and the haute-couture show got underway.
Alex Hatton, the former television producer turned wedding planner, John Lynch, owner of the luxurious 10 Lower Ormond Quay private venue, and his friend, private caterer Sally Ann Luykx, were among the gathering of 150 guests.
"I feel that Jen has taken over Ib Jorgensen's mantel," said Mary Quigley, a clinical psychologist and a former model. "He has the same eye for detail. Not just for clothes but also materials."
Quigley's friends, Gwen Chapple and Anne Boylan, were equally enthusiastic, as were Michael Simpson, of Moët & Chandon, and his wife, Marie. Anne Kingston came with her daughter, Bronagh Kingston, who is getting married to James Meyler in Wexford this September.
After the show, Myra Devine, Jen Kelly's sister, said her favourite design was the purple velvet smoking jacket and pants suit. Another fan, Sinéad Fitzgerald, singled out the chocolate bustier pants suit with silk chiffon evening coat. It was hard to choose between them.