Wedding days are amongst the biggest occasions in our lives and for many, especially the bride, the dress is an absolute highlight. For most brides to be, wedding dress shopping means a great day out with female friends. But with so much choice it’s difficult to know where to go.
We’ve picked a list of Ireland’s finest wedding dress designers to make life much easier for you.
Caiomhe Keane
Inspired by movement, dance and nature her bridal designs have a whimsical “Romantic Gatsby Esque feel”. Keane’s garments are timelessly classic and intricately sewn by highly skilled craftswomen. The hand beaded and embroiders dresses are made out of organic, fair trade sustainable materials. Keane works with experienced tailors, couturists, beaders, embellishers, textile artists and lace makers. Her garments will often have fine hand beaded designs, with embroidery, hand painting, hand made lace with images and symbols representing nature, calling on her background as an artist and painter. Her work is rich and creative yet practical. Keane provides a personalised bespoke tailoring and design service from her Atelier t/a QUE-VA. Her showrooms are on the 1st floor at Jenny Vanders, 50 Drury Street Dublin 2, phone 087 9034796.
Sharon Hoey
Winner of the Irish Wedding Dress Designer 2013, Sharon Hoey is at the very forefront of Irish and International bridal design. After studying at the Grafton Academy, Sharon went on to win many coveted awards including the Late Late Show Fashion Award. Her collection is exclusively available in Ireland at her bridal salon in Dublin. Entirely Irish made, her dresses are handcrafted with the finest silks reflecting elegance and refinement. She respects many of the true traditions of couture design while firmly asserting modernity, confidence and poise. All Sharon Hoey dresses are individually made to measure, which allows each bride to add their own special touch for a truly unique wedding dress. Hoey works with a team of seamstresses and experienced sales consultants. Her store, which has been described as an “Oasis of Calm” also sells wedding dresses from other top designers. Prices range between €2700 and €3300. Basement 19 Upper Mount Street, Dublin 2, Tel 01 6762772, email: info@sharonhoey.com.
Visit also: www.sharonhoey.com
Louise Kennedy
A graduate of the Grafton Academy of fashion and design, Louise Kennedy is one of Ireland’s leading designers. She has dressed stars including Meryl Streep, Emma Thompson and Andie McDowell, to singers Beyonce and Kylie Minogue, former Irish presidents and members of the British, European and Middle Eastern Royal Families. With over twenty years experience, Kennedy launched her first capsule bridal collection, which features elegant, classic cuts that are beautifully detailed in a range of styles and designs to cater for all kinds of bridal styles in 2011. Louise Kennedy wedding dresses are available exclusively from The Bridal Room at her atelier in Merrion Square, Dublin 2. Her dresses are stylish, exquisitely detailed and gently tailored. She uses the finest laces in the world, hand beading and intricate embroidery. Quality is never compromised. Taking a completely individual approach to each commission she helps her brides find the most beautiful gown for their special day.
Situated on the first floor of Louise Kennedy’s Merrion Square store, with light streaming through elegant Georgian windows, it is hard to find a more perfect spot from where to create the ultimate wedding gown. For more information contact: 56 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Ireland: +353 (0)1 662 0056, email: info@louisekennedy.com or visit www.louisekennedy.com
House of Delphine
With a design studio located in the beautiful county of Kerry on the Atlantic Coast, Irish based French fashion designer Delphine Grandiouan is known for her distinctive style in wedding dress design. House of Delphine designs are often featured in wedding and bridal magazines in Ireland and abroad. She has won Brides Magazines “Bridal Designer of the Year” award twice in a row and has been described as a “Couturier with a bohemian heart.” Her dresses encapsulate Parisian style with vintage femininity. She sources the finest materials to make some of the most beautiful dresses available. Appointments to view wedding dresses and gowns can by made by calling House of Delphine on +353 (0) 66 713 6056. Dates for Dublin appointments are regularly updated on her website. Email info@houseofdelphine.com for details or visit www.houseofdelphine.com.
Patrick Casey
After graduating from the Grafton Design Academy in 1991, Patrick Tracey held lead design roles with international fashion houses including Krizia in Milan and Vivienne Westwood in London. He amassed a full cabinet of awards including the Smirnoff Designer of the Year, Satzenbrau Designer of the Year and Young Designer of the Year awards amongst others. Widely acclaimed amongst the fashion elite from Singapore to Moscow, Italy to Brazil, his designs are worn on red carpets including the most prestigious and glitzy event of all- the annual Academy Awards. His bridal wear has featured on the front of magazines including Wedding, Bash, Sussex Style, Irish Brides, Confetti, Social and Personal Weddings and more. Patrick uses the finest materials and embroidery to create the most stylish of wedding dresses. For more information go to www.patrickcasey.ie. Alternatively contact Patrick Casey Bridal Room. Collection viewing is by appointment only, call: +353 86 8575339 or alternatively email: bridal@patrickcasey.ie.
