THE official opening took place in Limerick Museum of Dressed to Impress: Sybil Connolly and the Art of Irish Elegance: An Exhibition on Ireland’s Greatest Fashion Designer, curated by Dr Zara Power, Assistant Curator of the Museum.
Sybil Connolly was a Dublin-based fashion designer of international renown, celebrated for her innovative use of traditional Irish textiles in haute couture. Drawing on materials such as finely pleated handkerchief linen, intricate Carrickmacross lace, and robust Irish tweed, Connolly created designs deeply inspired by Ireland’s people, heritage and cultural traditions.
Often described as ‘Dublin’s Dior’, Connolly was a trailblazing figure in Irish fashion and among the first designers from Ireland to achieve global acclaim.
Her work captivated the international fashion world, and she collaborated with prestigious retailers including Tiffany & Co., Bloomingdale’s and Lord & Taylor in New York. Her distinguished clientele included Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Adele Astaire, and Mrs Gregory Peck.
The exhibition runs at the Limerick Museum until July 31.