Designs on the past!
A few years ago I was strolling on George's St In Dublin when I spotted an amazing creation in the window of the local Oxfam. To say my breathe way taken was an understatment , this beautiful garment stopped me in my tracks and spoke to me with its sorbet shades of lemons,corals and golds.
After staring lustfully at said garment , and finally closing my gaping mouth I proceeded inside and with breathe held enquired.................
Twenty minutes later I emerged , grinning from ear to ear and smugly and pocessively holding on to a large paper bag with my most prized purchase neatly folded inside. This Vintage designer piece was a rare find and also made from an intricate luscious fabric, a luxurious mix of chenille and silk.
The garment was and is a beautiful opera style full length coat that has a timeless quality about it and can be worn in the fashion it was designed for or in a more casual modern way....................................................................The Designer............................Ib Jorgensen!
Although Danish, Ib Jorgensen found his way to Dublin , Ireland, where he studied dressmaking in the Grafton Academy and hence began a glittering career as one of Irelands top fashion designers spanning four decades.
He opened a London Boutique in 1979 and designed uniforms for Aer Lingus. He did this twice in fact first time in 1975 and then again in 1986.
In 1980 he designed the first uniform for the Irish Army Womens Service Corps. He was 22 years old when he opened his own salon in Dublin.
His career was further enhanced when he was asked to design for both Harrod's and Liberty of London during the 1970's. As a designer Ib possessed a relentless attention to detail with fine tailoring and perfect finishing to his garments. His career spanned over forty years and in celebration of that there is an amazing exhibition currently on show of his most beautiful creations at the National Museum of Ireland .
This very impressive exhibition I visited a few weeks ago, and was suitably impressed by what I saw. A rich and eclectic variety of luscious garments had me sighing in wonder and admiration. The garments spanned the four decades of his career with creations from the fifties to the nineties.
Here I have included some photos from the exhibition and also my highly prized opera coat designed by him. Hope you enjoy these. Bye for now Lots of love Violinkit XXXXX
