Irish Milliner Laura Kinsella On Her Italian Influences

IMAGE Breakthrough Designer at Kerry Fashion Week 2014 Laura Kinsella’s millinery career has gone from strength to strength in recent years, including a brush with dressing Lady Gaga and representing Ireland at the International Fashion Showcase at London Fashion Week this year. We catch up with the next chapter in the award-winning designer’s career: that of?Peroni Nastro Azzurro’s Life in Italian Style ambassador.

Emerging Irish design is thriving, and no one exemplifies the current trend quite like Laura Kinsella. Formerly apprenticed to Phillip Treacy, and a regular collaborator with international labels such as Danielle Romeril, her career is making headlines.

As part of Peroni Nastro Azzurro’s Life in Italian Style project, Laura travelled to Milan, which is arguably the fashion and design capital of the world. Naturally inquisitive, Laura used this opportunity to meet with designers and creatives who intrigue and inspire her. Her journey is documented on PeroniItaly.ie through interviews, features, video and photography.

She met fellow emerging designers L’F Shoes, who stunned with their “happy shoes”. The designers, Licia and Francio, highlighted the importance of finding inspiration not just in art and design, but also in experience. Case in point: Their recent collection, Buongiorno, was inspired by Juergen Teller’s photobook, Eating at Hotel Il Pellicano. That book wasn’t just about the dusty mystery of Italian glamour, but the cult of the lifestyle that accompanies the hotel. A less ubiquitous Chateau Marmont, if you will. Licia and Francio explain that Buongiorno is ?a small tribute to happiness, a quiet encouragement to take your time to ensure that the day has a certain importance and value.? Lifestyle, not just aesthetics, in short.

Laura, Licia and Francio bonded over their love of producing and manufacturing in their respective countries, and the pride that comes with being a Made in Italy brand.

Read Laura’s feature on her meeting with L’F Shoes here, and check out PeroniItaly.ie to read more about our creatives? journeys, from Laura, to Designgoat, to mixologist Federico Riezzo.