IMAGE fashion stylist Sinead Keenan takes us on a tour of two exceptional Irish design ateliers

Louise Kennedy, Merrion Square

Few designers have shaped the international perception of Irish fashion quite like Louise Kennedy. For decades, she has been synonymous with understated luxury, refined tailoring and an unmistakably elegant aesthetic. Her designs have dressed presidents, royalty and leading figures in international culture, while her collections continue to attract a loyal clientele both in Ireland and abroad.

What sets Kennedy apart is her unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and timeless design. While fashion trends shift, her work remains rooted in impeccable tailoring, luxurious fabrics and a quiet confidence that transcends seasons, a consistency that has established her as one of Ireland’s most respected designers.

Her emporium on Merrion Square has become something of a Dublin fashion landmark. Housed within a beautiful Georgian townhouse overlooking the square, visiting the space feels more like stepping into a private salon than a traditional boutique. Clients can browse the ready-to-wear collections in the light-filled rooms or arrange a private consultation with the team for a more personalised experience.

Having recently styled the Spring/Summer 2026 campaign, I had the privilege of seeing the new collection up close. It strikes a beautiful balance between modern sophistication and effortless femininity.

A palette of luxurious neutrals in ivory, camel, navy and crisp white forms the foundation of the collection, punctuated by soft pastels in pink and lilac. Spring florals weave throughout, while flashes of vibrant lime add an unexpected energy. I was particularly drawn to the woven pastel tweeds, which bring texture and craftsmanship to the collection while remaining incredibly wearable. I especially love paring back these special pieces with her new denim collection.

As a stylist, having a long-standing relationship with a designer like Louise is incredibly valuable. Her pieces photograph beautifully for editorial while also offering real wardrobe longevity.

More broadly, her international reputation continues to elevate Irish fashion globally. She demonstrates that Irish design can sit comfortably within the world of luxury fashion. A legacy that has undoubtedly helped pave the way for the next generation of Irish designers.

Plan your visit

For those interested in exploring Louise Kennedy’s collection at Merrion Square, no appointment is necessary; you’re welcome to drop in any time. Just ring the doorbell, and a member of the team would be delighted to assist you. However, if you prefer, you can call ahead to arrange an appointment. Simply share a little about what you’re looking for, whether it’s a special occasion or a wardrobe refresh, along with any preferences, and the team will ensure the appropriate sizes and a considered selection of pieces are ready for you to try when you arrive.

The Landskein, Dún Laoghaire

My next stop brought me to the coastal locale of Dún Laoghaire to visit Anna Guerin, the designer behind The Landskein. A label that is quietly redefining the way we think about Irish tweed.

Before launching the brand, Guerin built an impressive career working internationally in luxury fashion. That experience is evident in the clarity of her vision for The Landskein (pronounced land-skine), a contemporary reimagining of traditional Irish textiles, crafted into modern silhouettes designed to be worn and treasured for years.

What I love most about Anna’s work is her ability to balance heritage with modernity. Tweed is such an important part of Ireland’s textile history, yet she approaches it with a distinctly contemporary perspective. Her coats and outerwear feel sculptural, refined and incredibly considered.

Rather than operating around strict seasonal trends, The Landskein takes a more timeless approach. Signature coat silhouettes remain consistent, forming the backbone of the brand, while fabrics evolve each year. More recently, Anna has introduced blazers and trench coats, expanding the collection with versatile transitional pieces that still reflect the brand’s signature craftsmanship.

Visiting the showroom itself is a unique experience. Located near the sea in Dún Laoghaire, the space feels calm and intimate, much more like an atelier than a traditional retail setting. Clients can take their time exploring the coats, learning about the fabrics and understanding the craftsmanship behind each piece.

Standout designs from the collection include beautifully structured tweed coats in soft neutral tones alongside the new tailored blazers and trench styles. These additions feel like a natural evolution for the brand, broadening the wardrobe possibilities while maintaining its strong identity in exceptional outerwear.

Plan your visit

For those interested in discovering The Landskein in person, appointments can be arranged directly through the showroom in Dún Laoghaire, offering a chance to experience the collection and craftsmanship up close. Appointments are usually hosted by Anna Guerin, and last around an hour, allowing clients to explore the full collection of coats and blazers, try on different silhouettes, and find the perfect fit, fabric, and colour.

From the refined elegance of Louise Kennedy’s Merrion Square townhouse to the contemporary coastal atelier of The Landskein, these visits offered a reminder of the depth and diversity of Irish fashion today. Travelling between these creative spaces in the beautifully streamlined Hyundai IONIQ6 felt like a natural extension of the day’s theme – thoughtful design in motion. Just as great fashion balances innovation with craftsmanship, the car’s sculptural form and quietly sophisticated presence made the journey between Dublin’s design destinations feel every bit as considered as the ateliers themselves.

Photography by Sam Memery

To learn more about the Hyundai IONIQ6, visit hyundai.ie.

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