The Ború Cape
I love a good old yarn (pardon the pun) about an item of clothing that has had an interesting life across the generations. One of the standout pieces from the National Treasures roadshow was a beautiful autumnal-hued 1970s Jimmy Hourihan wool cape which author Henrietta McKervey brought to the show.
Xanadu
Over the years I have heard amazing stories about Xanadu vintage store from many different people, whether it was tales about how wonderful it was – an Aladdin’s cave of amazing vintage…
Ghost Signs of Fashion’s Past
I am a curious person and I love walking - put these two things together and you get an unhealthy interest in everything from old buildings to all the weird and wonderful things you discover at street level.
A Tale of Tailoring
Today’s blog is a tale of tailoring in Dublin.
A Gentleman’s Outfitters
I have delved into many family stories here on Ruaruth and now its my turn. My fascination with fashion history and the rag-trade district around South William Street in Dublin was really born from stories of my Grandad’s shop on Exchequer Street.
Berta’s Wedding Lace
Tucked under bare Benbulben mountain in Sligo there is a little white-washed cottage that looks out over Sligo bay. In this cottage there is a pretty bedroom with wooden bed draped in patchwork quilt and over this bed is piece of framed lace. This lace has a story.
The Life Aquatic
My best friend Heather Finn has the sea in her blood, having grown up by Galway Bay in Oranmore Castle with the sound of waves in earshot and a famous sea-faring grandfather regaling her with sailor’s stories. As a knitwear designer Heather integrates colour and pattern into wearable art-pieces, creating beautifully patterned and exotic hued…
The Trinity Ball
It’s a warm night in Dublin tonight. I can feel spring is in the air, the sun has set with a warm glow over the city and Trinity College has lit up its classical facade for The Trinity Ball
Emily’s Grandma Quilt
As part of my History Dress series I am always fascinated to hear stories of garments and textiles being handed down through the generations and the stories they tell. Her American textile patchwork quilt is the ultimate heirloom handed down through generations and made with love.
Grafton Academy
The story of The Grafton Academy is the story of one woman’s passion and verve for life which still continues in the ethos of the school today. I met Suzanne Marr- Pauline’s daughter one blustery autumn day at number 6 Herbert Place to hear the history of a remarkable woman and a remarkable school.
The History Dress: Sarah’s 1970s Skirt
The history item in question this time around is a 1970s printed skirt belonging to a very good friend of mine- Sarah Louborg. Sarah has the most fascinating family history and incredible personal style.
Costumes Parisiens
Costume Parisiens is a new fashion exhibition just opened in the Chester Beatty library in Dublin Castle. It showcases fashion plates from 1912-1914 from Journal des Dames et des Modes alongside costume of the time from The Ulster Museum.
Sybil Connolly: In Detail
In July I went a talk about Sybil Connolly in The Little Museum of Dublin by Robert O’Byrne, author of many brilliant books on fine and decorative arts and Vice-President of The Irish Georgian Society. His talk was fascinating, insightful, funny and engaging and made me think even more about Sybil Connolly’s life and work.
Ria’s Patchwork Dress
If a dress could be a symbol of a family history then Ria Czerniak‘s patchwork dress speaks volumes. This dress tells Ria’s unique family history, as colourful and diverse as its patchwork folds…
The History Dress - Leonor’s 1930s Dress
How fab does Leonor look in this beautiful 1930s/1940s style dress?