Maynooth-based fashion designer Laura Jayne Halton’s designs are regularly snapped at glossy events on the red carpet, which she describes as “classic, simple and elegant” …
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Tales From My Wardrobe, a style series that explores the wardrobes of THE GLOSS community, is a love letter to the pieces we reach for again and again, the hard-earned investment purchases that make us smile with each wear and the items that supercede mere ‘clothing’ to carry memories and foster emotional connection.
Halton’s impressive portfolio includes dressing ambassadors and stars for the Oscars’ red carpet (director Nora Twomey and film producer Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly), as well as media clippings from the Washington Post Style and New York Times magazines, no less. Her artistic endeavours complement her fashion designs and she has created illustrations for one of Sarah Jessica Parker’s fragrance campaigns, in addition to work for the Robb Report and Steinway Lyngdorf.
Her styling credentials are a further string to her bow as she recently worked as head stylist for Fairmont Group’s photography shoot at Carton House, Co Kildare.
Here, she shares some favourite pieces from her wardrobe:
For me, autumn spells the start of cape season. One of my all-time favourite pieces of clothing is my camel cape. Made from Italian wool with a hand pleated hem, it’s the cosiest way to be chic as the temperatures drop.
Capes immediately make me feel “dressed” with minimal effort and maximum impact. I recently showed some new evening pieces in Paris, including a metallic brocade structured cape, which I paired with slim trousers and heels.
One of the first capes I ever designed was the Dali cape, which I wore to the Dublin Horse Show in 2015. It clearly brought me luck as I won the coveted Best Dressed competition on Ladies Day that year! I wore that very same piece to this year’s event (and in Paris), and it feels timeless.
Very often, I finish off an outfit with a brooch. I have collected vintage and costume brooches for the last 15 years, so I now have quite a collection of treasures.
The most sentimental piece in my wardrobe has to be my wedding dress, which reminds me of my wedding in Lucca, Tuscany. A classic silhouette, it was inspired by the sculptures in the garden of Villa Grabau, where I got married. As a designer, Italy is such a rich source of inspiration for me. I bought a pair of the softest pink Aquazzura heels that I still wear seven years later. I love buying special pieces when I travel, so I have something different in my wardrobe that reminds me of a certain time and place.
My most recent purchase was an APC Astra bag in chestnut leather for my birthday. I was eyeing it up for a while, and the shape and colour goes with almost everything. A great bag is always a good investment and quality is a must. Another recent purchase was a pair of wide-leg Max Mara trousers with a satin tuxedo stripe, which I can dress up or down with a blouse or fine cashmere knit.
My best bargain was a silk shirt from Escada for €40 from Vestiaire Collective, which is fantastic for sourcing great vintage pieces. The blouse has a gorgeous bow motif and I love how the pattern matches so perfectly across the button placket. Little details like this make a big difference. I am particular about quality fabrics and tailoring, so the best of both can often be found in vintage designer pieces that don’t cost the earth.
The best investment I made is a metallic jacquard trench coat that is still one of my favourite pieces from my own collections to date. I remember buying the fabric in Joel & Son Fabrics in London, which has a royal seal of approval and the most divine selection of fabrics. I paid a small fortune for a few metres of the fabric, but have had so much wear (and compliments!) on the coat that it has paid for itself ten times over.
My Mulberry Bayswater bag in Oxblood was another good investment. I have used this bag for years and it only gets better with age, in spite of being filled with sketch books, a laptop and fabric samples. I use saddle wax to maintain my bags and leather accessories. Look after your investment pieces and they will last a lifetime. My Mulberry Amberley satchel (above) is the perfect size for travel, while the crossbody strap can be removed to refine it for dressier styles.
I adore scouting the streets of cities I visit for independent boutiques and stores with something a little different, such as Dover Street Market in London and Le Bon Marché in Paris. I buy pieces that bring me joy and will get most wear out of, rather than falling for trends, so I buy less often.
For costume jewellery, I love Aria in Celbridge and Jenny Vander in Dublin. I always look to Irish designers for great accessories, like Tidings’ silk scarves that pair beautifully with a classic trench for some Parisian style inspiration, and Helena Malone for gorgeous pieces of jewellery. Kildare Village is great to peruse for key wardrobe pieces, too. I love brands there including Maje, Eleventy and LK Bennett for shoes.
I never leave the house without applying red lipstick, concealer and a great pair of sunglasses. Here I am at the Irish Embassy at 12 Avenue Foch during Paris Fashion Week, where I created live couture illustrations for the guests, in addition to showing my new designs. It was a full circle fashion moment and my YSL Rouge Pure Couture 01 lipstick stayed intact throughout the evening.
So many of my pieces have lovely stories attached to them, but one in particular is a navy and gold gown I created for an awards ceremony in 2018. I was wearing it when I felt a tap on my shoulder and a lady said, “I have to ask where you got this beautiful dress from.” I turned around and it was Vicky Phelan. I have met many inspiring women over the years, but it was special to meet Vicky. She rang me the following morning and asked if I would design a dress for her to accept her Women of the Year Award. I made a vivid red gown to embody her passion and strength. I will never forget her kindness as she asked me to join her and her family for a glass of bubbles before she headed into the awards. It reminds me of the power that fashion has to connect people.
Finally, I am lusting after a pair of Gucci slim horsebit riding boots — a forever purchase.
Need to know: Laura Jayne is releasing a new collection of fashion illustrations for Christmas on www.laurajaynehalton.com. Follow her on @laurajaynehaltondesign
SEE MORE: Orla Kiely’s Wardrobe Is As Print-Heavy And Joyful As You Would Expect
