Whimsical, sculptural, colourful and creative: Róisín Lafferty’s wardrobe reflects her memorable interior projects …
Tales From My Wardrobe, a style series from THE GLOSS community, is a love letter to favourite pieces and hard-earned investment buys that all have a story to tell. From iconic Irish fashion designer Orla Kiely, Charlotte Temple From Magee 1866 and Henrietta Rix, co-founder of fashion brand Rixo to Irish interior Designer Suzie McAdam, broadcaster Louise Duffy and Lorraine Keane’s pre-loved fashion finds, this is your chance to take a sneak peek into the most treasured possessions of some of the most stylish women in Ireland, and read all of the meaningful stories behind them.
In this instalment, interior designer Róisín Lafferty lets us into her showstopping wardrobe where you’ll find bespoke pieces from contemporary Irish designers as well as vintage gems picked up in flea markets across Europe.
“I’ve always had this weird affinity to the cartoon character Mr Ben who lived above a costume shop. Each day, he’d go into the shop to select a different costume and then step into another world, becoming a different character. For me, there was and still is something truly magical about this.
Fashion is a way to play, to add something whimsical to life and a way to further express creativity, and celebrate the spaces I design too. I’m a magpie, so like my interiors I have clothes from many different eras and styles, yet each have their moment. That’s my justification for my expanding collection of clothes and shoes!
I’ve a few favourite pieces at the moment. I love sculptural shapes, especially voluminous shoulders. I bought a stunning coat recently in a London pop-up by a recent fashion graduate, and every time I put it on it makes me happy. It’s like a neoprene dream!
I have a flea market jacket made from a man’s suit that I love and live in. The sleeves are balloon shape with tulle inside, so they hold their shape. I wish I had more of them.
My Helen Cody burgundy coat was an investment purchase. I saw it at THE GLOSS Gala two years ago on the catwalk, and I gasped. I messaged Helen on Instagram the minute I saw it and said I needed to have it. Thankfully, I got there first! It’s like a piece of art. The oversized playful tent shape, and the way it hangs and moves, as well as the colour … I will treasure it forever.
I have a thing about coats. A close second to my Helen Cody creation is an equally wonderful artistic coat by Richard Quinn. He had a pop-up in Brown Thomas and trying it on felt like playing fancy dress.
Vintage treasures are the best bargains in my wardrobe. I have so many lovely, random pieces that add something special to any outfit. I’m in love with this neon yellow dream, an outfit that truly captures summer, even with all its volume. Another bargain is this long dress I picked up impulsively in an Avoca sale; one I’ve had now for many years now that still looks good.
The best places to shop are in European vintage stores. It doesn’t seem to matter which city, but I find the best markets and shops when travelling that are often so cheap. It’s always when you take something away from its setting that you can see its true beauty. I wear vintage pieces with staples from Zara. Cos, Ecru, Havana, Joanne Hynes and Costume are other favourites, with a new love for Awake Mode.
I bought a vintage silk dress eight years ago from Jean Cronin when she had her shop in Powerscourt Centre in Dublin, which is my favourite dress of all time. I’m considering getting it made again as the fabric is beginning to wear. These shapes fit me so much better than modern verions and the craftsmanship is impeccable.
A kimono-style waistcoat from my mum’s grandmother is the most sentimental item in my wardrobe. She worked in the antiques business, especially antique jewellery, and had a wonderful collection. It’s a Japanese antique over 100-years-old. It’s so incredibly beautiful, intricately detailed and embroidered. It’s fraying at this point and the fabrics are beginning to diminish, but I love to wear it. It feels very much like wearing a piece of art.
The piece that paid for itself in price per wear is my Paskal jacket I bought in Havana for my 30th birthday, almost a decade ago! I’ve worn it to death and it’s still so beautiful. Its texture moves as you wear it, like circular petals.
The last thing I put on before leaving the house is pointy shoes! I think it’s because I’m short, I always feel better in pointy shoes. Even my flats are pointy!! My step-daughter tells me my feet are going to turn pointy if I don’t stop …
My most hardworking accessory is my Jacquemus handbag. It’s a giant bucket bag that I carry my life around in. It’s meant to be occasional, but I find myself using it every day because it’s indestructible.
I’m currently lusting after a new jacket from Louis Vuitton, with giant sleeves and the most amazing shape.”
Visit Róisín Lafferty Gallery in Dublin, and see her selection at the Fine Jewellery And Ladies Watches auction at Adam’s on September 9. @roisinlaffertyofficial
SEE MORE: An Opulent Apartment In Dublin By Irish Designer Róisín Lafferty
