We teamed up with Katriona Flynn, lecturer in fashion at TU Dublin, to ask readers to share their story of a dress that has played an important role in their lives. We were struck by the huge response, and how the physical features of the dresses played second string to the human stories around them, and the memories embedded within. Here’s a selection …
Submit your own ‘Story of A Dress’ to amy@thegloss.ie and discover more stories online throughout the series. See the details of a new Desert Island DressPodcast coming soon, created by Katriona Flynn and Dr Dee Duffy, below.
A Real Winner by Mary Rigney
My memorable dress has held its place in my wardrobe for 59 years, moving to-and-fro along the rail, making room for others, but never losing its place.
The story began in 1965, when I enrolled at the Grafton Academy of Dress Design for an evening course. The Academy was owned and run by the late Pauline Clotworthy – a legend in her time, producing some of our top designers like Paul Costelloe, Louise Kennedy and many others.
In my case, I had a mental picture of the dress I wished to create, inspired by a Vogue pattern I had seen. I received help and guidance to produce my dream creation – a sleeveless light wool dress with round high neckline, semi-fitted jacket with inset pockets, and bow details at the cuffs.
On reflection it was an underestimated course – described as it was – a home sewing course. In reality, it was highly challenging and taught design, pattern making and most importantly, tailoring, to an exceptionally high standard. In hindsight, it’s little wonder the Grafton Academy became a launchpad for some of our most renowned Irish designers.
On completion of our work, we students were invited to enter our work/creations into a competition held by the Grafton Academy to take place in the Gresham Hotel in 1965. What I was not told was that they expected us to model our own dresses and walk the catwalk!
On the night, I was quite nervous, never having modelled before, nevermind in front of a large crowd. To my utter amazement and delight, I was chosen as the winner of the silver cup – a night to remember.
Communion Dress by Marianna Cullen
My face crumpled as I fought back the tears. Deeply upset by my experience in the school yard, I hiccupped and sniffed but otherwise stayed silent. “How did this happen?” Miss Hunter demanded. “What were you doing? What will your mother say?”
“Stand in the corner and when you stop crying come and tell the class what happened to your dress.” I stared at the floor shivering and shaking and full of disappointment until Miss Hunter interrupted my thoughts.
Hesitantly I described how I tripped in the school yard while playing chasing and ripped my beautiful communion dress right down the front. I had loved my communion day. It had been the most special day of my life and wearing the dress I loved was like all my dreams coming true. Miss Hunter pointed her cane at the jagged rip. “You know that’s the devil’s work – you have the devil inside you,” she hissed. My head fell in shame. I wanted to be good but how could I be after what Miss Hunter said. Even the other children seemed afraid of me as they filed out of the classroom whispering and gawking.
I wanted to throw the dress away or sneak into the house and change, but Mam spotted me looking dejected walking up the path and opened the door before I got there. I blurted out the story and dried my tears against the comfort of her apron. That night Mam didn’t go to bed and the next morning when I came downstairs my dress was hanging in the kitchen looking as perfect as it was on the morning of my first communion. “You’ll wear your communion dress to school again today,” Mam said with determination in her voice. I knew better than to argue. Reluctantly I went upstairs but as soon as I dressed I felt transformed and stole a look in Mam’s long mirror. I joined my hands and held them in front of my chest. Suddenly Miss Hunter’s words no longer mattered as I saw a beautiful, saint-like girl in her pure white communion dress – just like the girl in the holy picture I had placed carefully in the centre fold of my new prayer book.
Coming Soon: The Desert Island Dress Podcast
The podcast unearths the heartfelt stories behind the clothing we cherish the most. In this unique series, guests share the four garments they could never leave behind, each with a profound connection to their lives and loved ones. Join your hosts Katriona Flynn and Dr. Dee Duffy on a captivating journey through the wardrobe of memories, as we explore the emotional tapestry that clothing weaves into our most cherished moments.