Full Name

Jennifer Maire Rothwell

Where were you born?

NEW YORK

Where did you grow up?

DUBLIN

What was your first job?

Helping my local Milk Man with collections at 9 years old. It was great especially at Christmas as I would get lots of tips!

What got you interested in fashion?

I suppose My Love of fashion started when I decided to turn my pink Jumpsuit which had elasticized cuff sleeves into a pair of trousers for my Barbie Doll when I was 7!

While growing up did you have a favourite fashion designer who you admired?

No one designer in particular.

Where did you study fashion?

NCAD

Do you remember the first item you designed?

As mentioned above a pair of pink trousers for my Barbie doll!

Where do you get your design inspiration?

I find inspiration everywhere I go, from travelling to New York,  or Paris, were I source amazing fabrics and trims to people watching and nature!

What item of clothing have you designed and thought, I don’t like that?

I don’t design garments I don’t like, if something isn’t working I change it!.

How did you start designing your own collection?

I always start with the fabric. I travel to Paris and NY to find amazing fabrics and I go from there.

I can imagine it was a big financial risk, how did you cope?

It very hard at the moment as we are in a recession. I always strive to ensure to Keep all costs to the bare minimum.

How does having your own label differ from working for a large corporation?

Yes, you get a chance to be more creative and design more unique and bespoke one off pieces.

What is the best perk in being a designer?

Travelling to Paris and New York and selecting beautiful fabrics!

Where can the public buy your clothing items?

From my website www.jrothwell.net or at Project 51, 51 South William St Dublin 2.

What’s your favourite design of clothing you have designed?

My nude Floral netting long skirt, its so beautiful and dramatic.

What is a typical day in the life of Jennifer Rothwell?

I am always extremely busy checking emails, doing interviews. Reviewing what needs to be done with my assistant and interns. From Draping fabrics to creating new designs. As well as appointments with Private clients etc the list goes on and on!

What’s the most insulting thing anyone has said to you about your work?

I haven’t heard anything bad so far

What are your favourite types of clothes & colours you like to wear yourself?

I usually wear black, but in the summer I do wear colour. I love my jersey dresses as they are so easy to wear, comfortable and look great!

Are there other designers out there whose designs you admire, explain?

No one springs to mind but I went to see Alexander McQueens – Savage Beauty exhibition in NYC recently which consisted of a selection  of  his designs from all of his previous collections, it was so impressive and inspiring!

If you had the opportunity to design a piece of clothing for anyone in the world today, who would you choose and what would you design for them, style and colours?

Angelina Jolie, a gold art deco smocked dress.

So what can we expect to see from Jennifer Rothwell for the future?

Amazing new prints and a new bridal range being launched in Spring 2012.

In your opinion, what does it take to become a good designer?

Talent, drive, 100% commitment and a lot of hard work!