JENNIFER WRYNNE

This week, Fashion.ie chat’s to one of Ireland’s youngest and most talented fashion designers,  Jennifer Wrynne, who is originally from Mohill, Co Leitrim. Jennifer, who taking Ireland by storm at the moment with her stylish designed head pieces, is looking to follow in the footsteps of the “King of Millinery”, Paul Treacy.

Where did you grow up?

Mohill, Co. Leitrim

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Colourful, Quirky & Creative!

Blue and cream disc €350 - Blue/navy disc with ivory inset and ribbon detail

What got you interested in fashion designing?

From day one, I was introduced into the fashion industry. My Mum began her career as a dress designer. After her winning an all-Ireland competition in Dress Making, I was encouraged to go down that path! After attending the Racing Festivals, I fell in love with all the different shapes & sizes of hats. I began to take one-to-one Millinery classes and from there, it has all taken off! While dress making & millinery are quite different, the design aspect is exactly the same.

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

Yes, I have always loved Roland Mouret & Philip Treacy.

Where did you study fashion?

My Mum has been my greatest teacher! I also studied Dress-Making at The Grafton Academy of Art & Design and I took Millinery classes from a few different milliners.

Do you remember the first item you designed?

Yes - My first Holy Communion Dress.

Where do you get your design inspiration?

I am inspired by the fashion icons such as Coco Chanel & Audrey Hepburn.This is really evident in my work as I adorn most of my head-pieces with pearl detail. My head-pieces are classic styles with a twist! I also love anything from nature – I make use of lots of flowers, butterflies and anything colourful!.

How did you start get started designing your own collection?

After taking the Millinery classes, I was eager to start creating immediately! I sourced some unique & different materials and it really all happened from there. I created some beautiful pieces, put some photos up on Facebook and it all completely took off! People seemed to love my work – This is a huge encouragement, it drove me further to create more & more.

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

Thankfully I was (And still am) working in my ‘other’ job which has been agreat support.

Multi-colour stripe €250 - Striped silk fabric with pearl detailing underneath

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

You have more control in every single aspect: The design, making, selling,and most importantly quality. I have complete control of my business,

everything is in my hands.

What is the best perk in being a designer?

I get to wear gorgeous hats all the time!

Purple and white with pearls €150 - Purple silk disc with pearl detailing

What’s your favourite item you have designed?

The purple/pink disc I created for The ‘Who wants to be a Milliner competition. 'Who wants to be a Milliner' is a millinery design competition (Devised and created by Brendan Courtney). It runs over different race meetings during the Summer. One milliner is picked per heat (Five in total). The final will take place at the Dublin Horse Show on August 16th. Philip Treacy will choose the winner on the day!) I had put so much work into it. When I won the Tipperary heat of the Competition, I really felt like my work had completely paid off.

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

I love to start my day with a walk. I feel it wakes me up and gets me started for the day! After the usual (Showering, eating etc), I make a list of exactly what I have to do today, who I have to meet etc. I have to be organised otherwise my day will not be a success! Finishing time can end at any stage – I have been known to work right up until 4/5am. When I really get into something, I get totally addicted and won’t give up until I have it complete!

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

I’ve been very lucky in the sense that nobody had been nasty/insulting towards me.

Cerise pink and orange €150 - Swirls of pink sinamay with orange inset and beautiful orange floral detail

Who would we know who is famous, has paid you the biggest compliment about your work and what did they say?

Brendan Courtney (Judge at ‘Who wants to be a Milliner?’ Competition) told me he absolutely loves my work, that my pieces are very different.

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

I love Philip Treacy – He is without a doubt, the King Of Millinery, worldwide.

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

Kate Middleton! I would choose something very unique for her. Something not to big or dramatic. Something quite demure which would reflect her style.Colour wise, I think I would either go for soft pink/nude colours or a strong emerald green.

So what can we expect to see from Jennifer Wrynne in the future?

At the moment, things are just rocketing for me!. I recently won ‘Most Stylish Lady’ at The Sligo Races winning a €2,000 Voucher for Littlewoods Ireland. Next week I have the final of ‘Who wants to be a Milliner"’ at The Dublin Horse Show.. After that I’m really not sure. I would love to look into bringing my designs to the UK.

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

Hard work, enthusiasm and encouragement.