The Kerryman

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

by Marisa Reidy.

click here to return to Caroline Leahys website

She never insists on following trends, she's not a great believer in sticking to patterns, yet Causeway knitwear designer Caroline Leahy still manages to produce some of the most stunning and unique clothing, years after deciding on a career as a designer.

From her peaceful base in the quaint north Kerry village, the mother of two is very happy creating what she knows her customers want - and, of course, seeing them leave with a smile on their faces and of her creations in their hands.

Promising each year to become more disciplined in her approach to her work schedule, Caroline has yet to conquer her new year's resolution. Instead, she admits that she doesn't have a routine - she just crochets and crochets when and where the moods takes her.

It's an approach that has obviously worked for the renowned designer, who has built up a fine reputation as one of the country's knitwear specialists.

So what possessed the Ballincrossig native to opt for a career filled with patterns, yarns and crochet needles - in her own words - back aches, sore eyes and painful wrists?

"I always loved knitting and crochet at school and although I kind of gave it up for a while, a friend of mine who I worked with in Tralee was a great knitter and I started back up again." she explained. "I remember always getting my wools from Myra Daly in Tralee and I always thought that this would be my dream job."

Little did she know that such a successful career lay ahead of her, with her garments featuring in several national papers and magazines, fashion shows and even television.

"I never imagined it would take off and that I would make a career of it, but it has been great". she said. "Thankfully, I can work from home and can express my creativity in my designs, which I love".

A turning point in Caroline's career came in 1997 when she reached the final of the Late Late Show Fashion Awards - an experience she strangely describes as fantastic - and disappointing!

"I entered only tow outfits, when all the other designers had put forward their entire collection for the season, so for one of my two outfits to make it to the final was fantastic." she says, proudly reminiscing. "The only thing about it was that I was given one ticket, so I couldn't share the fantastic experience with anyone, and that was really disappointing."

Although the Late Late Show success boosted Caroline onto the Irish fashion scene - with many leading boutiques stocking her pieces - it soon became apparent that she wanted to concentrate on her workshop in Causeway and give more personal time to her customers.

"It was fantastic at the start, but it would take it out of you, all the travelling up and down to Dublin. What decided thing for me was when I saw a lady in Limerick in one of my designs and thought "I've never even met you".

Deciding to focus her attention on working from home after just two seasons in the shops. Caroline hasn't looked back since. She has built up a superb clientele, all of whom come to her in the knowledge that when they walk into a room in one of her designs, it's one of a kind.

Caroline loves meeting with clients finding out what they want and creating it for them.

She also admits to getting very attached to some of her designs, however - a feeling undoubtedly experienced by many of her clients. 

"I love working with strong colours and the more of my creativity I can give to a dress, the better. Unfortunately there are some pieces that you'd be very lonely after when you see them going out the door".

In the past year, the renowned designer has expanded into the world of image consultancy, where she teaches women how best to accentuate their body, what colours work for them, while also offering top make up and skin care tips. This addition to the business, Caroline says, allows her to express her creative side too.

So what lies in store fo the critically acclaimed designer?

"Like I say, I don't have a plan I never have. I'm too long in the tooth for all that", she says with a laugh, "once I can continue to create pieces that women want, then I'm happy with that"