Apparel & Fashion - , , Ireland
Loulou Bricole is breathing life into Irish millinery, with luxurious hats and headpieces that are striking, elegant and easy to wear. The unique aspect of this millinery label is how the designer Linda Gruet, has transformed the old world romanticism of traditional millinery into a modern and vibrant bespoke accessory.Using a diverse range of materials that includes porcelain pieces, shells, pearls, antique glass and metal objects, each bespoke headpiece is designed to complement the customer's personality and style. Linda derives inspiration for her pieces from a variety of sources: roaming French antique and bric-a-brac markets for treasures, travelling throughout Europe and Far East Asia, as well as keeping an eye on trends and influential fashion labels.Her time spent working as a fashion designer for the luxury brand Quin and Donnelly has sharpened Linda's eye for commerciality, while working with Irish couture designer Helen Cody has given her the freedom to appreciate uncompromising design. It was from her collaboration with Helen Cody that Loulou Bricole bespoke millinery was born. Customers who pay a visit to Linda's Dublin studio are invited to explore and discoverher extensive collection of luxurious materials. As a milliner, Linda shows great attention to detail paired with excellent technical finishing skills, to give the customer a true couture experience.The pieces presented for this competition are inspired by the immaculate beauty of Orchids, the freshness of the first cherry blossoms in spring and intriguing ancient Celtic knot designs. Detail shots of the finished product and the latest photo shoot document the high quality of technical finishing worthy of the term "couture".