Sybil Connolly

The internationally renowned fashion designer Sybil Connolly was born in Wales in 1921 but moved to Waterford in her teens.

She was a pioneering designer in Ireland and one of the first to have international success, especially in America. She was among a group of Irish designers in the 1950s and 60s, whose designs were inspired by native fabrics. Later in her career she turned her attention to interior decoration and designed crystal, fabric and ceramics. Her natural style and charm made her an outstanding Ambassador for Ireland.

She knew how to keep her name in the news and featured regularly in gossip columns. Some of her high profile clients included members of the Rockerfellers, Elizabeth Taylor, Rosalind Russell and Julie Andrews. She designed the linen dress that Jacqueline Kennedy wore in her White House portrait.

During the sixties fashion changed, but Sybil was unwilling to change her style. In 1970 she commented that she had never liked the mini skirt, and quoted Chrisian Dior: “A woman should show her curves not her joints”.

She died in I998 in her home on Merrion Square.

Written by: Tara Gleeson
Edited by: Paul Cantwell
Uploaded by: Ciara McGirl