Irish Designer Week: Patrick Casey

Fashion & Jewellery

Often at this time of year we wedding industry types get caught up in foreseeing ‘trends’ in the market. Rustic table decor, chalkboard place settings, the colour yellow…these trends and more get talked and blogged about till we’re blue in the face, or at least, until we’re over our initial (warranted) extreme excitement about something fresh, beautiful and unexpected for Irish weddings.

However there is one thing that can’t, and probably shouldn’t, be followed too closely, and that’s wedding dress trends. Co. Longford designer Patrick Casey put it best when we spoke to him for Irish Designer Week. “While trends can be a starting platform for brides to build from,” he says, “it can only be regarded as a trend if it truly reflects the bride’s style and personality. If the look/trend is correctly achieved the viewer will see the bride’s beauty first and secondly her gown. For me it is essential that a bride chooses her dress and accessories to suit her own individual personality.”

The word ‘personality’ comes up time after time when discussing Patrick’s style and method of design. This is no surprise when you consider Patrick’s background as lead designer for the notoriously valiant and vivacious Vivian Westwood in London.

The occasionwear-turned-bridalwear designer regards his customers as brides who are “bien dans sa peau”, literally ‘well in one’s skin’. “My quintessential bride is a bride who is…very comfortable and centred in her own being,” Patrick muses, “I admire confidence, a free spirit, independence, and open mindedness.” On that note, Patrick names French actress and proprietor of the tenuous ‘je ne sais quoi’ gene, Audrey Tatou as one of the celebrities he would most like to design for.

A Meeting of Minds

Confidence is one thing a bride certainly needs to exude while wearing one of Patrick’s creations.  His designs are a little more sexy and daring than one would expect from a wedding dress, with backless dresses featuring more than once in his 26-piece collection. His silk-lined, hand-made creations are holistically constructed, with the integration of both front and back modules being a Patrick Casey trademark. “For me a bridal gown is similar to a perfume,” says Patrick. “The fragrance comes alive when it comes in contact with the skin. So I guess for me the ultimate inspiration is the female form in its own right of existence.”

“My signature style,” notes Patrick, “is an understated yet intricate marriage of fabric and embellishment (ruffles, flowers, beading and lace.)” It is with this in mind that Patrick offers a demi-couture service, where he partakes in what he calls a ‘meeting of minds’ with the bride to discover her requirements and present his offerings. Style, budget and timeframes are all called to the fore and if the budget doesn’t allow for excess embellishments, Patrick redesigns the gown to suit.

Patrick credits brides for being ‘very supportive’ of the Irish design industry, which he says is a result of the knowledge and quality as well as creativity within the sector. “Irish designers have an unequalled knowledge of the Irish body fits as well as style and shade preferences.”

He also gave some advice for brides who are about to start shopping for their perfect gown. “This should be a fun time of trying on all the different silhouettes available,” he says. “Before embarking on the hunt for your dream dress, it does pay to do a little homework and figure out what kind of look you are dreaming of. Remain stress free and true to yourself.  So don’t be swayed by other people’s comments or views or what they feel you should wear. Listen to your inner being and you will look amazing on the day.“

By Karen Birney 

patrick casey bridal
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patrick casey 2012
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Patrick Casey Bridal Room, Newcastle House, Ballymahon, Co. Longford, Ireland

View the full collection at PatrickCasey.ie

9am-5pm Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm Saturday

Collection viewing by appointment only, please call: +353 86 8575339 or alternatively email: [email protected]

By Karen Birney