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Since establishing her own label in 2005, Marion Murphy Cooney has seen many of her designs grace the red carpet, but her ready-to-wear and bespoke designs that celebrate “femininity in all its forms” have also won a loyal following among Irish consumers.
Originally from Limerick, Marion runs her flagship design studio in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, as well as selling online at www.marionmurphycooney.com.
What has been your best fashion investment to date?
Easy! My Chanel Classic 2.55 handbag in black, double flap lambskin. There is a very good reason why it is called the classic and another very good reason why it is an investment piece! I adore it. And why wouldn’t I? It was a long awaited and hard worked-for investment.
I adored it from the moment I saw it and it was not until afterwards that I read the story behind it. A scandal ensued when Coco Chanel designed it in 1955. Back then, shoulder straps for women’s bags were unheard of. It was seen as rebellious, even uncivilised. The bag sent the message out that women were now free to do what they wanted with their hands.
The 2.55 was a symbol of revolution in women’s fashion. I adored it even more after reading its history.
And your biggest fashion faux pas?
My fashion faux pas are the same as every other woman’s fashion sins; being a slave to trends at the time. Neon pink as a teenager, anyone? With age comes wisdom and we now know that trends pass for a reason. We have all found out the hard way that just because something is in fashion does not mean it suits us! Know your shape, know what you like, and create your look from there.
Growing up, were there any signs that you were destined to become a fashion designer?
We are all products of our environment, aren’t we? My business acumen comes from my mam and my artistic side from my dad. I have always loved clothes. This triad led me organically to this creative life that I lead. But I am a firm believer – and I tell my own children this daily – to follow what you are interested in. Never drive a square peg into a round hole. I owe it to my clients to do a job that I love and I owe it to myself. I work too hard not to love what I am doing.
What has been the biggest “pinch me” moment to date?
I have had a few fabulous “wow” moments over the years – dressing celebrities, seeing my designs win awards or picking up a magazine randomly only to see my design splashed across it! But I can honestly say that my standout “pinch me” moment was opening my design shop with my name over the door – Marion Murphy Cooney.
How important is it that your collection is made in Nenagh?
Beyond important! Each and every piece you buy or commission from me is handmade in Nenagh, Co Tipperary. I am feeding back in to the community that supported me from the outset. It also means that I can work hand in hand with my team to ensure a bespoke piece is exactly that-tailored to your exact details.
On a global level, never was it more important to run against the tide of fast fashion and the irrevocable drain it places on our environment. I don’t think anyone needs any reminding of this at the moment, unfortunately.
What is your ‘hero piece’ from your current collection?
My “Jenny” jumpsuit (€350) and my “Audrey” dress (€395). I feel I have nailed it with these pieces in terms of creating a design that suits any body shape. My clients love them so much that many have bought them in more than one colour.
Outside of work, what is your daily “go to” uniform?
Because my work and life collide, my work uniform is my daily uniform. I can go from work to a social occasion with maybe only an odd tweak. But I know what suits my shape. I know what I like and I go from there. I do dress according to my own rules – buy what you like and what you feel comfortable in. Don’t buy anything you are iffy about! It’s the basic formula for dressing well.
What celebrity would you love to dress and why?
Amy Huberman never looks like she has made a mistake. She mixes high street with designer flawlessly. She is unapologetic about sticking to her chosen look. Across the pond, I would love to dress Victoria Beckham. I am drawn to her elegant, clean lines and timeless pieces. Her attention to accessories is flawless and is a lesson in how to complete a look.
What famous fashion piece would you like to have in your wardrobe?
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel was one of the 20th century’s most influential couturiers. A trained milliner, she moved beyond hats to become a rebel and a trailblazer of the fashion world, creating a new sartorial style that freed women from their corsets-literally! Her Chanel suit was a game-changer- not just for fashion, but for women’s sartorial liberation.
She was even bold enough to cut it in a slightly masculine way. How brazen! While I know there are a few Chanel suits to be got out there, if money were no object, I would be first in the bidding line.
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