First Lady supports local fashion
Sabina Higgins has marked her first day as Ireland’s First Lady by supporting the local fashion industry.
President Michael D Higgins’ wife bought the outfits for the inauguration off the peg from Irish designers.
She chose to support both big and small Irish labels – as opposed to having outfits made by her usual team.
For the inauguration ceremony, Mrs Higgins wore a Louise Kennedy matching knee length cashmere coat and dress in silk jersey – all in purple.
She will change for the State reception, into a locally-designed two-piece hot pink fine wool outfit.
Other outfits she has bought for forthcoming official functions include designs from Don O’Neill, Helen McAlinden and Peter O’Brien.
Mrs Higgins’ stylist Joan Begin said the idea was to show that the Irish fashion industry and its designers can “rise to such an auspicious occasion with aplomb that bodes well for the future”.
Meanwhile, former presidents Mary McAleese and Mary Robinson made sure they stood out by both choosing to dress in red.
