Singular, show-stopping and sustainable, Lorraine Keane’s style ranges from Preen to pre-loved fashion finds …
Tales From My Wardrobe, a style series from THE GLOSS community, is a love letter to favourite pieces and hard-earned investment buys that all have a story to tell. From Irish designer Orla Kiely’s wardrobe being as print-heavy and joyful as you would expect to handmade clothes with sentimental value, this is your chance to take a sneak peek into the most treasured possessions of some of the most stylish women in Ireland, and read all of the meaningful stories behind them.
In this instalment, businesswoman, and women’s health and beauty advocate, Lorraine Keane lets us into her colourful wardrobe where you’ll find show-stopping gowns, pre-loved bargains and investment pieces she cherishes.
I often say I can’t afford myself as I love all types of fashion; it’s an expensive way to be! I dress to suit my mood, usually from the feet up. Every morning, I check my diary, the weather, choose the shoes, and go from there. Some days I feel boho, other days vintage, and I like to channel the ‘rock chick’ look when the occasion fits. Then there’s the classic, girly, sporty versions of me. I may sound like The Spice Girls, but age restricts or at least influences what I wear now. My body shape has changed, so some things just don’t look as well as they used to, and that’s okay. I still adore fashion and will always love dressing up. One of my style muses is Celia Holman Lee.
Photograph; Marc O’Sullivan
I always tell my daughters (Emelia and Romy Devlin, pictured at the Continentally Classic Best Dressed at the InterContinental Hotel Dublin last year), “Wear it while you can” … like my mum said to me. I’m glad I wore those velvet hotpants with satin Wolford tights when I was 17. Thank goodness my mum told me to wear them!
My Anya Hindmarch After Eight mini tote bag is my favourite piece right now, a Christmas present to myself. I was invited to have dinner with Anya when she came to Dublin recently, where I wore a tote bag she created for me over 20 years ago. It was its first outing as I was always too embarrassed to wear it, namely because it has a photograph of my face on it! We had a laugh about the fact that I think I’ll be quite happy to wear a bag with my 20 years younger face on it now.
SEE MORE: What’s On Accessories Designer Anya Hindmarch’s Desk?
Anya is an incredibly talented, brilliant businesswoman, and such a lovely person. She’s offering her bespoke collection again, where she creates a bag unique to you that features a photo of a special memory, people or place. Black and white family photos or baby pictures look lovely, and it’s a great gift idea for someone special.
Photograph; VIP Style Awards
I love my Alex Perry dress even more than my wedding dress, which I donated to Oxfam Bridal to raise money for the charity. I discovered it on a family trip to Sydney. It was a sample in the window that had just come off the runway, and it was a perfect fit. It has crystals of all sizes handsewn into the skirt and train, with ostrich feathers. I’m now happy to hand it over to my daughters.
The most sentimental piece in my wardrobe is a luminous dress by Preen that I wore to the launch of my TV show, Xposé, in 2007. At the time, Preen was an emerging design house, so I flew to London to try it on in the tiniest boutique off Portobello market. They only made three of this dress: Amy Winehouse wore hers to The Brit Awards that year, and Gwyneth Paltrow wore hers to The Ironman premiere. I would be probably locked up if I wore it now, so that’s another for my daughters’ wardrobe.
Photograph; Tony Gavin
The best bargain in my wardrobe is a pair of suede knee-high Chloe boots I bought in a designer outlet in Monaco about 15 years ago. They cost €50. My only regret is that they were in the softest black leather too, but I didn’t buy them.
The most recent item I bought was a gold antique serpent bracelet with emerald eyes. It reminds me of my mentor Elizabeth Ravaud, who passed away 17 years ago. I spotted it in the vintage and antiques window at Rocks Jewellers in Dublin. You never know what you’ll find there.
My Monagahans Cashmere pieces have paid for themselves in terms of price per wear. I wear a scarf almost every day, so I get so much wear out of them. It feels like they give me a hug, especially when I travel. Currently, I’m working with the Today Show, live from the RTÉ Cork studios. I get the train because I can get a lot of work done. This wide scarf is more like a wrap and comfort blanket. It will last forever, so it’s a really good investment.
Photograph; Kieran Harnett
My pre-loved Fashion Relief boutique in Blackrock, Co Dublin is a great place to find hidden gems, with a selection of designer and high street labels for a song. I bought a Prada coat with leopard print lining in immaculate condition for €295 last year. It had an RRP of €1,295. It’s guilt-free shopping because all of the money raised goes to Breast Cancer Ireland, and we’re diverting clothing from landfill.
We rely on donations; I’m fortunate to have contacts in the fashion industry, so many designers give samples, in addition to sale stock from boutiques and wholesalers all over the country. Many pieces are brand new, and the pieces we don’t sell we give to a recycling company. All of the money raised from these unwanted textiles goes to Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice, so nothing is wasted.
The least “fashion” thing I own are my slippers by Irish Hide Designs made with the softest sheepskin. I have bad circulation, so I regularly have cold feet. They are a little bit of affordable luxury and comfort.
I never leave the house without a tan. I feel better and think I look healthier; even my clothes seem to look better on me. I created a gradual tan, Decadence by Lorraine Keane, with Irish Skincare Company BeautiEdit because I wanted a luxury product with skin-loving ingredients for a natural glow with no yucky smell.
The other thing that also makes me feel better is a blow dry. It’s another little luxury that goes a long way. I treat myself in Dylan Bradshaw’s hair salon in Dublin. They’re so professional and talented, my blow dry lasts about four days.
My most hardworking accessory is a mini Chanel crossbody bag that I bought in Designer Exchange in Dublin. It goes with everything, and is perfect for day or night. My best investments have invariably been by Chanel because they increase in value year on year.
I’m lusting after the Anya Hindmarch brown suede and leather Neeson Tassel Hobo bag. The perfect bag for all seasons.
Follow Lorraine @lorrainekeaneofficial on Instagram.
SEE MORE: Elizabeth Morrison’s Enviable Style Is Classic With A Twist
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