Kilkenny’s Lady Lorna Emporium Shapes Irish Fashion Scene

Kilkenny has emerged as a vibrant hub for fashion, drawing attention from shoppers seeking distinctive outfits for special occasions. Central to this trend is the Lady Lorna Designer Emporium, located on Kieran Street, where local designer Lorna Doogue creates a unique shopping experience that influences Irish fashion.

The emporium features an impressive selection of twelve brands, which includes six Irish milliners and three renowned Irish designers alongside various international labels. Notably, Lorna Doogue also showcases her own designs, crafted in nearby Carlow. The store has become a favourite among fashion enthusiasts from cities such as Dublin and Galway, who visit with the expectation of discovering something exceptional.

Lorna’s passion for fashion is rooted in her family background. Her mother, Joan Doogue, is a respected fashion designer known for the brand Lorna Doone, which inspired her daughter’s name. With a friendly demeanor and years of experience, Lorna has cultivated a deep love for her profession. As a child, she assisted her mother with design work, which ultimately led her to pursue a four-year degree at the Limerick School of Fashion.

“My career began at Michael H as an assistant designer. I also worked part-time at Brown Thomas, where I learned the fundamentals of fashion retail,” Lorna shares. Her journey continued as she transitioned into a buyer role with Primark, where she travelled globally for fashion and homewares, contributing to the launch of the PS beauty brand.

The dream of owning a boutique remained a constant aspiration for both Lorna and Joan. “We always enjoyed shopping in Kilkenny, making it a natural location for our store,” Lorna explains. After nearly nine years of operation in the city, they take pride in their elegantly designed premises.

Lady Lorna Designer Emporium has established itself as a vital destination for anyone preparing for events such as races, weddings, or black-tie galas. As Kilkenny continues to develop its reputation in the fashion industry, Lorna Doogue’s commitment to quality and style positions her boutique at the forefront of this movement.