Clothes lines

DEIRDRE MCQUILLANtalks about fashion

Wrap up stylishly

Wexford-born Susannagh Grogan, who worked as a print and textile designer for more than 15 years and counts Tommy Hilfiger, Peter O’Brien and Macy’s among her clients, produces some of the most beautiful scarves to be found in Ireland. Based in Dún Laoghaire, this former student of the Chelsea College of Art and Design likes to work on heavy silk, in bold vibrant colours, often including a telling quote along the edge of her scarves. The scarves are limited edition, with handrolled edges, and can be bought online at www.scarf.ie, as well as at: the Design Centre in Powerscourt, Dublin; Les Jumelles, Galway; Juju, Greystones and Boutique Bell in Ashford. They cost from €59-€150 online.

She's got bags of style

In 2003, 50-year-old Ottavia Failla, a former lawyer, known for her individual personal style in both fashion and interiors, was commissioned by a wealthy friend to make a bag for a society wedding in Milan. It was a huge success. Later, carrying one of her bags in Rome, a boutique owner asked Failla to make a few for the shop. Thus began a business which is now growing an international reputation, with her extravagant and unusual bags stocked in Harrods, Isetan in Tokyo and other leading department stores and boutiques, including her own showroom on Via della Spiga in Milan. Failla, who comes from an aristocratic Sicilian family, says her inspiration comes from Modica, the baroque town where she lives and which was recently declared a Unesco heritage site. And she cites "the Mediterranean because I like strong colours". An eclectic mix and match of fabrics, beads, brooches, feathers and flowers assembled by local craftswomen – all by hand – her bags and jewellery collection have a fan base including Paris Hilton, Diana Ross and princess Rania of Jordan. A few years ago, Suzanne Von Liebig, widow of the creator of the first heart implants, arrived in Modica straight from New York on a private jet and bought up the entire Ottavia Failla collection. www.ottaviafailla.com.

Irish designers pull together

The Council of Irish Fashion Designers is a new representative body set up to promote Irish design and the fashion industry, to create a forum for discussion, and to share commercial information, develop promotional strategies and encourage new entrants. Chaired by Eddie Shanahan, with secretary Aideen Bodkin, and Lucy Downes as treasurer, the council includes designers such as Heidi Higgins, Joanne Hynes, Jen Kelly, Tyrrell Brennan, Heather Finn and others. Information from 01-6788332 or email info@tyrrellandbrennan.com.