They've been in business for 25 years, but the design and business partnership of Liz Quin and Carolyn Donnelly is still sending out fresh and vibrant collections that Irish women clamour for. Deirdre McQuillan gets to the heart of their success
Photographed on the beach in Howth, Co Dublin in July, Quin & Donnelly's winter collection is more colourful than usual, more upbeat in spirit. Shades such as orange, berry and cherry add a fresh note to the more familiar winter greys and mossy greens so beloved of Irish customers. The 200-piece collection also has the kind of variety necessary to keep up with modern buying habits, which see women buying for early spring in December, and looking for woollen coats in July.
The pair, who celebrate 25 years in business this year, are known for their work suits, particularly in pinstripes, and this time they've turned them out in pin-dotted fabric, as well as textured tweeds and modish houndstooth. Boiled wool is another fabric very much in vogue this season, and their shapely, long cardigan coat in black with cream embroidery is becoming a bestseller. They also offer the same shape in plain colours. "People are definitely dressing in a more relaxed way," Carolyn Donnelly says. "We still sell a lot of suiting, but the pants are being worn with knitwear, and jackets with a dress, or with jeans, or plain back trousers. People don't like that fully coordinated look, and although business women still prefer a suit, it must be relaxed."
Since they started showing at Pure in London almost two years ago, they have built up a considerable following in the UK and are now stocked in House of Fraser's 22 stores. UK competition is tough, they admit, and building an image takes time. "We are competing with big English multiples such as Coast and Whistles, but we are doing the same sales in Dublin, if not better, and standing our ground."
Quin & Donnelly can be found in Brown Thomas branches, and selected outlets around the country.