A coat and three-piece suit made by Dublin-based fashion designer Aideen Bodkin has been selected by the President, Mrs McAleese, for her inauguration ceremony in Dublin Castle this morning.
The ankle-length, fitted and flared coat in dark aubergine cashmere and wool has a detachable sheepskin collar and cuffs. The suit, in dark magenta silk, features a bias cut skirt and sleeveless bodice with an appliqué decoration on the hem, cuffs and collar.
The award-winning designer, who is the daughter of a well-known Dublin publican, set up in business six years ago and now exports to the UK and the US. She is known for her tailoring and use of interesting fabrics, but mostly special occasion wear.
A diverse list of clients has included Hillary Clinton, Liz O'Donnell and actress Jane Seymour, but this is the first time her clothes have been worn by Mrs McAleese.
One of a group of up and coming young Irish designers, Bodkin's clothes are sold in the Design Centre in Dublin, Arnotts and upmarket boutiques around the country. "Her choice is as much about her [Mrs McAleese] as it is about what I do", she said yesterday. "Where a lot of politicians go for sombre shades, she is a great person for colour, which is very refreshing. I think that reflects her personality".
For the reception in Dublin Castle tonight, Mrs McAleese will wear an evening coat and dress from another designer, Ms Deborah Veale, an NCAD graduate, who has been nine years in business and has been responsible for many recent presidential outfits, including one worn to a reception at the White House.
Tonight's ensemble consists of a coral pink sheath dress and an amethyst velvet evening coat with a big diamante button. "You keep it simple and the fabric does the trick," said Ms Veale.
"It is glamorous but appropriate to a serious occasion and I think it's great that the President really tries to support Irish fashion. This is a once off design that will not be replicated."