My secret confession

It has been my intention to profile in this journal current designers that inspire me.

It was very easy to choose my first 'victim'

I don't think he knows about the first time I saw his work, nor the effect it had on me. But I always hoped to find the right time and medium to express my gratitude for his influence.

It was sometime between 2002 and 2003, I was working at the time amongst hair, feathers and lurex (some will know what I'm talking about) and we were invited to do a show in a circus tent outside the RDS.

As any show I've done with Catherine Condell there was very little that needed to be done. She always seams to have everything under control. So my job was to enjoy the show and collect the pieces when it was over.

I didn't know who was showing, and to put you in context ,I was very unfamiliar with most designers anyway...

 As I sat there to watch the spectacle I had no idea that what I would see would change my course....(a secret I have kept until now)


I can't remember too much about the show but I do know I witnessed the most beautiful dresses I had ever seen in my life and I was immediately transported somewhere between Place Vendome and 30's Hollywood. Never ending layers of chiffon with intricate pleats in the most beautiful colours. It was like a dream come true.
 
A few months later I handed my notice and ventured into my own dream world.  

Fortunately our roads have crossed on several occasions and he has helped me in more ways than he knows (most memorable was his support with the cursed shrinking dummy at the Embassy in Paris…I still laugh thinking about it)

This modest confession is for Peter O'Brien.

To see a beautiful sample of his work Peter O'Brien Couture 2000

Comments

[Mary]

This is really Beautiful. So eloquently put. XX

[Peter O'Brien]

Eilish,
I really don't know quite what to say..................my speechlessness simply covers my embarrassed delight.
Thank you.
P.

[Eddie Shanahan]

I remember the first time I saw Peter's work too. It was in the RDS Concert Hall when he showed some pieces from his work at Rochas at a Satzenbrau Show that I produced. Delicate tiny cashmere cardignas over voluminous silk taffetta skirts - simple, magical, unforgettable. Eddie.