Cranbrook Designs

Delighted to be back out racing today at - it was a super day enjoying great food and great company. There was also some super style on display. After a busy end to 2022 Lianne spent the start of this year running up this 1950s inspired wool dress which she paired with vintage bag gloves and jewellery. The hat is by and was originally made for Deirdre to go with a matching trouser suits - but it’s great to see these beautiful pieces get another outing.

For a black tie wedding we created Noeleen this full length dress in olive satin backed crepe. She teamed it with beautiful dark olive shoes and bag from LKBennet and a gorgeous headpiece from . We love the collar detail on this dress and that you get to see both sides of the fabric and the different tones it offers and the princess seams means we could really produce a super fit.

Given the recent weather we also made Edith a fur cape to wear over her dress to wear in the church and on her way to the reception. Designed with her dress in mind to accommodate the collar that continues round the back of the dress and also to allow a glimpse of the fabulous beaded detail.

We’ve been working away with lots of lovely ladies this year as they prepare for various weddings. But it was really special to finish the year with a wedding closer to home. Lianne’s beautiful aunt Edith was celebrating her daughters wedding at the weekend in a fabulous dress from - we made this little headpiece to complement the beaded detail on the dress - but this is only one of the pieces we were working on for the day - more photos to follow.

Meanwhile Lianne O'Shea’s outfit for Ladies Day started with a really pretty yellow and floral headband from Julie Kenny Designs. It’s been quite busy in the studio so instead of making the full outfit we took some ivory offcuts and made a top to go with a skirt that was already in the wardrobe.

As well as chiffon cape sleeves we included some embroidery detail down the front of the top and then included another piece on the waistband of the skirt to unite the two pieces - these details are hand sewn in place (in this case the night before!)

The outfit also included a vintage hand bag and jewellery.

Here’s Deirdre Kane’s fabulous outfit for the Dublin Horse Show yesterday. We had such fun on this one. The darker pink ponte Roma fabric is something we had left over on our cutting table - and we knew we had enough for a classic fitted shift dress and the beginning of an outfit.

I had a good root through my fabric stash and came across a raw cotton I’d picked up in SoSew a few years ago - there’s great body to this fabric and it holds shape so well so Deirdre knew she wanted to do something dramatic with it! The staged oversized bow drapes almost like a sash from shoulder to hip and while great for making impact can also be removed if she wants to wear the dress again in a more casual setting.

Topped with another delightful piece from Julie Kenny Designs in more of the fabric including a circlet of bows around the back of the head.

Finished with pink suede heels and a pink handbag. I think she had as much fun wearing it yesterday as we had putting it together.

Keeping this one under wraps at the moment - but so excited to show you it later this week for Ladies Day at the Dublin Horse Show at the RDS. 💝

We're always delighted to see our dresses out and about being enjoyed by our clients. Our aim is that you should feel comfortable and elegant in one of our garmets - whatever the occassion.

This dress was comissioned recently for a wedding, the fabric has a slight stretch to make it comfortable across the day, and features hand sewn applique detail on both shoulders. We love how happy Mary looks in this photo and really hope she's enjoying the day.

In the studio this evening to catch up on some work, but taking a tea break sitting on step enjoying the flowers just coming into bloom.

Our studio here in Kildare has been a hive of activity recently with the wedding season in full swing. All our appointments in June are now taken and there are a limited number of appointments available in July. If you are interested in finding out more about getting an outfit made for a special occasion or race day please get in touch.

PICS: Carlow Mum Finally Wins Punchestown Best Dressed After 12 Tries The Style Council had their work cut out for them at Punchestown Festival this week as hundreds of stylish women upped their fashion game for the 2022 races.

So this happened today! The beautiful Deirdre Kane picked up Best Dressed Lady at Punchestown wearing a cape and dress that I got finished by the skin of my teeth yesterday - teamed with another fabulous hat from Julie Kenny at Julie Kenny Designs and a bag from Jingles Naas. So delighted for her 🍾