Hi °C | Lo °C ACCUMULATED profits at the design firm of the Dublin-based fashion designer Louise Kennedy almost doubled in 2011 to €313,116.
Ms Kennedy has been one of Ireland's most successful designers over the past three decades, and new figures show that accumulated profits at Ms Kennedy's Signum Ltd rose by 88pc, or €146,963, to €313,116 in the 12 months to the end of December 2011.
The abridged accounts show the firm's cash more than doubled from €243,405 to €540,932.
A spokesman for the firm attributed the increase in business at Signum to significant growth in the export market.
"We can confirm that 2011 produced satisfactory results largely arising from a significant growth in the export market. The company increased its staff numbers and is now recruiting more staff for Ireland and the UK."
The spokesman added: "The preliminary results for 2012 show continued growth in retail exports and profitability in line with expectations. The company continues to make significant investment in product design, which is paramount in the highly competitive world of international fashion."
Flagship stores
Ms Kennedy established her eponymous label in 1983 and today operates flagship stores at Belgravia in London and Merrion Square in Dublin. Her profile was heightened when President Mary Robinson commissioned the Co Tipperary native to design her inauguration outfit in 1990. Ms Kennedy continued to dress Ms Robinson and Mary McAleese throughout their presidencies.
In 1997, she was chosen to design the uniforms for Aer Lingus, which to this date are still worn by their male and female staff.
Ms Kennedy has been the recipient of many prestigious awards, including Irish Designer of the Year on four separate occasions. In 2009, she became the first female style envoy for Mercedes Benz and has also been honoured by An Post with a stamp celebrating her work.
Ms Kennedy has dressed members of the British, European and Middle Eastern royal families. Other supporters over the years include Angelica Huston, Andie McDowell, Jo Malone, Emma Thompson, Yasmin Le Bon and the late Elizabeth Taylor.
Irish Independent
