Nenaghgal Meets Fashion Designer- Marion Murphy Cooney

Above: Double breasted jacket from MMC.

Soon after we moved to Ireland in 2007, I heard about local fashion designer Marion Murphy Cooney because I was looking to have a dress made for my brother's wedding in October 2008. I had a specific idea for my dress and wanted to have it made for me as I knew it would be more flattering. I met Marion in early 2008 and had my first meeting - I wanted an empire style dress as I felt it best suited my curvy figure. We picked out a fabulous orange silk shantung which was then lined with a kind of pink fuchsia lining- Marion told me she'd pick out some jewels to go on the waist and then I'd be back in closer to the date to try it on. It was wonderful and a real hit at the wedding and I've gone on to wear it 4 more times since then- a very worthwhile investment.

While Marion had been on the fashion scene before I moved to Ireland, her beautiful creations are now sweeping the globe. Most recently, on of her dresses appeared at the OSCARS on Denise Creagh, co-producer of the much acclaimed Irish nomination, "The Crush"

Above: Bodice and skirt from MMC Designs.

Irish celebrities have her designs on their radar and she's often the designer of choice when it comes to social events- she's dressed Maura Derrane, Karen Koster, Celia Holman Lee and Lorraine Keane, just to name a few.

What I love about Marion is that through this all she has remained humble and is one of the nicest people I have come across. She takes the personal time to work directly with you on the piece that will be created just for you. There is no big ego. She knows where she's come from and she's worked hard to get where she is- nothing is taken for granted.

Above: Lisa Fitzpatrick wearing MMC at the VIP Style Awards.

I love that she offers a wide range of styles and choices- there are so many designs on my list-a beautiful jacket, another dress. Some of her designs are available under the MMC label in a few shops but the best way is to go directly to her and have a piece designed for you.

Above: Kathryn Thomas wearing MMC at the IFDA's.

She does have a bit of a waiting list so for now you won't get in before September with her so plan ahead!

Above: Emma O'Driscoll wearing MMC at the IFDA's.

Check out more on her website or follow her on Facebook. You can contact her directly at info@marionmurphycooney.com or ring her on 086-8617180. By the way, she's based just outside of Nenagh.