Kelly O’Rourke, an emerging fashion designer from Carrigallen, is celebrated for her remarkable passion for creativity and beauty. Inspired by her grandmother’s work in a clothing factory during her childhood, the Leitrim-based designer has parlayed her craft into an admirable talent.

“My grandmother worked in the local clothing factory in Newtowngore and one time I was allowed to tour the factory and I was so excited. It sparked something in me and I was so curious about clothes and where they came from,” Kelly explained.

Her creative interests continued to grow in school and she developed a passion for all things artistic. After graduating from high school, Kelly faced an important decision: whether to pursue an academic career or follow her creative passion.

She pursued a teaching degree at UCD but couldn’t find a great love for it. Kelly then spent a year building an art portfolio, which ultimately changed her career path.

“I did a portfolio year in Ballyfermot and the rest is history,” said Kelly.

“I applied to Limerick and did a fashion design course. During that time I went to Barcelona and did an internship there. The interest remained and I wanted to work in that environment. I knew I was in the right place.”

Kelly really got her feet on the ground during another internship in Istanbul, where she was given more responsibility and the opportunity to design for the Paris showrooms.

“I gained a lot of experience and a lot of confidence. I saw clothes that I had designed and helped create in Paris showrooms and on catwalks and thought: ‘I can’t believe I can do this!’

Kelly started a tailoring school during Covid, but her end goal was always to have her own brand, which she successfully launched under her name in 2023.

Kelly still lives in the country and draws inspiration from the landscape around Leitrim for her designs.

“My work is very inspired by nature. It inspires the colors and patterns and even the textiles. As a fashion designer, you are very influenced by what you see,” she explained.

Kelly recently had the opportunity to design five dresses for her friends to wear at the Galway Races as part of an advertising campaign for her brand.

Megan O’Rourke, Annmarie Buckley, Kelly O’Rourke, Sinéad O’Neill and Shannen O’Rourke

“The dresses were based on her personality and her personal style. They gave me a lot of freedom.”

Kelly’s most important advice for aspiring designers is to make sure you truly love your work.

“You’re very often working for free, it’s a labor of love like most artistic careers and you have to have the determination and passion to keep going if you really want to do it.

“I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I didn’t have this in my life. It’s my calling. I really like making beautiful things and making people feel beautiful.

“I love creating and I can’t let go of that side of me. I’m just waiting for the day when I get back what I put into it.”

Kelly is currently working on her fall/winter collection, with a photoshoot planned for later this year and the collection due to be released in 2025. She creates a diverse range of women’s clothing, including pants, dresses, tops and jackets in materials such as linen, cotton, silk and satin.

Her brand is now established and enjoying increasing recognition. Kelly O’Rourke’s future in the fashion industry looks incredibly bright. Her story is an inspiring example of how to follow your passion to achieve success.

Kelly’s collections can be discovered at kellyorourke.co