WEARINGIRISH showcases top designers/brands from Ireland. In this series, meet the designers and hear their stories. Here Margaret chats with Louise Monaghan of Rant and Rave. Visit rantandrave.eu for more!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND. My dream was to become a fashion designer but in the mid-’80s this created head-scratching moments for my teachers and my parents as to how to go about doing fashion. I completed my A level Art in Armagh, which led me to Harrogate Institute of Arts and Technology to study foundation art. Suddenly fashion became a very realistic option. I went on to UWE Bristol to earn my fashion degree. I was fortunate to live near Moygashel Co. Tyrone, where Paul Costelloe had an office. I had the privilege to work there during summer holidays and get sponsored for my final collection with beautiful Moygashel linen. My first job was with a denim plant in Athlone. I loved everything about denim manufacturing and learning the ropes at the factories. When things got tough for Irish manufacturing, our directors decided that to stay in business we had to set up our brand. So, in 2005 Rant and Rave was born. WHAT WAS THE MOST DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER? I probably have two defining moments. The first is being involved in Rant and Rave from the get-go. Witnessing how it has evolved into a reputable brand fills me with immense pride. Also, seeing people wearing Rant and Rave is as exhilarating today as it was for me 14 years ago. The second moment was being mentioned a few years back in my local primary school pantomime: Cinderella was asked if she was wearing a Louise Jordan (my maiden name) creation. I was gratified to think that one day, I could inspire a whole new generation to dream and to achieve as I did.
WHAT’S YOUR AMBITION FOR YOUR BRAND? I will always strive to design products I love and to grow as an Irish brand. I hope Rant and Rave will encourage and inspire a new generation of talent to come and work with our team. HOW YOU WOULD DEFINE THE HEART AND SOUL OF YOUR BRAND? Each season we create a refined, powerful, and inspiring collection of colour and pattern with a formidable love and appreciation for denim. WHERE DOES YOUR BRAND NAME COME FROM? Our marketing executive Carina came up with the name for us. It reflects our ambitions, which was for women to wear our collection and immediately want to “rant and rave” about it with their friends. WHO IS YOUR DREAM MUSE? WHY? The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. She is simply stunning and never over worked. YOUR DREAM COLLABORATION? This is a brand goal for us, so we will not mention any names for now. However, it will be with an Irish name; we just need to be sure the timing and product are right. WHAT INSPIRES YOU ABOUT THE WEARINGIRISH MOVEMENT? The #WearingIrish movement is an inspiring platform to showcase and create awareness for all the incredible Irish talent we have. At Rant and Rave, we feel privileged to be part of this. WHO DO YOU WANT TO WEAR IRISH? Everyone who is Irish; I feel it is so vital to support homegrown talent. HOW DOES A SENSE OF PLACE INFORM YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS— SPECIFICALLY IRELAND? A sense of place is crucial to the roots and history of any brand. For me, the deep Monaghan roots of Rant and Rave strengthens the ethos of our brand. Understanding that our natural heritage is steeping in creativity only inspires our originality. Known as the Farney county, Monaghanmay be the smallest county in Ulster, but it is full of creativity, providing us with one of the country’s most celebrated poets—Patrick Kavanagh. WHAT DOES BEING IRISH MEAN TO YOU AND IN WHAT WAY HAS IT INFLUENCED YOUR CREATIONS? Being Irish fills me with gratitude, pride, and has taught me that we can be the best. Riverdance in the 1994 Eurovision showed global audiences that for such a small country, Ireland’s creativity is world-class. For me, this is the moment the world saw what we were capable of. MOST COVETED ITEM IN YOUR COLLECTION? It would have to be our very first style, the Rosette Flare. This style is the reason we are in business today as it established our label from the beginning. The Rosette was a heavy stonewashed flare. This summer we even had a flare back in our range for the first time! For sentimental reasons, I will never part with mine. THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? My boys (my husband and my son), my phone (solely for the camera—pictures record history, which is so important) and flowers (creating sunshine even when it is raining). YOUR GO-TO STYLING TRICK? Never over coordinate! As a general rule, two colours is a “no” for me. Always add a third colour! TELL US ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW THAT I DIDN’T ASK. My parents taught me to walk on the sunny side of the street. I always try to look on the bright side of life and I hope that I can pass this outlook onto my son.