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CATHERINE CONNOLLY WORE an all-purple outfit to her inauguration today, where she officially became the 10th President of Ireland.
The look was a statement for Connolly, whose fashion sense usually runs understated.
Today, on perhaps the most momentous day of her career, she was dressed by Irish designer Louise Kennedy.
Kennedy took to Instagram to share the “absolute honour”, explaining the meaning behind the monochromatic look.
Connolly wore three pieces from the luxury brand: The amethyst purple Maya double face wool coat (priced at €1,995 online), the Julie tailored wool trousers (€995) and the Orelia double georgette silk blouse (€1,295).
Kennedy previously described the pieces being paired together as “a study in tonal dressing”. She said choosing purple for today’s occasion was a statement.
“[It's] a colour associated with dignity, strength and creativity, amethyst tones have symbolised empowerment for centuries. Worn by the suffragettes as a mark of justice and freedom, purple continues to carry meaning far beyond fashion,” she wrote in a post to her Instagram stories.
“The purple hues echoed Mary Robinson’s inauguration look in 1990 – a moment of progress and pride we were honoured to be part of, as we are today.”
Kennedy dressed Robinson for her big day, back when she became the first female president of Ireland.
Robinson was in attendance at Dublin Castle today, as was Mary McAleese.
Speaking during her inauguration ceremony, President Connolly said she would “promote a public discourse that nourishes inclusivity, tolerance and active citizenship.”
“I believe the president should be a unifying president… but also a catalyst for change,” she said.
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