Deborah Veale has been designing new uniforms for Irish Ferries, for the Áras outriders, for Cashel Palace (due next March), Mount Juliet, the Bristol Hotel in Warsaw and another in Paris. Added to that, she is launching her first leisurewear range online later this year. Veale has become the go-to designer for professional workwear free of dull corporate staples, and her latest collaboration draws on her tailoring strengths and that of Jack Murphy, the Irish brand which, like Barbour, has a strong urban/country look with signature wax, tweed and waterproof jackets and coats.
Sarah Murphy, granddaughter of the founder, is the third generation to head the Skerries-based family business with her father, Michael. As sales director, she wanted to take a fresh approach to their bestselling classics. “It’s a step forward and Deborah took what makes us really strong to another level,” she says.
Part of the challenge for Veale was creating a cohesive look for the whole collection while also acknowledging its strong footprint, adding some contemporary styles, updating capes, parkas and duffel coats, adding elevating details here and there – new slimline trousers, caped jackets, angled hemlines, drawstring waists, deep pockets and mixing leather with tweed.
Some of the new pieces featured here include the Jen tweed parka (€490) with faux fur hood in navy or green; the Cara waxed jacket (€260) in olive, navy or black; a long tailored coat in Magee tweed (€380) called Fran after founder Jack Murphy’s wife; and the ever-popular Erin, a long, bias cut weatherproof riding coat which also comes in a tweed version called Julie (€440). Cashmere blend cable knits and a range of hats, including the wide brim Boston (€60), complete the look.
Veale has also taken an individual approach to her new leisurewear collection. “It’s not leggings, tracksuits and sweatshirts – I think we are all coming out of that, but a transition to more soft-tailored separates in jersey and silk – a more relaxed look,” she says. This will launch online in September/October focussing on shades of teal, cream and black.
