Irish Women In Business – Fashion Designer Jennifer Rothwell

In the latest in a series of editorials focusing on Irish women in business, we spoke to fashion designer, Jennifer Rothwell. Born in New York, and raised in Dublin, Irish Fashion Designer Jennifer Rothwell graduated with honours from the National College of Art and Design in 1995. While at NCAD she won many prestigious awards. In 1995 she emigrated to New York where she acquired extensive fashion experience.With over 12 years fashion design and production experience.Jennifer Rothwell knows the A to Z of the fashion industry. Jennifer Rothwell’s garments are innovative designs; luxurious fabrics paired with high quality garment finishing. Fabrics include Silks Charmeuse, Silk Chiffon, French Lace, Matt Jersey and beautiful Braided Trimmings. ____________________________________________ How did you become interested in fashion? I suppose my love of fashion started when I decided to turn my pink Jumpsuit which had elasticized cuff sleeves into a pair of trousers for my Barbie Doll when I was 7. In the beginning, I was going to become an Art teacher and was interested in attending the art education course at NCAD. Then one day, I was chatting to a fellow student and told him that I would love to get into fashion design course. He told me to go for it! So I applied for the fashion design course. When I was accepted, I was thrilled. When and how did the business come about? After graduation from College I went to NYC and worked there full time for over 10 years. While in the NY fashion industry, I gained vast experience as the director of Design and Production for many high profile New York Designer companies. I accredit my most valuable experience at Norma Kamali where i worked for several years. I later went on to work and gain further fashion experience with Katayone Adeli, Calvin Klein, Language and Yigal Azrouel. It was very hard work, but I learnt so much. I worked in PR, Design and Production. I really learned the A-Z of the fashion industry while working in the USA which prepared me for starting my own business. Then in 2005 because of family reasons, I returned home. It was then I decided to launch the Jennifer Rothwell in 2006. At the beginning, what was the aim? My main aim at the beginning, which still remains the same today, is to design for the sophisticated woman, that doesn’t follow trends necessarily. The typical Jennifer Rothwell customer is a confident woman who knows what she wants, appreciates high quality and buys her garments as investment buys. My collections consist of innovative design, luxurious fabrics paired with high quality finishing. Amazing fabrics and prints are my forte. The collection is for women who want something different, unique yet elegant and timeless. Once you have worked for the Couture end of the industry where great design and top quality finished garments are produced and the norm you in turn expect nothing less of your own collection. I am a perfectionist and I want my garments to look great inside and out. Did you ever expect that this idea would turn into a thriving business idea? I always believed that my extensive international experience in the Fashion business and fashion training would help my business succeed in such a competitive industry. Could you tell me how exactly you got to this point in terms of building up the business from the ground? I worked and continue to work extremely hard. Things rarely happen overnight! The fashion world is extremely tough and competitive businesses to be in you have to be 100% committed in order to succeed! What is a normal working day for you (does it even exist)? It changes every second, from following up on emails, to checking patterns, draping design sketching, researching for new print ideas, calling factories, updating my website, ordering fabrics/trims, doing interviews, following up with PR, sending samples off for photo shoots etc. Was there a point at which it dawned on you what you had achieved? Recently when I was judging for the Griffith college fashion show seated alongside many designers whom I would have admired when I was back in college. What has been the biggest challenge? Surviving the recession! Keeping costs to the bare minimum and continuing to keep sampling and moving forward when consumer spending has been so drastically reduced. What has been your best moment? After only a short 7 months after I launched the Jennifer Rothwell label, I won the “Brown Thomas Designer Award” at Dublin Fashion Week in 07. What do you think makes your designs and business unique? The unique selling point of Jennifer Rothwell is my exclusive signature prints as well as the quality of finish on my garments, all ‘Made in Ireland’. Have you had a favorite moment from working on fashion shows or shoots? I was cast as a judge on Norway’s Top Model TV Programme, providing a great showcase for the best of Irish design. I was chosen to judge a heat of the TV reality show which was held in Dublin in July 2010 and which was broadcast in Norway on March 14th 2011. It was a great opportunity to showcase Ireland as an urban fashion hub. Is there a particular designer that you are in awe of? I admire several designers, Norma Kamali in particular. She is such an amazing designer who is talented in so many areas. I learnt so much with Norma, I worked in PR, Design and Production. I really learned the A-Z of the fashion industry while working with her. I also admire other designers such as Dolce and Gabbana and Sarah Burton.