Sarah Swan Featured In The Irish Country Magazine
Sara Swan
Sarah Swan Featured In The Irish Country Magazine
Sarah Swan - My Life in Fashion
When did you decide to work in fashion?
I have loved fashion since my teens. I was influenced by my mother’s love of fashion as she was a model. I was surrounded by her friends and the glamorous world of fashion. I worked behind the scenes at many a fashion show and modelled in my childhood and teens. I often wanted the clothes that I modelled.
What did you do before?
In the early years of my career, I worked in interior design in London and Paris. It was always a toss-up between Interiors and fashion as I felt fashion was too hard to break into. I loved the Asian influence of the interior architect’s office I worked in Paris, Miguel Cancio Martins. I came back to Dublin and was inspired to open a unique Asian healing day Spa called Mandala, now Dawson Spa.
How did your label come about?
I had time out to reflect on my true passions after I left Mandala. I realised my talents lay in creation. I was commissioned to design day spas, an interior design project after I created the Mandala brand. I decided I wanted to design beautiful products that would evolve into a lifestyle brand.
What has been your biggest set-back to date?
My biggest set-back has probably been my own impatience. I have had to remind myself to enjoy the journey. I’ve come to realise that Rome wasn’t built in a day and that perseverance, enthusiasm and passion are really ket to getting to your true north. Good supporters and mentors are paramount too.
How would you describe your signature style?
I love and appreciate well-tailored clothes and silks, cashmere and laces. I love natural fabrics. My signature style is quite classical, although I’m told I do have my own style. I mix what I love without thought. I don't follow fashion. I wear what I feel good in. I tend to value accessories most, a good hand bad, belt, shoes and scarf set any outfit off.
What do you love most about your work?
I love the creative part most - the inspirations for each collection.
What has been your best workday so far?
I think it is the first time I went to Havanna in Donnybrook and met Nikki Creedon the owner, who is a true lady and a fabulous businesswoman. She gave me great support and told me that I have great products. It’s very encouraging coming from a great woman.
What are the most and least glamorous parts of your job?
The most glamorous parts are the photoshoots and styling of them: socialising at events and networking: travelling to exotic locations taking inspirational shots for your collections. I was very fortunate to visit Havana in Cuba with a friend who is a pilot for Virgin Atlantic, Bernice De Neve. She is inspirational the be Sweet company along with side flying. I mixed work with pleasure and collaborated my trip with designing a Cuba Havana Cruise collection, due to be ready soon. The least glamorous parts are the finances The day to day systems with invoicing, stock inventory and tracking deliveries - systems are integral and not glamorous.
How do you feel when you see someone wearing one of your designs?
I’m so chuffed. I distinctly remember when I went to yoga in the Yoga room a few months ago and a beautiful elegant lady was wearing my Bubble scarf. It truly made my day. We got chatting and she was a scarf lover and I was her latest scarf fetish. It confirmed I was on the right path.
What are your personal styling rules?
I wouldn’t say I go with rules or that I am a fashion follower. I think instinct is key. If you feel good then you more than likely look good. Go for what you love. Wear clothes as an individual - it’s how you wear them as opposed to clothes wearing you. I try to select seasonal elements of fashion and make them my own.
I wouldn’t say I go with rules or that I am a fashion follower. I think instinct is key. If you feel good then you more than likely look good. Go for what you love. Wear clothes as an individual - it’s how you wear them as opposed to clothes wearing you. I try to select seasonal elements of fashion and make them my own.
Sarah’s scarves are exclusively available in Cobblers Wardrobe- Sandymount Green, Juju boutique - Greystones, Havana - Donnybrook, Emporium Kalu - Naas. Doonbeg Trump Gold Boutique - Co Clare and at select stockists around the world