Designer Helen James on returning to Dublin from New York, the ‘gentler, lovelier pace’ here, and the traditions of Christmas
The homewares designer on returning to Dublin from New York, the ‘gentler, lovelier pace’ here, and the traditions of Christmas I was always teased at school about being English because that’s where my parents are from. I was Protestant, too, whereas most of my friends were Catholic and made to go to Mass every Sunday. My parents travelled a lot because of my dad’s job and we ate different foods, so I suppose there was something of the “other” about me.
I had no job when I came home in the early 2000s so I drove to shops around Ireland with a suitcase full of samples. I didn’t move into interiors then because there really wasn’t a market for it. People were spending money on fashion so I designed and made scarves, belts and some clothes. I met Tracy from Costume boutique – I had known her brother in New York – and she bought some of my pieces, which really opened doors for me.
My eldest son, who is 25, has been in Australia for the past two years and he’ll be home on December 4th, so it’s going to be a big Christmas this year. I can’t wait.
Me-Myself-And-Ireland New-York-City Dublin Westmeath Christmas Dunnes-Stores
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
League of Ireland winner raises over €8k for Breast Cancer IrelandShelbourne goalkeeper Lorcan Healy started a company called Eos Elite from his bedroom just over two years ago.
Read more »
Business Today: construction still expanding, Ireland's slow climate progress and Ireland's €54bn Trump problemThe best news, analysis and comment from The Irish Times business desk
Read more »
Ireland vs All Blacks: Recalling the five times Ireland beat New ZealandNew Zealand used to bully Ireland. Then Joe Schmidt came along and changed the course of history.
Read more »
Ireland v New Zealand: A tale of seven Ireland related hakasThe drama always starts before kick-off when the All Blacks are playing because of the haka. Here we take a look at some of the most eye-catching challenges made by Ireland, on Irish soil and by an Irish province to it
Read more »
Ex-Ireland rugby international jailed for stealing €567k from Bank of IrelandBrendan Mullin put his head down when the sentence was handed down
Read more »
Ex-Ireland rugby international jailed for stealing €567k from Bank of IrelandBrendan Mullin put his head down when the sentence was handed down
Read more »