Jacqueline Quinn had the honor of being the only Irish designer invited to show at the Funkshion Miami Fashion Week, which took place last week in Florida.
 
Quinn’s line was shown as part of the “Magia de la Moda” runway show hosted by Vanidade at The Bass Museum of Art in South Beach, which drew fashionistas and glitterati from all over.
 
Jacqueline Quinn’s seven looks strutted onto the catwalk along-side other respected designers including Elie Tahari, Trina Turk, Laundry by Shelli Segal, Daniella Kronfle, Ina Soltani, and Luca Luca.
 
She opened with a classic little black dress and mostly followed this theme with an array of textures. The collection featured ruffles, swirls and rosettes, which combined with feminine silhouettes to give a feel of elegance to the collection.
 
The highlight was a black dress and matching cape with a train that rustled down the runway in a dramatic fashion.
 
Quinn is known for her eye-catching, quality designs, which keep the practical needs of women in mind.
 
The Dublin-born designer trained at the Grafton Academy of Design, Dublin and earned her fashion stripes in London and New York. She learnt about the practical needs of American women while designing for Macy's, Lord & Taylor, Dillard's and Nordstrom at the John Roberts Corporation.
 
She went on to become head designer for both Perry Ellis and Bill Blass, where she realized her potential to make it as an independent designer.
 
Her fashion credits also encompass dressing celebrities including the varied combination of the Irish singer/politician Dana, Celebrity Chef Rachael Ray, the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, and the Motley Crew.
 
Following her success in other studios she decided it was time to branch out on her own and launched Quinn New York in 2005 at Fitzpatrick’s Hotel, Manhattan. Her line was soon available in Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and J.C. Penney, and she was named in Women’s Wear Daily (the bible for those in the fashion industry) as a “rising star”.
 
Her recent success at Miami Fashion Week demonstrates that five years on Quinn continues to impress and represents Irish designers in a market where many have failed before her.