Today marks a historic Irish cinematic moment as the Museum of Style Icons at Newbridge Silverware proudly unveils its latest exhibition, “Iconic Costumes of the Irish Silver Screen.” This extraordinary showcase was officially opened by Mrs.Sabina Higgins and promises visitors an immersive journey into the captivating world of Irish filmmaking, where the artistry and craftsmanship of costume design take centre stage.
In collaboration with The Irish Costume Archive Project (ICAP), the exhibition presents a meticulously curated selection of 18 costumes from legendary Irish film productions. From the stirring drama of “My Left Foot” to the epic tales of “Braveheart” and “Vikings,” each costume on display encapsulates the essence of its respective film and the characters it represents, offering a unique insight into Ireland’s rich cinematic heritage.
Co-founded by the esteemed Emmy-nominated costume designer Eimer Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh and the distinguished costume practitioner Veerle Dehaene, ICAP is dedicated to preserving and celebrating Ireland’s unique contribution to costume design. Through their collaboration with the Museum of Style Icons, Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh and Dehaene bring to life the magic of Irish cinema, showcasing the talent and creativity of Irish costume designers.
“We are thrilled to present this exhibition, which pays homage to the exceptional artistry and creativity of Irish costume designers,” says Eimer Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh. “Each costume tells a story and reflects the rich tapestry of Irish cinema. It is our privilege to share these treasures with audiences and to celebrate the legacy of Irish filmmaking and huge thanks to William Doyle the CEO of Newbridge Silverware and the Museum of Style Icons curator, Pauline Doyle for their collaboration. The Museum of Style Icons is a natural home for these costumes, and we hope visitors will really enjoy the displays.”
The First Woman of Ireland, Mrs. Sabina Higgins congratulated the team involved in the curation of the various exhibits and said that Ireland has a rich history of design and was internationally recognised for its creative talent.
The exhibition features an impressive array of costumes from a diverse range of productions, including the poignant drama of “The Banshees of Inisherin,” the sweeping romance of “Far and Away,” and the contemporary realism of “Normal People.” Visitors will have the opportunity to marvel at costumes worn by acclaimed actors such as Helen Mirren and Oscar winner, Cillian Murphy, whose performances have left an indelible mark on Irish cinema.
Eimer Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh, renowned for her exceptional work in the film industry, has lent her expertise to numerous acclaimed productions, including “The Banshee’s of Inisherin”, “The Wind that Shakes the Barley” and “Breakfast on Pluto.” Her collaboration with Veerle Dehaene underscores the duo’s shared dedication to preserving Ireland’s cinematic heritage.
Established in 2017, The Irish Costume Archive Project is committed to creating a comprehensive record of Ireland’s film industry through the preservation and conservation of costumes worn by some of the nation’s most esteemed actors. With support from production companies, costume designers, and private collectors, the archive serves as a testament to Ireland’s vibrant and thriving film community.
“We are deeply passionate about preserving Ireland’s cinematic heritage and celebrating the art of costume design,” says Veerle Dehaene. “Through our collaboration with the Museum of Style Icons, we aim to inspire future generations of filmmakers and designers while offering audiences a unique insight into the creative process behind their favourite films.”
In addition to showcasing iconic costumes, the exhibition features a fascinating array of material, props, including original scripts, costume continuity books, and behind-the-scenes photographs, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the creative journey from script to screen.
“We invite visitors to embark on a journey through the captivating world of Irish cinema,” says William Doyle, CEO of Newbridge Silverware. “These costumes not only reflect the characters and narratives of our films but also celebrate the talent and craftsmanship of Irish costume designers. It is our honour to host this exhibition and to celebrate Ireland’s rich cinematic heritage.”
As Newbridge Silverware marks its 90th anniversary this year, the iconic Irish brand reflects on a legacy of elegance, innovation, and craftsmanship. Founded in 1934, Newbridge Silverware has evolved from its origins as a manufacturer of quality tableware to become one of the world’s leading lifestyle companies and premier jewellery brands.
Cutting-edge design and acclaimed photo shoots with supermodels such as Sophie Dahl, Yasmin le Bon, and Naomi Campbell also enhanced the company’s brand image. Another milestone for the company was the opening of the Museum of Style Icons in 2007, which is now home to one of the world’s greatest collections of style, fashion, and popular culture artifacts. The museum houses fashion collections and property that once belonged to some of the greatest style icons of all time, such as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Princess Grace, Princess Diana, the Beatles, and even contemporary actresses and fashionistas such as Kim Kardashian and January Jones of ‘Mad Men’.
The inception of the Museum of Style Icons at Newbridge Silverware traces back to a pivotal moment involving Audrey Hepburn’s iconic little black dress from ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’. In 2006, Newbridge Silverware CEO William Doyle, inspired by his wife Monica reading about an upcoming Christie’s auction featuring the dress, seized the opportunity to acquire it. This decision marked the beginning of a remarkable collection that would grow to encompass costume and personal effects belonging to legends of fashion and entertainment.
Since then, the Museum of Style Icons has evolved into a celebrated institution, showcasing a wealth of fashion and entertainment history through both permanent and visiting exhibitions. Collaborating with renowned auction house Julien’s Auctions, Newbridge Silverware regularly hosts some of the world’s most famous pieces before they go under the auction hammer, providing visitors with a rare chance to view these iconic items up close.
One of the museum’s most memorable exhibitions occurred in 2016, when Marilyn Monroe’s legendary ‘skin and beads’ dress, worn during her iconic rendition of “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” for President John F. Kennedy, made its debut. Drawing thousands of visitors, this historic garment, on loan from Julien’s Auctions, captivated audiences and ultimately sold for a record-breaking $4.8 million.
Another significant visit to the museum came from the Cobain family, including Francis Bean, daughter of Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain, along with his mother, Wendy, and sister, Kim Cobain. Their presence added a rock ‘n’ roll dimension to the museum, allowing fans to connect with the legendary musician’s legacy firsthand.
In 2019, the museum welcomed beloved actress and singer Olivia Newton-John, known for her role as Sandy in Grease who opened an exhibition dedicated to her unique style. Featuring some of her famous costumes, including the iconic black leather trousers from the film, the exhibition delighted fans and provided a glimpse into Newton-John’s illustrious career.
Looking ahead – the museum continues to push boundaries with several exciting exhibitions coming to the Kildare visitor attraction in the coming months. For the next 7 days until the 8th of May only, visitors will have the chance to see one of John Lennon’s original guitars which was once thought lost and was found recently in an attic where it had lain for years. It will be auctioned by auctioneers to the stars, Julien’s Auctions in LA. One of U2’s Adam Clayton’s guitar will also be on display for one week too before both guitars go for auction by Julien’s Auctions.
The Iconic Costumes of the Irish Silver Screen Irish Costume in association with the Irish Archive Project exhibition opens at the Museum of Style Icons in Newbridge Silverware on May 1. Admission is free and the exhibition will run for one year. For more see newbridgesilverware.com and also www.icap.ie
