‘It’s my calling’: Leitrim designer Kelly O’Rourke’s journey to fashion success

Kelly O’Rourke, an emerging fashion designer from Carrigallen, is celebrated for her remarkable passion for creativity and beauty. Inspired by her grandmother’s work in a clothing factory during her childhood, the Leitrim designer has made her craft into an admirable talent.

“My grandmother worked in the local clothing factory in Newtowngore and one time I got to see the factory and it brought me so much excitement. It sparked something in me and I was so curious about clothes and where they came from,” Kelly explained.

Her creative interests continued to flourish in school, with a passion for all things artistic. After finishing school, Kelly faced a pivotal decision; whether to pursue an academic career or follow her creative passions.

She pursued a teaching degree at UCD but couldn't find love for it. Kelly then spent a year creating an art portfolio, which ultimately transformed her career path.

“I did a portfolio year in Ballyfermot and the rest then is history,” Kelly said.

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“I applied to Limerick and did a fashion design course. During that, I went to Barcelona and did an internship. The interest kept coming and I wanted to work in that environment, I knew I was in the right place.”

Kelly really found her feet when she did another internship in Istanbul. During this, she was given more responsibility and got the opportunity to design for the Paris showrooms.

“I got a lot of experience and grew a lot of confidence. I’d see dresses I had designed and helped create being in Paris showrooms and on catwalks, and I thought, ‘I can't believe that I’m able to do this!’

Kelly started a dress making school during Covid, but her end goal was always to have her own brand which she successfully launched under her name in 2023.

Still residing in the countryside, Kelly draws inspiration for her designs from Leitrim’s scenery.

“My work is inspired a lot by nature. It inspires the colours and the patterns and even the textiles. As a fashion designer you’re very much influenced by what you see,” she explained.

Kelly recently had the opportunity to design five dresses for her friends to wear at the Galway Races as part of a promotional campaign for her brand.

Megan O'Rourke, Annmarie Buckley, Kelly O'Rourke, Sinéad O'Neill and Shannen O'Rourke 

“The dresses were based on their personality and their own personal style. They gave me a lot of free range.”

For aspiring designers, Kelly’s main advice is to make sure you really love what you’re doing.

“A lot of time you're working for free, it's a labour of love like most artistic careers and you need to have that determination and passion to keep going if it’s something you really want to do.

“For me, I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I didn’t have it in my life. It’s my calling. I really like making beautiful things and making people feel beautiful. 

“I love creating and I can't let go of that side of myself, I'm just waiting for the day I get back what I put in.”

Kelly is currently working on her Autumn/Winter collection. She has a photoshoot planned for the end of the year, and the collection will then be released in 2025. She creates a diverse range of women’s clothing, including trousers, dresses, tops, and jackets, using materials such as linen, cotton, silk, and satin.

With her brand now established and gaining recognition, Kelly O'Rourke's future in fashion looks incredibly bright, and her story is an inspiring example of following one's passion to achieve success.

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Kelly’s collections are available to discover at kellyorourke.co