StyleBible Interview
10-02-2008

 www.stylebible.ie- Interview

Originally hailing from Cape Town, South Africa, Bridgette Anderton-Connolly admits that her designer instinct was evident from an early age. At school it became obvious that art was to be her calling. The natural choice on graduating was to study for a BA in Fine Art at the University of Cape Town. This she followed with a diploma in advertising.
Advertising was to be her career for the next few years. In 1995 she decided to leave South Africa for good, and chose Ireland as her new home. Within a few months she had met her husband and they had set up home in a beautiful artisan cottage in Harold’s Cross. The cottage would prove to be an oasis for Bridgette in the coming years as she found her feet in a strange new city. Her home became her portfolio, though that was never the intention. ‘People would come into the cottage and be wowed by what we’d done with it but to be honest, my priority when we moved in was to create an environment that I could work in, a space where I could cocoon myself from the world.’
 
While slogging away as an art director in a local advertising agency, the seeds of her business were sown. She hand-stitched her first scarf with the help of her copywriter and as more and more people in the office stopped to admire it, she started taking orders for Christmas. Before long she had a steady business going. Soon her range was in top Dublin boutiques and the business was expanding faster than she could sew.

The business expanded quickly. What had started out as scarves had by now branched into wraps, handbags, jewellery and interiors.  In March 2003 the ‘Bridgette’ label was founded. Bridgette regards herself as privileged to be doing exactly what she wants in life. ‘I love being surrounded by the textures, the colours every day. I love interacting with clients. I love being me and not having to apologise for it.’
Bridgette currently works from her studio, nestled deep in the Wicklow hills. For more information on her collections, including her extensive wedding services, or to contact Bridgette directly, log on to www.bridgette.ie

Q: Bridgette, have you always dreamed of designing and where and when did you really feel the desire to pursue this particular path?
Designing was always much more than a dream for me. For me, it was my reality, my identity- I could not imagine doing anything else. I have always designed- from a childhood addiction to colouring books, to an art student to the corporate world of multinational advertising agencies to fashion. It was not however until I arrived in Ireland 10 years ago as a shivering South African that my need for warmth resulted in my first range of scarves and ultimately the birth of the Bridgette brand
Q: Where or who do you draw your inspiration from?
People because I listen to what my ladies say and try my best to make their thoughts tangible. Fabric because I see a piece of fabric that excites me and I know just what I want to do with it and history because I love those times when fashion was a craft and each piece was a testimony to romance, life and womanhood.
Q: Do you have a preference for designing certain pieces?
I enjoy designing visually strong pieces that make a statement about the wearer without them uttering a word.
Q: Your studios are, as we mentioned, nestled in the scenic surroundings of the Wicklow hills, do you find this kind of tranquillity necessary to fuel your creativity?
My surroundings offer me not just tranquillity but an unbounded energy and inspiration. Every day is different and every day brings new stimulus.
Q:  Do you feel that fashion has become incredibly trend driven and does this affect how you design things?
Fashion and Trends will always co-exist. I do not follow what’s in now as it could be gone tomorrow. I prefer my ladies to have a classic piece that suits them and allows them to feel confident.
Q: What is your long term goal for your signature label ‘Bridgette’?
The brand is always growing and developing into new areas. I am presently designing a range of wedding invitations to compliment the extensive bridal range. From the bridal entourage to mothers of the bride to ring bearing cushions even to the fairytale castle -the pleasure is all mine.
Q:  Who would be your favourite Irish Designer today?
Philip Treacy- His work transcends the boundaries into visually sculptured art. He is a true creative, turning his hand to anything visual and being paid pots of money to do so- now that's success!
Q:   How would you personally describe style?
A Sense of Self