Jacqueline Quinn - Designer Woman

Quinn Essentials For Women Over Age 30

By John Mooney

Developing a niche in creating moderately priced, stylish clothing for women over age 30, Jacqueline Quinn has dressed everyday folk and celebrities including Hannah Storm of the CBS Early Show, talk show host and Food Network personality Rachael Ray, soprano Darryn Zimmer, and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York.

The Dublin-born Quinn studied at the Grafton Academy and began her career as an intern with Willy Smith in 1985. She then became a consultant to a British manufacturer who designed for BHS, Marks & Spencer, and Top Shop, among others.

In 1995, she moved to New York with her husband, a forensic pathologist, and began designing for John Roberts Corporation, a leading manufacturer for Macy's, Lord & Taylor, Dillard's and Nordstrom. The experience gave her a sense of the practical needs of today's American women.

After successfully designing for Bill Blass and Perry Ellis, she realized she wanted to have control over her own creations and decided to start her own label. In 2001, she created a line of clothing exclusively for women over age 30 that have a strong sense of style and self-confidence. Quinn was particularly cognizant of the fact that women's bodies change after childbirth. Her designs are both stylish and age appropriate.

"My base customer is a woman age 35 and above who wants contemporary, yet age appropriate clothing. This woman was getting lost in the mix," said Quinn, who estimates that 45 percent of her customer base is in southern cities, such as Atlanta and Dallas. "Women in their 30s and 40s look better than ever, and they want clothing that looks stylish and feminine. They want moderately priced, updated looks."

Quinn believes her appeal in southern states stems from the fact that women tend to get dressed up more often and want colors beyond the basic black so popular in New York. However, in her adopted hometown, the designer has developed a big following among women in the Jewish community.

"They're finding high-end black designer clothing appropriate for synagogue from an Irish Catholic girl," said Quinn, noting the irony. "It wasn't a conscious thing. I do black suits at a 27-inch skirt length with detail below the knee."

Quinn was surprised, but obviously pleased, that someone from a Jewish background had not already cornered the market. Her clothes are sold at Daryll's on Amsterdam Ave., Saint Gill on Madison Ave., and Foravia on Broadway. Outside New York, brighter colors and white Irish linen ("the traditional garden party look") sell particularly well in the south. Quinn is noted for her feminine touches, bows, ribbons, and beading.

Her collections have become so popular that Quinn has opened a stunning 3,500 sq. ft. showroom in New York on Seventh Avenue ("Fashion Avenue") that she shares with Antonio Barardi, a UK designer with Italian roots, and shoe designer Alex Whitehead. Jacqueline Quinn's new 2007 line has turned heads with her designs and the help of an Irish male model named Thomas.

"We had never included a guy in our advertising before. People are asking me if he comes with the Jacqueline Quinn Collection," the style maven chuckled. "He's been a hit with the women."

Quinn's clothing is also a hit on the runways. The designer has received praise from influential magazines, such as Women's Wear Daily and Fashion Manuscript, which reported, "Quinn has produced a product that fits a woman's body well, is age appropriate and still has a great sense of style and a contemporary look." The Sunday Independent also has praised her clothing designs.

A Magnificent May

Things have been going quite well for Jacqueline Quinn of late. She recently met New York City Counsel Speaker Christine Quinn (no relation) at a gala event earlier this month and began talking fashion. They plan to work together to develop the speaker's fashion image.

"She's a typical customer - a self-confident woman over 35. My lines are item driven, so she can put together her own unique look," the designer said. "An increasing number of stylists are specializing in political consulting."

"I'd love to work with Hillary Clinton. I think she's a forward thinker. She takes knocks in life and takes it all in stride," Quinn explained. "Although I'm not political, I do think she's a role model for women and a great public speaker. She would have to look at her styling, because it impacts her overall image. I'd love to get my hands on her! Paris Hilton is on the opposite end; she sends the wrong message to young women."

Quinn also showed her new collections at Moda Manhattan, a juried trade show featuring ready-to-wear items. An important show because it is where purchases are transacted, Moda Manhattan focused on fashions for the Fall/Winter 2007 season.

Quinn's selection included coco bean browns to crème beaded trims inspired by vintage beading from the 1930's. The program guide called Quinn's designs "a must-see for any store."

"Fashion week is all about glamour and celebrities and making a big splash. Moda is where the business is transacted," the designer said. "It's an important show for designers like me because transactions are made there."

Inspirations

Although there have been relatively few Irish designers who have become household names, Quinn credits Sybil Connolly and Pauline Clotworthy, who founded Grafton Academy, the first Fashion Design college in Ireland, as influences. What she has learned over the years is an understanding that less is more.

"You can have something vintage, but you have to have balance," Quinn said. "You can't add too much beading; because my customer is a little older, she doesn't want people to stare at her. She's into trends, not fads, and wants something with longevity to it. My customer has her own look and invests in good bags, shoes, and jewelry.

Home Life

She is married to forensic pathologist Brian O'Reilly and says that at dinner parties, people first start talking to them about fashion tips and end up discussing "heads in the refrigerator." They have a 6-year-old daughter named Gabrielle, who has inherited her mom's artistic interests. When not designing or doing arts & crafts with her daughter, Jacqueline Quinn enjoys mountain biking and snorkeling in the Bahamas or simply relaxing while reading a trashy novel on the beach.

To see some of the designer's latest collections, visit jacquelinequinn.com