Throughout her career Sybil Connolly reinvented herself, using her power & imagination to change. In the 1970s and 80s, Sybil Connolly turned to other areas of design, with fashion having moved to the mini-skirt, which was not to her taste. Sybil changed tack to interior design, ceramics and crystal ware.
Starting the Empire
In 1957, aged 36 Sybil launched her own couture line at 71 Merrion Square. “The house that linen built”, as she called it. Furnished in eighteenth-century antiques, the house was her design headquarters for the next 40 years.
Remote Working 1950’s style
Sybil was deeply invested in showcasing and preserving Irish textile art. She employed over 200 Irish women, weaving tweed from their cottages in Co. Donegal, and up to 54 handmaking Irish lace.
Ceramics
Sybil was commissioned to design a range of Tipperary Crystal for @tiffanyandco in the 1980s. She introduced the “weave” range in bone china manufactured by Celtic Weave China, Donegal. These were influenced by Belleek.
Interior Design
Sybil was consulted for the decoration of The Swiss Cottage in Co.Tipperary in 1989. Always the Entrepreneur, excelling at anything she put her mind to.
