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11th November 2025
03:36pm GMT
Catherine Connolly was officially declared Ireland's 10th president in a ceremony at St. Patrick's Hall, Dublin Castle today.
President Connolly's inauguration day outfit was designed by the Irish designer Louise Kennedy. Kennedy was once nicknamed "the uncrowned queen of Irish fashion," so we couldn't think of anyone better to dress President Connolly for such a prestigious moment.
Kennedy said it was an honour to dress the President of Ireland on such a momentous day.
Louise Kennedy told Her.ie: "It is an absolute honour once again to dress the President of Ireland on her inauguration.
"President Catherine Connolly wears an amethyst purple Maya double face wool coat, Julie tailored wool trousers, and Orelia double georgette silk blouse."
Many people believe Connolly's decision to wear purple on her inauguration day was a nod to the suffragette movement.
A 1913 article in The Suffragist stated, “Purple is the color of loyalty, constancy to purpose, unswerving steadfastness to a cause. White, the emblem of purity, symbolizes the quality of our purpose; and gold, the color of light and life, is as the torch that guides our purpose, pure and unswerving.”
Mary Robinson also wore a purple at her inauguration ceremony in Dublin when she became the first female president of Ireland in 1990.
Whether it was intentional or not, seeing Connolly, Ireland's third female president, wearing a colour that represents female strength feels reassuring.
There is security in knowing such an empathetic and stoic woman is the new President of Ireland.
Speaking today, Connolly vowed to be a president for all.
"The people have spoken and have given their President a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a new republic, a republic worthy of its name where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a home is a fundamental human right."
