Known for its extravagant window displays, top-hat adorned doormen, celebrity guests, and instantly recognisable striped bags, Brown Thomas has been a staple of the Irish high street since its founding in 1849.
To celebrate its 175th anniversary, Ireland's leading luxury department store has unveiled a retrospective exhibition located on the third floor of its Grafton Street store in Dublin, running from May 17 - June 3.
This immersive exhibition will offer visitors a captivating journey through the store's rich history, showcasing notable and celebrated moments, as well as a wistful look to the bygone fashion trends, and cultural influences that have defined the brand.
Additionally, guests can relax and indulge in the anniversary celebrations at the specially created exhibition's gallery café.
Speaking to RTÉ Lifestyle, Brown Thomas Creative and Marketing Director Ciara Crilly explained that the showcase has been one of nostalgia as long-time shoppers and past staff members have attended to share their own stories.
"Brown Thomas has been a part of Irish society for so long, which is part of what makes it so nice to celebrate it," she explains, having worked with the brand for the past 25 years herself.
"We had one lady come in with an advert that she had kept from 2011 because she had really liked it, and she had come in to wish us a happy birthday. It's really lovely to see what we mean to people and to the community."
The careful curation presents some unearthed treasures, ranging from vintage advertisements to newspaper editorials and fascinating photography, including iconic snapshots of celebrity visits.
"I think it's constantly evolved," Ciara says, attributing the store's constant hunt for newness for its long-running success story.
"Back in the 1950s, Brown Thomas had one of Dior's first boutiques, and Dior himself came across. It was actually one of the first boutiques that he took outside of Paris. It was incredible."
"It was just constant innovation and being part of what's happening in Dublin and in Ireland," she adds. "There have been incredible moments throughout the decades. It's a destination for brands and for the people of Ireland."
As well as celebrating international designers and welcoming celebrity guests (Princess Grace made a memorable appearance in 1961, while Pamela Anderson was a spokesperson for M.A.C's AIDS Fund VIVA GLAM in 1996), the store has made strides to support homegrown talent, including that of celebrated Irish artist Norah McGuinness.
"For the 175 exhibition, we were inspired by the first widow display artist, and that was Norah McGuinness. She had incredible pieces that she did in the windows, and we found one particular photo from the archive that has inspired the whole look and feel of the exhibition."
Known for her association with the modern movement in Ireland, and her remarkable window designs from Paris to London to New York, as well as designing the window displays for Brown Thomas for over 30 years, McGuinness's artistic legacy serves as a fitting tribute to the brand's heritage.
"Its really exciting to look back at some of the innovation that took place back in the '40s and '50s, and that's inspired us today."
Photo: Leon Farrell /Photocall Ireland.
Continuing to celebrate Irish design, homegrown brand Waterford unveiled a specially created, commemorative vase inspired by the facade of the Grafton Street store.
This exquisite piece is a blend of heritage and modernity, with each facet intricately mirroring the architectural detail of Brown Thomas, capturing its enduring presence on Grafton Street.
Additionally, as part of the festivities, the store is offering an exclusive collection of Irish-made commemorative merchandise including prints, notebooks, candles, throws, as well as a selection of tote bags, tea towels, and mugs featuring an illustration of the store.
Photo: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland.
Reflecting on the success of BT Create - an annual showcase of up-and-coming Irish creative design that has featured the likes of Derry designer JW Anderson (pictured above) - Crilly says that supporting local designers has always been a top priority.
"There's such an abundance of incredible designers coming out of Ireland," she insists. "For the exhibition, we've been working with incredible artists like Jando and Orla Walsh. It's lots of brands coming together to celebrating the moment with us. It's been really magical to work with them on this."
Reflecting on the legacy of the brand, Crilly insists that, although they are happy to appreciate and celebrate the past, the store will always be looking to the future.
"We're 175 years this year, and we want to be around for 175 plus years more," she says. "It's always about being on the lookout for incredible pieces, incredible buyers, and the next big thing."
