05/06/2026
Evening dress, Bellville Sassoon
Lorcan Mullany (b.1953)
Autumn/Winter 1993
Velvet and silk
Irish designer Lorcan Mullany trained at the Grafton Academy of Fashion Design in Dublin, before moving to London where he worked with a range of important British designers including Bill Gibb, Sir Hardy Amies and Ronald Joyce. In 1987 he began to design for the London-based Bellville Sassoon company, so named for its founder Belinda Bellville (1930–2024), and co-owner David Sassoon (1932–2025).
📸 The company was a favourite of the late Diana, Princess of Wales (1961–1997), and she was photographed several times wearing outfits designed by Lorcan Mullany for Bellville Sassoon.
⚫ 🪩 This darkly romantic evening outfit is typical of Mullany’s approach. The rich velvet of the bodice contrasts strongly with the sparkling gilt and embellished grommets that run down its centre. These are threaded with a dark green silk ribbon that finishes in a feminine bow at the waist. The separate skirt combines six layers of tulle to dramatic effect.
Purchased 1993
BELUM.T3682
💭 Interested in hearing more about 20th century Irish fashion and textiles?
On Saturday 13 June, Dr. Catherine O'Hara will explore the story of twentieth-century Irish fashion and textiles, tracing how creativity and industry shaped one another during a period of profound change.
🎟️ Book tickets → https://www.ulstermuseum.org/whats-on/20th-century-irish-fashion-and-textiles
