French fashionista helping Laois women with closet chaos

​Valérie Mahé is a high-end French dressmaker and designer who teaches women how to buy less, wear more of what they already own and feel more confident in a six-week programme in Portlaoise.

The course, which runs for six consecutive Fridays from July 24, is open to women of all ages to learn practical styling tips in a small, supportive group environment.

“Going into this course, I thought I would need to buy a whole new wardrobe. Valérie taught me how to repurpose clothes I already have, while elevating my outfits with styling tips. Now, I get to enjoy getting dressed with ease every morning,” said Laura, a participant in one of the previous masterclasses.

Valérie says that unlike trend-focused fashion courses, the What To Wear masterclass focuses on practical, everyday style.

"Participants are learning how to dress for their body shape, lifestyle and personality,” she says.

She adds that they are also getting the opportunity to discover the colours, shapes and outfit combinations that suit them best and create stylish looks with minimal effort.

“Instead of wasting time in your busy mornings trying to find an outfit in your closet, you can learn how to make smart style choices to save both time and money,” she said.

The course runs until August 28. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Valérie originally studied jewellery making in Paris, before being hired to work with a high-end jewellery designer and crafter in the city. She went on to study dressmaking in the French capital.

The designer moved to Laois in 1994 to oversee design at Portarlington’s Avon factory, where she worked until it closed in 2000, after which she opened her own bridal dress-making business.

This business thrived for 13 years, until the birth of her first son saw Valérie opt for a nine-to-five job, as a seamstress in a Stradbally bridal shop. Ms Mahé established the ‘What to Wear’ boutique and style architect business during the Covid-19 pandemic.