The Sunday Interview: Helen McAlinden
From sociology student in 1970s Belfast to fashion designer, Helen McAlinden has made it through the tough years thanks to an impeccable design pedigree and her modern approach to business
CV: Helen McAlinden
Role: textiles and fashion designer and consultant
Age:58
Family: divorced, no children
Likes: international travel, Selfridges, and anything Hermès that she can’t afford
Dislikes: retail, Ian Paisley, and pink
‘Are you direct?”
“Well, I’m Northern Irish.” Helen McAlinden allows herself a shadow of a Delphic smile. “So I’m pretty direct.”
The thing is, the Belfast-born designer doesn’t like her store window. And not simply that she doesn’t like it, but ...
