Attention Fashionistas

Your chance to meet fashion legend Cathy O’Connor.

Complimentary Styling tips;
Entry form for the Certificate in Fashion Styling with Cathy O’Connor Competition;

At New Look, Jervis St SC on Saturday 12th March from 12-2pm

Spread the word!


http://www.fashion.ie/2011/03/could-you-be-irelands-next-top-stylist/?ref=nf

Gaga Irish Fashion

AN up-and-coming Irish designer is tipped for the big time after being plucked from a student fashion show to dress Lady Gaga, the world's most controversial style icon.

Joanne Power (27), from Glanmire, Co Cork, has loaned Lady Gaga three outfits for the Grammy's, including two crepe silk evening dresses from her MA graduate collection shown to critical acclaim last Tuesday at London's Victora & Albert Museum.

But the NCAD graduate now faces an anxious week, waiting to see if Lady Gaga wears any of her six pieces at the 53rd annual Grammy music awards in LA's Staples Centre next Sunday.

Read more: http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/independent-woman/fashion/star-is-gaga-for-irish-designers-novel-collection-2527989.html#ixzz1DILusTFE

Uncommon Threads - Group Exhibition, Tralee, Co. Kerry

Filament, a group of Textile Artisits, will exhibit in The Samhlaoicht Gallery. The exhibition, Uncommon Threads, opens on Friday, February 5th and runs for three weeks, featuring work in both 2D and 3D.

Artists include: Jean McKenna, Hilary Bell, Shelia Jordan, Sarah Dawson's, Tara Ni Nuallain's, Mary Heffernan, Lucinda Jacob, Una Ni She

Dates: 5th-25th February 2010
Venue: Samhlaiocht Gallery, The Old Presbytery, Lower Castle Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry
Opening Times: 10 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday

Ireland’s fashion industry lacks vital support, says top designer | The Post

Ireland’s fashion industry lacks vital support, says top designer | The Post

The Irish fashion industry has felt the pain of the downturn and cannot support the hundreds of students who are currently in fashion college, according to top designer Peter O’Brien.

O’Brien, who last week launched a new limited edition collection with Arnotts, also said his own dreams of opening up a studio were scuppered when he saw the state of the industry.

‘‘The work has tightened, especially in Ireland. It’s become increasingly evident over the last 18 months. There is not enough work to provide jobs for the amount of students in fashion college here," said O’Brien.

‘‘I dreamed of setting up a workshop from which to sell my clothing, but in Ireland it’s just not possible.

There’s no state aid, training or crafts, no factories, no route to business – it’s sad, because 30 or 40 years ago, we had a thriving garment industry.

There are still very talented people today but no support.

‘‘Now, it’s easier for me to be a designer-for-hire. So if a Japanese company phones me up requesting a line, I can provide that painlessly. I can’t produce clothes indigenously, as we don’t have the expertise.

Obviously, outsourcing manufacturing overseas adds a huge cost. I feel it’s too risky to establish a company – there are some of my braver contemporaries who do it, but I prefer not to."

He also said that, in a recession, people bought investment pieces and usually chose an established luxury label. ‘‘In my opinion, independent designers can no longer afford to be grand. If people want to do business, you do it," he said.

As the industry continues to tighten, O’Brien said he was diversifying into different areas.

‘‘I’m working with Tipperary Crystal at the moment, with the aim of producing a collaboration line, and I’ve also signed a deal with Stoney Road Press to publish 150 copies of a book containing my sketches. I love drawing; in fact I’ve recently returned to the RHA for more lessons," he said.

The designer has previously worked in such top fashion houses as Dior, Givenchy, Chloe' and Karl Lagerfeld, and the House of Rochas.

He returned to Ireland in 2004 and signed a three-year collaboration deal with A-wear in 2006.

His latest collaboration with Arnotts is limited, as the designer said it was ‘‘a test run for all of us. It’s a big investment for a company to make," he said.

He said that he could make a living from this work, but that a collaboration with a large British chain like Debenhams was the only way to ‘‘make the big bucks’’.

‘‘However, I’m not in this for the money – it’s good PR for the brand – and of course I’m hoping that it will develop into something ongoing and long-term," said O’Brien.

‘‘My first job was as a window dresser for Arnotts. From there I moved to London, lied and said I had my Leaving Cert, studied at Central St Martins and eventually ended up in Paris."

However, despite the challenges of the fashion business, O’Brien said he would hopefully be working in design past retirement age. ‘‘There’s a negative perception that fashion designers age in dog years, but I know that what I do now is better than what I did when I was 30," he said.

I'd like to showcase the work of some fashion design students from The National College of Art and Design in Dublin.

design by Deirdre Williams

Design by Demelza Buckley

design by Gillian Noonan

The full set can be seen at NCAD's Flickr album

Small Business Revitalization Blog

Small Business Revitalization Blog

Irish style shines at London Fashion Week

Irish style shines at London Fashion Week

ODAY’S man striving for physical perfection was the inspiration for an Irish design student’s award-winning creation.

Waterford’s Suzanne Ferncombe was one of 27 young designers from around the world who showcased their flamboyant lingerie at this year’s International Triumph Inspiration Awards in London.

Originally from Dungarvan, and a fashion student at Limerick School of Art and Design, Suzanne’s design featured as part of a star-studded catwalk show.

New York follows London's lead as investment in new fashion talent pays off | Greater London Authority

New York follows London's lead as investment in new fashion talent pays off | Greater London Authority

Design Week 2010

Design Week 2010 in association with Crown Paints | A celebration of Irish & International Design
http://www.designweek.ie/events.html
Events. Below is a provisional listing of events taking place throughout the country during Design Week 2010 in association with Crown Paints . Select a county or city to see provisional events for that region, and check this listing regularly for further updates.

Eco Expo 2010,Eco Expo Dublin,Dublin,Ireland


Eco Expo 2010, Eco Expo Dublin, is held in RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin, Ireland on 22 Oct. Eco Expo is a trade show dedicated to Business Services with a major focus on Environment Audit. Details on event profile, event venue, event date, trade show highlights and visitor feedbacks can be found at:
http://www.biztradeshows.com/trade-events/eco-expo-dublin.html

The Knitting and Stitching Show RDS Dublin 25th-28th November

The Definitive and Best Exhibitions in Textiles!

The Knitting and Stitching Shows - open 10am to 5.30pm (closes 5pm Sunday) - are the definitive and best exhibitions for lovers of textiles. As the name suggests, it covers knitting and stitching but SO much more; felt-making, shibori dyeing, jewellery-making, card-making, mixed media... the list goes on! There is so much to see and do you'll find it hard to fit everything into one day; hundreds of exhibitors selling specialist supplies that you can't find in the shops, galleries from leading artists and groups, plus hundreds of workshops to introduce you to lots of new subjects!

2008 once again has an incredibly strong line up of top textile artists on show. Whether your favourites are Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn, John Allen with his magical exhibition of 'carpets for the wall', and mixed media inspired by Nepalese culture, or the beautiful stumpwork by Barbara and Roy Hirst. These are just a few of the wonderful galleries on offer.


DEADLINE FOR ADVANCE BOOKINGS FOR RDS, DUBLIN - FRIDAY 24TH OCTOBER

See www.twistedthread.com

Hey all, flutterby styling is introducing a one day fashion styling masterclass, where you can learn all the tricks of the trade, all flutterbys styling tips ;) All about models, sizes and photographers, what goes on, on set and behind the scenes! How to style for a shoot, show or video, and so much more.

And you even get to style your very own photoshoot where are hair and make up team are on hand to help you style your model! Limited places left for the 17th of october, Please not you will be styling a model and not yourself. If you would like to take a place please contact flutterbystyling2@gmail.com !

3rd International Conference of Fashion Incubators - Media Release

Call for Papers - 3rd International Conference of Fashion Incubators
Perth will host the 3rd International Conference of Fashion Incubators in 2011, and the event is calling for papers now.
Conference Convenor Carol Hanlon was successful in winning the conference for Perth through her award in the prestigious 2009 City of Perth Convention Scholarship prize which enabled her to travel to the 2nd International Fashion Incubator in Atlanta in the USA and beyond in 2009, and her dream was realised when she then won the opportunity to bring the 3rd International Fashion Incubator Conference to Perth in 2011.
The conference is currently calling on interested partners and sponsors and is being hosted by the community organisations Textile Clothing Footwear Resource Centre of WA (TCFWA), designedge Fashion Incubator, TCF Global and the Belmont BEC. TCFWA was established in 1998 by Founder/Manager Carol Hanlon and is a not-for-profit fashion association that has created a state, national network that assists small and emerging fashion designers in TCF industry support services. TCF Global was created in 2007 to source a global network of fashion support organisations that can direct or assist with small run manufacturers, raw materials, fashion incubators, TCF / fashion designer associations, fashion weeks, trade exhibitions, festivals, fashion competitions and events that would assist a new designer and/or small volume independent fashion designers to link with suitable businesses or organisations
around the globe.
The 3rd International Conference of Fashion Incubators will offer new opportunities for fashion business educators and fashion trade events from around the globe to network, discuss best practice and expand global designer marketing and promotional opportunities. The Conference will aim to build on past successful conferences of International Fashion Incubators held in UK and USA. It will assist the growth and development of fashion industry business educators and those that nurture and support emerging designers, as well as elevating Perth on the international fashion stage.
The event will present challenging speakers at the forefront of the industry as well as a range of practitioners willing to share their experiences and expertise, exhibitors and great opportunities for global networking. The Conference will also host Official Launch of International Fashion Incubator Organisation.

The Conference themes for 2011 will be:
• Fashion business growth and professional development
• Incubator best practice, financing and business support available
• International fashion trade exhibitions, festivals and marketing opportunities
• Sourcing global networks for raw materials, manufacturers, agents, retailers
• Indigenous fibres, textiles, traditional crafts, global village sewing projects
• Expand the global fashion ‘helpline’ network and designer exchange
• Managing Intellectual Property in global fashion & design industries
• Environmental & Eco Friendly Sustainable fashion development
• International trend development and forecasting services
• Virtual Business Incubation, mentoring online, webinars
• Doing Business Online, social media fashion networks
Conference Convenor, Carol Hanlon, TCFWA, has already received interest from speakers from Fashion Incubators in Los Angeles, Toronto and Amsterdam to attend Perth in 2011. Additionally, expected in attendance will be organisers from other Incubators, educators and Fashion Weeks in the world including New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, USA, Europe, UK and Singapore.
The 3rd International Conference of Fashion Incubators will be held at the Parmelia Hilton on 11-13 September, 2011. Presenters whose papers are selected are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses. Discounted Speaker Full Conference registration is
AUD$500 (includes complimentary WIFI).
CLOSING DATE FOR PAPERS – January 31st, 2011
For more information:

www.tcfglobal.com

Email: carol.hanlon@tcfwa.com

William McDonough: The wisdom of designing Cradle to Cradle

Cradle to Cradle design - Very inspiring video

Irish Designer Jennifer Rothwell

Irish Designer Jennifer Rothwell will have her designs available for sale at the Loft, Powerscourt from April 16th. The collection for Spring Summer features some fabulous multi coloured printed silk dresses, belted accessories, soft jerseys. Taking huge influence from both the 50’s and the 70’s the pieces are all timeless and yet fun which we love! But of course the best bit is that Jennfier is one of our biggest irish Design talents and all items are made 100% in Ireland. Jennifer has worked with labels including Calvin Klein, Norma Kamali & Yigal Azrouel in New York before launching her own label in 2006.

Her designs are well known for fantastic fabric & innovative designs. Well worth a look and fab we have such easy access to whats on offer from our fav haunt – The Loft, Powerscourt.

TV3 Style Wars

http://www.tv3.ie/videos.php?video=20427&locID=1.65.491



STYLE WARS is offering Ireland's most stylish the career-start of a lifetime with one of the biggest players in fashion. Open to males and females over 18 years of age, the only entry rule is that success in fashion is your driving ambition in life.

Cork Fashion Week

Cork Fashion Week April 17th-25th
Hope you are all saving yourself for Cork Fashion Week! Opening show next Saturday 17th live from Opera Lane 11,1 & 3pm & then the highly anticipated "Opera Lane Young Designer Award's" at 20 Lavitt's Quay. Amazing rooftop Venue overlooking Cork City! Ticket's 20 euros from www.tickets.ie

Fair-trade cotton

200,000 cotton farmers commit suicide every year due to the debt they find themselves in.

Buying organic or fairtrade cotton ensures a fair price for the farmer and his family.

Clothing reflects your personality and priorities, it sends a social signal that is read subconsciously in a signal glance.

Alice in wonderland inspired Shoes

FANTASTIC SHOES! Wow.. excitement at every glance!

These Alice in Wonderland inspired shoes, or works of art as they have been described, will be on display this Saturday afternoon, March 27th, between 12 – 4pm. Not only that but the creator himself, Nicholas Kirkwood will be on hand to meet us shoe crazy Irish! His Spring Summer 2010 collection will also be showcased, isn’t there always something behind great designers hanging out?

Goldenegg Fashion Innovation

Goldenegg Fashion Innovation ‘Contribution to Irish Fashion Award’ John Rocha
By Jo LavelleNo commentsMarch 24, 2010

John Rocha’s spring/summer collection wowed audiences and re-affirmed the judge’s decision that the popular designer be this year’s recipient of the Contribution to Irish Fashion. With a career spanning 25 years in the fashion industry this year, John Rocha has developed his own distinctive style, constantly working and improving each season with new fabrics, techniques, and design. This season’s collection is inspired by such diverse sources as the colours of a Sean Scully painting, the enduring love symbolised in the traditional Celtic Claddagh, the work of Alexander Calder and just a touch of ska.