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ON Monday, I attended the launch of Kerry Fashion Week in the Intercontinental Hotel in Dublin and believe me, all you fashionistas are in for a treat when the event takes place the first week of March.
The fashion editor of the Irish Independent wrote about it today and dubbed it the Fashion Oscars. How cool is it that this is all happening here in the kingdom?
There are some super Irish designers showcasing their new collections. Tickets are available to purchase online at www.kerryfashionweek.com
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Looking at all of the designs yesterday it got me thinking about how important it is to support Irish designers.
They have been through a really tough time with the recession and have struggled to stay afloat. There are some who unfortunately didn’t make it and have had to give up their dreams.
There is a myth that designers charge astronomical amounts to custom-make a piece and this could not be further from the truth.
In actuality, a bespoke piece that is designed especially for an individual is great value and often costs a lot less than something that is mass-produced.
Kerry has an abundance of talented designers from Tina Griffin, Clodagh Irwin-Owens, Carol Kennelly and Karyn Moriarty and they are all held with very high regard nationally.
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They are masters at their craft and they feature regularly at awards ceremonies and winning podiums at race meetings.
Ladies travel from all over the country to have pieces designed by these Kerry ladies and rightly so.
Clothing designers and milliners are like artists; they work long hours creating new masterpieces and often work for less than the minimum wage by the time their pieces are finished. They take pride in their work and they get to know their clients.
Events such as Kerry Fashion Week are a platform for them to show their craft off to the potential customers and this is why it is such a great occasion.
My favourite Irish designer Helen Steele is showing again this year and I cannot wait to see her collection, her style is funky and out there and I love it.
Fashion shows are synonymous with fundraising for clubs and charities throughout the county so why not give back to the designers who show at these fashion events and buy one of their pieces?
Believe me nothing feels better than wearing a piece that is made to measure. I certainly feel a million dollars when I wear a piece that I know has been made just for me and fits like a glove.
It also gives me a feel good factor knowing that what I am wearing has not been produced in some factory in Asia that possibly has poor working conditions for the employee or worse has been made by the hands of a child.
Until next week,
Be mindful of supporting Irish designers!
Orlagh xx
