So on Friday I braved the rain and attended Fashion Distilled in The Dublin Whiskey Company. It was a charity event showcasing the best of the best in young Irish designers and was organized by powerhouse Justine King from The Styyyle Mile blog. It was an amazing achievement for Justine who persuaded everyone involved to give their time and talent and even some amazing products for free in support of seven different Irish charities.
Another standout for me on the night was Ailis Mara. Recent graduate Ailis showed her graduate collection to a very intrigued audience. The textures were amazing with laser cut leathers juxtaposed with sheer chiffons and organzas. A very intricate and interesting collection, I’m really looking forward to seeing more from her in the future.
The sensational Colin Horgan also showed on the night. Colin is currently finishing his BA in Fashion Design in Limerick School of Art and Design and has been tipped as one to watch by just about everyone in the Irish fashion industry including myself. Colin is an inspiration, I know first hand how hard it is in your final year of a fashion degree and to undertake that and be working on your collections and your brand is hard core. This young man is determined and its paying off. He was the talk of Dublin Fashion Festival and is at the forefront of emerging Irish talent. His A/W 13 collection has roots in very distinctive street style. Quilted and embossed sweaters, leather jumpers and skirts and dresses in sheer fabrics with strategically placed panels are very versatile and bring a sophisticated street edge to any daring damsels wardrobe. Pieces i literally need include the quilted cropped white sweater, white panelled skirt and black jumper and floor length white dress with orange and white panels.
Heidi Higgins also spoke on the night. She discussed how hard work and determination reaps opportunities and how important it is to have the drive to keep going and to have the confidence and belief in yourself to make it happen. Heidi’s collection is made up of classic clean staples with a touch of luxury. Timeless cuts that are made to last, transcend trends and aren’t age specific. They are a working woman’s dream.
Closing the show was the unquestionable amazing Natalie B Coleman. I was delighted to bump into Natalie on the night for a quick catch up, not only did we study together in Limerick but we are actually from the same town so I can’t help but feel a little pride when i see her literally taking the world by storm. Natalie has secured herself quite the international celebrity following most recently RiRi herself! Known for her stunning prints and exquisite fabrics Natalie’s eye catching distinctive designs are not for the shrinking violets out there. Her gold leather “tracksuit”, leather jumpsuit and leather peplum skirt, available in black and gold or my favorite red and blue are key pieces from this collection and I want them all!
Heidi Higgins also spoke on the night. She discussed how hard work and determination reaps opportunities and how important it is to have the drive to keep going and to have the confidence and belief in yourself to make it happen. Heidi’s collection is made up of classic clean staples with a touch of luxury. Timeless cuts that are made to last, transcend trends and aren’t age specific. They are a working woman’s dream.
Closing the show was the unquestionable amazing Natalie B Coleman. I was delighted to bump into Natalie on the night for a quick catch up, not only did we study together in Limerick but we are actually from the same town so I can’t help but feel a little pride when i see her literally taking the world by storm. Natalie has secured herself quite the international celebrity following most recently RiRi herself! Known for her stunning prints and exquisite fabrics Natalie’s eye catching distinctive designs are not for the shrinking violets out there. Her gold leather “tracksuit”, leather jumpsuit and leather peplum skirt, available in black and gold or my favorite red and blue are key pieces from this collection and I want them all!
The beautiful Alison attended the show with me, you can find her over on Twitter @AlisonOHanlon. Alison will be helping me review some of the great products I received over the weekend so watch this space!
