I have been given many opportunities since starting this blog at the beginning of 2012, in fact I have had some of the best experiences of my life thanks to “The Sequin Cinderella” and it keeps getting better and better.

Last week I was invited to attend the “Arthur Cox Irish Fashion Event 2012” in the Westin Hotel in Dublin.
Arthur Cox, one of Irelands leading law firms, in conjunction with the Irish International Business Network (IIBN) hosted this fashion showcase event, the first in a series of three events designed to support Irish business, by connecting Irish fashion designers with the business communities in Dublin, London and New York.

I was delighted to be offered the chance to come along early and have some one on one time with the designers where I got to interview them about their collections and their work ethics. 

You will see some of these interviews below in my very first video blog which I really hope you enjoy.

This event, hosted by renowned stylist Cathy O Connor, featured the creme de la creme of Irish Talent. The top designers in the Country displayed their finest creations and I was lucky enough to be given a front row seat where I had a perfect view of each and every piece.

There was the fab duo Tyrrell and Brennan who featured everything from business wear with a stylish twist to show stopping red carpet worthy gowns, each one more stunning than the last.

They were followed closely by the super quirky Joanne Hynes whose collection is perfectly unique combining huge statement jewellery with illustrated leather clothing. Definitely for one is not afraid to stand out from the crowd!

Caroline Mitchell wowed the audience with her modernised take on knitwear, proving that it is not reserved only for winter jumpers. Her evening dresses and patterned jumpers were simply stunning.

Mark T Burke is a hot new face on the Irish Fashion Scene making a big name for himself in the world of Millinery. His hats were nothing short of works of art and would fit in anywhere from a day at the races to the stage of a Lady Gaga concert.

We were given an insight into the world of Designer Natalie B Coleman with her diary style collections. Every piece of hers has been inspired by elements of her life or what she feels represents everyday women. My favourite was the collection “All the jewellery I never got” which was inspired by many broken relationships in which she never received any presents of jewellery.

Pauric Sweeney introduced handbags to the show with his exotic combinations of materials and colours. His collection comprised of everything from dainty clutches to oversized day bags with something to suit every age and style.

Finally gracing the catwalk was the fabulous Couture Designer Jen Kelly and his sidekick, Milliner Polly McGettigan. Jen and Polly both come from small cities in Northern Ireland and it was wonderful to hear their success stories and to see their gorgeous collaborations come to life on the runway.

Jen creates the beautiful outfits and Polly designs a perfect hat to compliment the look.

A match made in couture heaven.

The event was brought to a close with a pop-up shop and an opportunity for myself to try on some of the stunning designs. If I had my way I could have left that evening with a piece (or several) from every one of these exceptionally talented designers.

I would like to say a huge thank you to Nicky Crichton from MCsquared PR agency for this wonderful invitation and to each and every one of the Designers for their time during interviews and photographs.

It was a pleasure to meet them all and I very much look forward to meeting them again in the future.
Don’t forget, the show will go to London and New York next month so if any of you live in or near either city I would strongly advise you to check it out! 

I hope you enjoy their spectacular designs as much as I did.

Jen Kelly and I

Myself with Polly McGettigan

Jen Kelly and Polly McGettigan

Jen Kelly and Polly McGettigan

Jen Kelly

Jen Kelly and Polly McGettigan

Myself wearing a fab creation by Jen Kelly and the Man himself

Myself with Niall Tyrrell and Donald Brennan of Tyrrell and Brennan

Tyrrell and Brennan

Tyrrell and Brennan

Mark T Burke

Mark T Burke

Mark T Burke

Natalie B Coleman

Natalie B Coleman

Natalie B Coleman

Pauric Sweeney

Pauric Sweeney

Pauric Sweeney

I WAS WEARING:
★ BEADED DRESS BY DAISY @ IDENTITY BOUTIQUE ★
★ CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN – LADY GRES 25ANS SPECIAL EDITION HEELS ★
★ CHANEL PATENT MAXI FLAP HANDBAG ★
★ GUESS BANGLE ★
★ GUCCI “SWIVEL” WATCH ★
★ DIAMANTE EARRINGS FROM ARGENTO ★

Location – The Westin Hotel, Dublin

Arthur Cox Irish Fashion Event 2012 in conjunction with Irish International Business Network (IIBN)

(NB: I apologise for the background noise in several of the videos, it was a very hectic night)

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