Presenting Hatwalk 2013

by | Apr 10, 2013 | City of Culture 2013, Derry, Everglades Hotel, Grainne Maher, Hatwalk 2013, Identity, Jennifer Wrynne Designs, John Paul Millinery, Leonora Ferguson, Londonderry, Mariana O'Reilly, Millinery, Topshop | 12 comments

IMG_1731 (Large)

On Thursday the 28th of March I had the extreme honour of presenting “Hatwalk 2013“, an evening dedicated to some of the top milliners in Ireland and all to raise awareness for “Brain Tumour Research”.
The show took place on national “Wear a Hat Day” in the stunning surroundings of The Everglades Hastings Hotel, Derry/Londonderry and I was lucky enough to be provided with some fabulous head pieces to wear on the night!
The brainchild of Mr Roy McCabe and the product of a huge team effort by Geraldine and Francine of “Perfect Bliss events,” the show was a fantastic way to draw attention to an otherwise forgotten charity. 
It was my pleasure to introduce Kate Ferguson, a representative from “Brainwaves NI“, our local Brain Tumour charity, who informed us of some very harrowing facts to do with the cause and the lack of funds they receive. With every word I became more and more delighted to be involved with such an amazing event for such a worthwhile cause.
Some of Irelands top milliners showed incredible headpieces on the night including, John Paul Couture and Katrina Gormley of “Finders keepers Couture” both from Derry/Londonderry, Leonora Ferguson, fresh from showing at Belfast Fashion Week, Talented Newcomer on the Millinery scene Jennifer Wrynne, Award Winning designer, Grainne Maher and the late Mariana O’Reilly who sadly passed away in the days after the show. A lovely, talented girl whom I was lucky to have had the pleasure of meeting on the night. May she rest in peace.
Apart from the incredible established Milliners who showed on the night, we had the priviledge of seeing works by some up and coming hat designers who were chosen as finalists in the design competition – I was delighted to announce Mark Garvie as the winner as his design was both intricate and eye-catching, however, each and everyone of them were winners in their own right!
I joked with the audience that I had never witnessed so many beautifully dressed people all in the one room, yet I truly meant it! Most of the them had made a huge effort and donned their own headwear for the evening! In fact they all looked so good that I decided to bring them up onto the catwalk for their own fashion parade.
There were prizes for the best dressed audience members and although it was a hard choice, the gorgeous Eileen Ennis took second place and Tina Hemlock came first with a beautiful dress and a hat which she had created herself.
The “piece de la resistance” of the night was the silent auction. The amazing Milliner to the stars, Mr. Philip Treacy donated one of his stunning creations to be sold on the evening with all profits going to Brain Tumour Research. It was so classy and elegant and I was extremely jealous of the lucky lady who got to take it home! 
All in all “Hatwalk 2013” was a humongous success and I would like to say a huge thank you to Roy McCabe and to John Paul for asking me to be a part of such a special event and also congratulations to them both for their hard work and dedication, all for such a worthy cause!
Nicola x
IMG_1718 (Large)
Hat by John Paul Couture
IMG_5893
Stunning hat donated by Philip Treacy for auction on the night 
IMG_5903
Myself with award winning milliner Grainne Maher and one of her beautiful hats.
IMG_1908 (Large)
Show-stopping headpiece by Grainne Maher
IMG_5899
Myself with fab milliner and friend Jennifer Wrynne – I’m sporting one of her gorgeous creations
IMG_1880 (Large)
Jennifer Wrynne Designs
IMG_1736 (Large)

IMG_1792 (Large)
Finders Keepers Couture
_MG_3812 (Custom)
Leonora Millinery
IMG_1824 (Large)
Mariana O’Reilly Millinery 
IMG_5898
John Paul from John Paul Couture and I (wearing one of his designs)
_MG_3908 (Custom)
John Paul Couture (City of Culture Capsule Collection)
_MG_3934 (Custom)
John Paul Couture (City of Culture Capsule Collection)
IMG_1737 (Large)
526831_442700025805283_1266248555_n
Competition entry by Deb Fanning Millinery 
73106_445208442221108_514438601_n
Mark Garvie – Winner of the Hat design competition with Shauna from Perfect Bliss modelling his winning creation 
IMG_5905
Myself with Mark Garvie – Winner of the Hate Design Competition and Tina Hemlock – Winner of Best Dressed Audience Member
IMG_5897
The Brains behind the show, Mr Roy McCabe and I 

Video courtesy of Norm Kielty


I Was Wearing:

★ DRESS FROM IDENTITY BOUTIQUE ★
★ CAGE HEELS AND DIAMANTE BRACELET FROM TOPSHOP ★
★ EARRINGS FROM THE ANNA DELLO RUSSO FOR H&M COLLECTION ★
★ GUCCI “SWIVEL” WATCH ★
★ A SELECTION OF HATS BY EACH OF THE FEATURED MILLINERS ON THE NIGHT ★

Info and Contact Details from the Show
JOHN PAUL COUTURE:
GRAINNE MAHER MILLINERY:
JENNIFER WRYNNE DESIGNS: 
LEONORA FERGUSON MILLINERY:
MARIANA O’ REILLY MILLINERY:

Winner of the Hat Design Competition – MARK GARVIE:
Winner of Best Dressed Audience Member – TINA HEMLOCK

DEB FANNING MILLINERY
Photographs provided by:

12 Comments

  7. Vera Vanity
    Vera Vanity on April 10, 2013 at 5:52 pm

    Hi dear! You look amazing and very elegant – i love this stile. Have a great evening and thank you for your comment. See you soon. Xoxo V.V.

    Reply
  8. rich_nataliee
    rich_nataliee on April 11, 2013 at 10:50 pm

    Hey Love!Thank you for commenting on my blog! Beautiful pictures, beautiful looks 🙂
    Kisses!

    Reply
  12. Lisa
    Lisa on April 14, 2013 at 9:19 am

    I love the post! I wish I could pull off a fantastic hat like these but I think people in the US would look at me funny! 🙂 Keep rockin it!

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

Christmas Day

read more

Inspired by "Sleek" Pink

read more

Holiday Outfits - Amalfi Coast

read more