LOCAL designers are to be given an opportunity to showcase their work to the general public and retail community at a special fashion event in the Guildhall on Friday 18th November.
Organised as part of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Fashion Fest programme, the ‘Design Showcase’ is set to shine a light on the work of emerging designers, bringing their collections to the grand stage and to the attention of the fashion industry and potential buyers.
Danielle McNally, Business Officer at Derry City and Strabane District Council said, ‘Over the past few months we’ve arranged a series of development programs with designers who applied to take part in the Designer Showcase.
‘Those who were successful were given the opportunity to build a collection of their work for the showcase and to work alongside fashion expert Eddie Shanahan – Chairperson of the Council of Irish Fashion Designers, who advised and provided industry contacts to those taking part. As a result of this several exciting new designers have been paired with established industry names.
“At the showcase on Friday the public can view these designs. There will be a variation of collections including those by Hannah Vail, a Dublin Fashion Week finalist, Milliner, Anna Caples, Jewellery designer, Hannah McGuinness and Fashion Designer, Chloe Duggan. Each will be judged by fashions experts Eddie Shanahan, Deirdre McQuilllan and Sara O’Neill and the most innovative collection will then be awarded a Council bursary prize of £1000.
“Council’s Design Showcase has in past years created a portal for designers to platform and develop their work, last year’s participants were shortlisted for Brown Thomas Create project. It has also given local businesses the opportunity to work with emerging talents.’’
Fashion Fest will take place from 18th until 20th November.
A number of events will be taking place throughout the programme including retail workshops, afternoon teas and the annual Fashion Show will ‘high end’ fashion pieces.
Tickets to the Designer Showcase are free and are available online at www.derrystrabane.com/fashionfest.
Tickets for all events on the Fashion Fest programme are limited and some events are selling fast therefore advance purchase is advised.
Further details and ticket information is available at www.derrystrabane.com/fashionfest or by telephoning the Fashion Fest team on telephone: 028 7137 6506.
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