St Columb’s Cathedral is the etting for the Wedding Fashion Showcase. Photo: Jim Crawford Photography.
Carving a niche in today’s competitive bridal market local fashion designer Megan Ferguson has seen her solo enterprise, Couture Bridal Accessories, grow from strength to strength.
On 21 November next, as part of Derry City Council’s four day Fashion Fest 2014 programme, Megan’s bespoke creations will star in a Wedding Fashion Showcase alongside exquisite designs from some of Ireland’s best designers.
It was just two years ago when the gifted designer noticed a distinct gap in the bridal industry.
“The idea came about while planning my own wedding,” Megan said.
“I realised no local business offered a bespoke bridal accessory service and I had to travel to Dublin, so I wanted to offer this service to brides here, giving them the opportunity to create something truly unique for their special day and giving me the opportunity to design something specifically for them!”
Since then, Couture Bridal Accessories has soared in popularity with brides everywhere, and Megan’s work has featured in Vogue magazine and top Irish and British wedding blogs and magazines.
Last year, she was shortlisted for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in the Local Women Business Awards, and her creations have just been snapped up to adorn the shelves of Ivory and Pearl Bridal Boutique, recently voted Ireland’s best bridal showroom.
St Columb’s Cathedral forms the backdrop for the exclusive Wedding Fashion Showcase this November, its 400-year-old aisle becoming a raised catwalk for the occasion.
“I’m very excited to have my new collection showcased in St Columb’s Cathedral,” added Megan.
“It will be such a treat to see the Cathedral transformed, and I’m hoping my vintage-inspired veils and headpieces will offer some inspiration to all those brides to be out there!”
The designer is delighted to be asked to play a part in the city’s first ever Fashion Fest, which is organised by Derry City Council’s Business Opportunities team, with support from Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund.
“It’s a great opportunity for local designers to showcase their talent and designs to the city and further afield,” she said.
“This city is bursting at the seams with talented designers and I feel making this a yearly event will encourage new, young creatives to get involved by offering them a platform to show their designs.”
Megan’s ready to wear collection is also online at: www.couturebridalaccessories.co.uk.
The bridal showcase is just one of the highlights of Fashion Fest which runs from 20-23 November.
An exclusive 60-minute collage of wedding music performed by gifted organist Kevin Bowyer will complement this bridal extravaganza and guests are invited to dress for the occasion!
Among the local retailers lined up to celebrate the very best in Irish wedding design are Tomorrows Bridal Wear, Bridal Showroom, Beautiful Day, Bridal Elegance, Black Tie Showroom, Couture Bridal Accessories, The Closet, Fosters MOB and Occasion Wear and Esquire Menswear. Besides high fashion, guests can look forward to a special evening reception at the Sandwich Company afterwards.
Fashion Fest 2014 will bring top designers to the city as well as host an industry focus day and a two-day vintage fair in the city’s Cathedral Quarter – Portobello Road-style! A rich programme of workshops, fashion demos and exhibitions will also have the fashion conscious flocking to Derry.
If you are a fashion designer, trader or have something special to bring to Fashion Fest 2014, please get in touch.
To register your interest, apply to take part in Designer Showrooms or book your pitch for the Vintage Fair, please contact: Tara Nicholas on: 028 7136 5151, extension 6980, or email: [email protected].
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