Awardsfor Brayand Blessington designers
TWO County Wicklow design companies have won prestigious awards at Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo.
Bray textile designer Aoife Mullane of A Mullane Design was the winner of the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland Craftsmanship and Innovation Award, while Blessington’s Old Court Linens was highly commended in the Showcase Best Product – Home category for their ‘ bread bag.’
Showcase 2017 was officially opened on Sunday, January 22, by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Mary Mitchell O’Connor and awards were presented by Karen Hennessy, chief executive of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland.
The annual show has established itself as a must-see trade event, attracting buyers from Ireland and more than 20 other countries, including UK, US, mainland Europe and the Far East, all keen to see the latest designs from Ireland’s top brands and craft producers.
The Design and Crafts Council of Ireland’s Craftsmanship Award, which promotes creative development in craft, was won by A. Mullane Design for the innovation and craftsmanship of its overall product offering.
A Mullane Design is a Bray-based printed textile design brand.
Old Court Linens is a family owed business run by Asta Gauronskyte, based in the village of Manor Kilbride.
Asta comes from Lithuania, a Country famous for its centuries of linen growing and weaving traditions.
She grew up in a family where textiles and sewing was part of the daily routine. As a result, Asta’s heritage connected her with the textile business.
Showcase is an international launch pad for the 450 Irish designers, manufacturers and craftspeople who will be unveiling their new season collections across fashion, jewellery, home and gift-ware over the four-day event.
A particular emphasis is placed on new products to market, providing retailers with opportunities to discover and stock up on the latest design-led products.