The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
‘Fun, fashionable and fierce’: a show to remember
THE night was fun, fashionable and very, very fierce – from the model’s sleek ponytails and red lipstick to leopard print being a popular choice in store’s current seasonal collections, the Rose of Tralee Autumn Winter Fashion Show was one that reflected the true fashion needs of modern women, men and children with sustainability and functionality being two key focuses of many designers this year.
The Rose of Tralee Designer of the Year Award 2018 sponsored by The Zip Yard recognises designers who create their apparel to suit the needs of a client, who source the best materials for their clothing, are conscious of their impact in society and the environment and are creative.
This year, the competition was very stiff and any of the ten chosen designers that showcased their apparel at the show were deserving of taking the crown from last year’s winner, Tina Griffin from Killorglin.
The finalists were Catriona Hanly, Sarah Murphy, Aine’s Knitwear, Orlaith Carroll, Helen Hayes, Aoife McNamara, Caterina Coyne, Valecia, Amie Egan and Hazel Comyn.
Erika Fox, better known as fashion blogger Retro Flame, from Glenbeigh but now living in New York, had the task of choosing the winner along with The Zip Yard Managing Director Caroline Wallace. They presented the award to Catriona Hanly, a London based Irish designer, whose designs are noted for signature collars and cuffs detailing across her collections. This award will be added to her long list of achievements.
The main show featured autumn/winter stock from fashion stores in Kerry and Munster.
The showcasing stores were Ela Maria, Jasmine Boutique, Hannons Fashion Shop, Ryles Menswear, Coco Boutique, Divas and Dudes, Shaws Department Stores, Isobel Boutique, Adare, Pamela Scott, Dani’s Closet, Marion Murphy Cooney of the Design Atelier, Finesse Bridalwear, Mac Bees, Phoenix_V, Joanne’s Fashion House, Catherine McCormack, Lady Penelope, Oxendales.ie, Swamp, Aisling Maher Boutique, The Ivory Closet, Ennis Bridal Boutique and Azure Jewellery, with the closing showcase by Claire Garvey Designs.
Models of the Holman Lee Agency stunned the attendees in beautiful bridalwear, formal dresses, office attire and knitwear.
All shoes on the night were from Footprints Shoe Boutique, bags and jewellery by Tipperary Crystal faces were made-up by Ch Chemist and all the up-dos were done by Cathrionas Hair Group.
One of the main highlights of the night was having Alannah Beirne as a guest model, wearing four unique looks by Tina Griffin created with milliner Carol Kennelly. Alannah is well-known from being a finalist in Britain’s Next Top Model and a contestant in RTÉ’s Dancing with the Stars. Alannah said she was ‘delighted to feature in the show, to play a small part in the event.’ The Festival is very important to her Beirne as her mother, Brenda Hyland-Beirne, was the 1983 Rose of Tralee.
Prior to the beginning of the show, Erika Fox and 2017 Rose of Tralee Jennifer Byrne spent time meeting attendees, taking many selfies and keeping a close eye on the style as they paired up to choose ten finalists for the Best Dressed Lady award. Presented in the second half of the show, the award went to Denise Healy of Killarney, and wife of footballer Aidan O’Mahony.
Before the presentation, Erika even had a story about her own outfit, a white and gold dress. “This is actually my mom’s dress, she’s very stylish! She’s had it for ten years at this stage, she got it made in London and I saw it in her wardrobe this morning, and decided to wear it!”, Erika explained, in interview with compere of the event Patrick Hogan.
Attention wasn’t all on the female stars of the show, with Limerick models for Ryles Menswear Tralee proving to be very popular with the crowd, receiving massive cheers as they owned the catwalk in suits by big names including Hugo Boss, all while ending their struts with a hurling charade to commemorate their county’s hurling success on the day.
The show ended with the grand finale by Claire Garvey Designs in Dublin, a designer who has spent over ten years making formal wear and is known for her quirky apparel. A final visit on stage from the 2018 Roses brought the show to a perfect end.