Thursday, August 20, 2009

Fashion BreakThrough presents: Uprising



At the Fashion BreakThrough event: 1. Holly White & Karen Koster; 2. Zoe Boomer & Lyn Greer; 3. Kirsten O’Mahony & Linda Sloane. Pics. Richie Stokes.


Fans of up and coming designers, who like to get their hands on the trendiest threads before the rest of the crowd, were treated to a sample of what Spring Summer 2010 has in store at the second bi-annual Fashion Break Through: 'Uprising' event in Meeting House Square, Temple Bar this week.

Among those in attendance were Xpose's Karen Koster, top fashion stylist and fashionista Annmarie O'Connor, stylist Suzie Coen and founding director of The Loft Market in Powerscourt Town Centre, Aisling Farinella.

The usually unpredictable Irish weather stayed pleasant for the show, which took place under a marquee, as guests were treated to the unveiling of collections from celebrity favourite, Zoe Boomer, who has been touted as Ireland's answer to Stella McCartney and who counts Natasha Bedingfield as a firm fan.

Also showing were Sophie Rieu, whose latest collection of lush, tactile pieces are created with concern for the environment; Bebhinn Flood, whose bold prints, strong lines and beautiful sense of texture are fast becoming fashion favourites and Heidi Higgins, whose label already has a firm identity with her gorgeously iconic, sweeping dresses that enrobe the figure like magic.

Wearing a stunning dress by Sophie Rieu, host Holly White kicked off the show by reminding attendees about the great design talent Ireland has to offer and praised the organisers of the event, designer Lisa Shawgi, who also showed her collection, and Therese McKenna, for spotting a gap in the Irish market for such a great fringe fashion event.

Oh and, speaking of all this fashion, those of you who are into your handbags (and manbags!) can now get some real therapy out of them ... Kildare Village Outlet Shopping has launched the ‘What’s in your handbag?’ digital campaign at www.handbag.kildarevillage.com - an online initiative inviting you to upload a photo of your handbag and its contents for a chance to win a €1,000 shopping spree at Kildare Village and a fun handbag therapy analysis by Debbie Percy.