Dublin Fashion Week

Dates Announced for 8th Season of MDFW

[ 11.02.09 ]

After the overwhelming success of Motorola Dublin Fashion Week in August 2008, the 8th Season is gearing up for action with a clear aim of supporting and promoting the talent in Ireland’s fashion industry.

The week commencing Monday, March 30th will see MDFW introduce a series of fashion events in locations across Dublin and with thanks to our sponsors; Motorola and Lancome, this season promises to deliver an event of the highest quality which fans have come to expect.

MDFW has continued and dedicated support from its title sponsor Motorola, who will celebrate MDFW’s exciting Autumn Winter ’09 season with the launch of the sensuous and stylish AURA.

“AURA is Motorola’s latest endeavour into the high-tier mobile device space and is the result of our continued inspiration to innovate in design, imagination and state-of-the-art handcraftsmanship. The AURA blends Motorola’s fashionable design heritage with luxury and unmatched quality. Motorola is delighted to be associated with MDFW as it expands and grows into a key fixture on the international fashion show calendar.” said John O’Brien, Country Director for Motorola Ireland.

For the third year running Lancôme, the world’s leading premium beauty brand is proud to be the official makeup up partner for Motorola Dublin Fashion Week Lancôme will have a team of their top makeup artists working alongside the fashion designers to create stunning looks for both the catwalk shows and at other events during this prestigious event.

“We are delighted to have Lancôme continue its partnership with the Motorola Dublin Fashion Week,” said Trevor Tye, Managing Director of L’Oreal Luxury Products. “Lancôme embodies style and sophistication and we are thrilled to be involved in an event that celebrates these core values”.

Over the years, MDFW has welcomed designers of international merit including Matthew Williamson, who had not shown outside of New York in five years before showing at MDFW. Irish designers who have made their impact on the global fashion stage such as Pauric Sweeney (Florence) and Sharon Wauchob (Paris) also showcased their Winter collections following their nominations at the inaugural MDFW Fashion Awards.

The first MDFW Fashion Awards took place in August 2008 and were a huge success. It is now clear that the event has an enviable global reputation as recognition was paid to those who have made the greatest contribution to Irish fashion.

Other nominees included Ireland’s favourite adopted son John Rocha, couturier Helen Cody, Eilis Boyle, Helen James, some of the finest boutiques in the country, and Richard Lewis who received the acclaimed Lifetime Achievement Award. The Awards culminated in a stunning presentation of the current collections from the nominees and an additional few labels of note.

Motorola Dublin Fashion Week has been hugely influential in the promotion of Ireland’s fashion industry as they pioneered various initiatives including the Brown Thomas Designer Mentor Programme, the John Rocha Bursary, and the MDFW Fashion Awards. The introduction of The Talks has seen some of the most influential figures in the business share their experiences, thoughts and knowledge with members of the public.

MDFW has resulted in independent Irish designers to feature on fashion bible Vogue.com for the first time while the event has featured in other noted publications such as the International Herald Tribune, Fashion Wire Daily, WGSN, Forbes, Drapers, Sportswear International and the Dutch fashion magazine Elsevier. This recognition is proof that Irish fashion design and MDFW have truly made their mark on the international fashion week calendar and will continue to grow in scope and influence.

Winners of the MDFW Awards Revealed!!

[ 02.09.08 ]

With the success of the Collective Show last season, the increase in awareness of the Irish fashion industry and due to the huge public demand, MDFW hosted a bigger, better and bolder show in The chq Building.

The evening started with a Gallo Family Vineyards drinks reception, the gathered fashionista’s sipped on Gallo’s Rose on the Rocks. Once seated Xpose’s Lorraine Keane, who was MC for the night, introduced the inaugural MDFW fashion Awards.

First up was Lancome’s Craft/Technical Award which saw Micheal Leong take home the Waterford Crystal Award. Havana in Dublin won Fashion Boutique of the Year, while Accessories Designer of the year was Edmond Chesneau, who also showed his current Autumn Winter 08 Collection. Eilis Boyle was presented the Brown Thomas Best Newcomer Award by Shelly Corkery. The International Achievement Award had three very high calibre nominees which saw Pauric Sweeney fly in from Florence and Sharon Wauchob fly in from Paris to accept her award in person.

Country Director John O’Brien was there on behalf of title Sponsor Motorola to present John Rocha with the ‘Motorola Designer of the Year Award’. John Rocha was congratulated by his wife Odette and daughter Simone.

Helen Cody, as well as being nominated for Designer of the Year showcased her collection as well as Joanne Hynes, Rachel Mackay, Jennifer Rothwell, JUVI Designs, Eilis Boyle, Helen James, Edmond Chesneau, John Rocha, Pauric Sweeney, Sharon Wauchob, and Richard Lewis who also received the well deserved Lifetime Achievement Award.

THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Motorola Dublin Fashion Week Lifetime Achievement Award

Richard Lewis

Motorola Designer of the Year

John Rocha

International Achievement Award

Sharon Wauchob

Brown Thomas Newcomer of the Year

Eilis Boyle

Boutique of the Year

Havana, Dublin

Accessories Designer of the Year

Edmond Chesneau

Lancome Craft/Technical Award

Michael Leong

ANOTHER PRESTIGIOUS LINE UP ANNOUNCED FOR THE TALKS

[ 28.07.08 ]

As Motorola Dublin Fashion Week (MDFW) kicks into top gear for the run up to the event at the end of August, the very exciting selection of speakers that will come in for The Talks is announced. These short presentations in association with Dublin City Enterprise Board have proven hugely popular and are sold out every season

Venue: Mezzanine Level, Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin 8

Tickets: €5 – payable at the door on a first come, first served basis.

Schedule

Monday, August 25th @ 6pm
Donal Bolger - Chartered accountant and financial consultantDonal qualified as a chartered accountant in 1992 and established BLG Financial Accountants in 1999. Prior to this Donal had been on the board of directors of numerous companies including John Rocha’s Glibro Design Ltd. The industries that he has been involved in include fashion, retail, software and property.

Tuesday, August 26th @ 1pm
Constance Harris -Fashion Editor: Sunday Independent
Constance’s first job was in the Gap store in Dublin’s Ilac Centre and then throughout her teenage years she worked as a runner on fashion shoots and styled her first fashion shoot for IMAGE magazine in 1986. After graduating with a degree in Communication Studies she went to New York and worked in retail before returning to Dublin to train as a producer at the National Film and Television School. Since the beginning of 1997 Constance has been the fashion editor of the Sunday Independent Newspaper.

Wednesday, August 27th @ 1pm
Dublin City Enterprise Board, the state funded agency that helps start ups and the development of small businesses in Dublin city with Enterprise information, advice, financial assistance, business networks and training. As one of MDFW’s associated sponsors, each season Dublin City Enterprise Board have supported the Dublin based Designers to participate in the catwalk shows that have become an integral part of MDFW.

Each season they have lent their experience and expertise to their presentation which have proven more than popular with students, budding designers and even those who are simply interested in learning more about the industry.

• “How to sell your fashion label overseas.”
o EXPORT Why, When?
o EXPORT Which Market?
o EXPORT How To Tackle Your Market?
o EXPORT Closing The Sale
o EXPORTS Hidden Costs & Continuity
o EXPORTING Case Studies & examples
o EXPORTING What support is available?

John Fennell is from a marketing background and has worked as a Fashion Mentor for DCEB for over 12 years. His areas of expertise include market entry strategy, new brand launches, multiple store retailing and the export and distribution of clothing brands.

Eibhlin Curley is Assistant Chief Executive of DCEB with ten years experience working with Irish enterprises including craft and fashion on an international scale.

MDFW Fashion Awards Announced - TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!!!

[ 08.07.08 ]

Fast approaching its 7th successful season, Motorola Dublin Fashion Week (MDFW) has firmly established itself as a key fixture on the International fashion calendar. Having grown in strength each season, bringing exciting new trends and events to the Irish market, MDFW are delighted to announce the inaugural MDFW fashion awards.

The Motorola Dublin Fashion Week Fashion Awards 2008 provide an opportunity to recognise those who have made the most outstanding contributions to Irish design over the last year.

The impressive panel of judges who have come on board for the 2008 MDFW Fashion Awards are:

• Eddie Shanahan Business Management Consultant
• Bairbre Power Editor of Irish Independent Weekend Magazine
• Melanie Morris Editor of IMAGE magazine
• Peter O’Brien International Designer

We are delighted to announce the following 7 categories for which there are 3 nominees each –

1. MDFW Lifetime achievement Award

• Details and announcement of Winner to follow

2. Motorola Designer of the Year

• John Rocha
• Eilis Boyle
• Helen Cody

3. Lancome Craft/Technical Award

• Michael Leong – Hair Stylist
• Mike Bunn – Photographer
• Catherine Condell – Stylist

4. International Achievement Award

• Sharon Wauchob
• Pauric Sweeney
• John Rocha

5. Fashion Boutique of the year

• Havana, Dublin 4
• Emporium Kalu, Co Kildare
• Nyles, Co Carlow

6. Accessories Designer of the year

• Edmond Chesneau
• Helen James
• Orla Kiely

7. Best Newcomer

• Eilis Boyle
• Helen James
• Yasmin Velloza

The question on fashionistas’ lips across the land will be, “Who will walk away with the evening’s most coveted award?” so watch this space! To add the style and glamour of the evening Lorraine Keane of TV3’s Xpose will be hosting the event.

Dublin Fashion Week is supported by title sponsor Motorola and supporting sponsors Lancôme, Brown Thomas, DCEB and Lyons Kenny Solicitors.

"Motorola is proud to once again support Dublin Fashion Week for the second year and its fourth season. This Spring/Summer 09 season's fashions are perfectly complimented by the luxurious colour and curvy shape of the MOTO U9 Purple which is the star of this event's celebrations. We look forward to the introduction of the Awards Ceremony at which Motorola will reward the Designer of The Year and the glittering fashion show to include MDFW's Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. It's an event no fashionista will want to miss!" Elaine Sheridan, Marketing Manager, Motorola Ireland

For more details on all the exciting events taking place over the course of the three days please log on to:

www.dublinfashionweek.com.

Tim Ryan announced as winner of the John Rocha Bursary Award

[ 22.05.08 ]

Following on from the recent Motorola Dublin Fashion Week (MDFW), which took place earlier this year, it was announced that international fashion designer John Rocha would be supporting MDFW with a bursary of €10,000 to the winning designer.

MDFW are delighted to announce the winner of the John Rocha Bursary Award as London-based Tipperary man Tim Ryan, a knitwear designer with a cult following amongst independent boutiques and private clients. Tim’s collections consistently feature innovative constructions in fully-fashioned knit with an austere but feminine edge.

The John Rocha Bursary Award in association with MDFW is a unique opportunity for a designer looking for a well deserved financial and professional boost to their career to benefit from the endorsement of John Rocha, one of the most renowned and respected designers in the world.

• The John Rocha Bursary Award is another initiative from Motorola Dublin Fashion Week which endeavours to aid Irish design talent in furthering their collections and career.

• This announcement comes within 12 months of Tim being named one of the three winners of the Brown Thomas Mentor Programme in association with MDFW in March 2007.

• The Award was open to any designer that might be new to the industry or who might have been in business for a couple of years. Applicants came from throughout Ireland and abroad. Applicants represented a broad spectrum of design talent with millinery, women’s wear and accessories all included in the submitted portfolios.

• The purpose of the award is to support graduate fashion designers in the development and creative advancement of their careers. The beneficiary of the award may use the award fund in any creative capacity. This could include the production of a catwalk show presentation during the next season of MDFW or alternatively used towards the production and manufacturing of the designer’s label for retail and merchandising use.

Dates Announced for 8th Season of MDFW

[ 11.02.09 ]

After the overwhelming success of Motorola Dublin Fashion Week in August 2008, the 8th Season is gearing up for action with a clear aim of supporting and promoting the talent... [ read more » ]

Winners of the MDFW Awards Revealed!!

[ 02.09.08 ]

With the success of the Collective Show last season, the increase in awareness of the Irish fashion industry and due to the huge public demand, MDFW hosted a bigger, better... [ read more » ]

ANOTHER PRESTIGIOUS LINE UP ANNOUNCED FOR THE TALKS

[ 28.07.08 ]

As Motorola Dublin Fashion Week (MDFW) kicks into top gear for the run up to the event at the end of August, the very exciting selection of speakers that will... [ read more » ]

MDFW Fashion Awards Announced - TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!!!

[ 08.07.08 ]

Fast approaching its 7th successful season, Motorola Dublin Fashion Week (MDFW) has firmly established itself as a key fixture on the International fashion calendar. Having grown in strength each... [ read more » ]

Tim Ryan announced as winner of the John Rocha Bursary Award

[ 22.05.08 ]

Following on from the recent Motorola Dublin Fashion Week (MDFW), which took place earlier this year, it was announced that international fashion designer John Rocha would be supporting MDFW with... [ read more » ]