An edgy fashion showcase took over the old Woolen Mills of Convoy on Saturday 8th June to celebrate new and established designers of Donegal.
The DEFINE Donegal fashion showcase was organised by Local Enterprise Donegal, the Creative Coast initiative and LYIT to shine a spotlight on the fashion and textile artists and creative entrepreneurs of the county.
Sixteen collections were unveiled on the runway, representing a mix of traditional, diverse and progressive designers. The event also saw current LYIT Fashion with Promotion student Helen Murray being crowned the McElhinneys Student Designer of the Year.
Sharon Maxwell, LYIT and Dana McMahon, McElhinneys at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Michael Tunney and Liam Porter at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Chairperson at Council of Irish Fashion Designers and Define Donegal MC Eddie Shanahan with model Katie wearing Margaret Gillespie ‘Timeless’ Collection
Couture, contemporary, retro and activewear looks were featured in DEFINE, alongside one-of-a-kind handmade accessories and crafts.
It was clear to see that Donegal’s landscape and coastline are as influential as ever for inspiring many creations.
April Murphy – Studio Donegal at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Hannah McGuiness Jewellery at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Weaver & Wilde at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
The setting of DEFINE at Convoy Woollen Mills was perfectly apt for paying homage to Donegal’s past industries. The edgy surroundings of the former mill contrasted well with the new productions on show.
Collections from established designers included: Bernie Murphy, Hannah McGuiness, April Murphy for Studio Donegal, Joan Carey, Una Rodden, Weaver & Wilde, Margaret Gillespie, Eimear Bradley, Valerie Taylor and Michelle McCarroll.
Bernie Murphy at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Bernie Murphy photographing her collection at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Hannah McGuiness Jewellery at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
April Murphy – Studio Donegal at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Joan Carey at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Una Rodden couture at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Una Rodden couture at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Margaret Gillespie at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Margaret Gillespie at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Valerie Taylor Handbags at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Valerie Taylor Handbags at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Eimear Bradley at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Eimear Bradley at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Michelle McCarroll at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
The new LYIT Fashion with Promotion degree has played a big role in cultivating the new crop of designers in Donegal. DEFINE Donegal showcased collections from six current students: Aoife Nolan, Niamh Quigley, Leah Love, Chloe Murtagh, Helen Murray and Amy Devlin.
Helen Murray was announced as the 2019 winner of the McElhinney’s Fashion Design Award.
Helen created a collection of bright and boldly coloured Irish linen pieces inspired by her hometown of Termon. Helen designed her womenswear garments with sustainability in mind at every part of the process.
Helen Murray wins McElhinneys Student Designer Award at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Dana McMahon, buyer at McElhinneys, said choosing the winner was a difficult task, but Helen’s work had the whole package.
“We had to be true to what we believe in. What we believe in is offering a story to the customer, a product that they want to buy, something that is complete, well-finished and sustainable,” Dana said.
Dana McMahon with McElhinneys Student Design Winner Helen Murray at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
John Andy Bonner, Sharon Maxwell, Dana McMahon, Helen Murray, Nollaig Crombie and Crona Connolly at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
The DEFINE Donegal showcase was followed by a ‘Meet the Designers’ exhibition for buyers to connect with all the creative entrepreneurs.
See more photos from the event below:
at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Designers Hannah McGuinness and Michelle McCarroll at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Joanne Roden and Frances Spears at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Una Roden at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Gabrielle Dooher and Phyllis Neale at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Ellie Brady, Paschal Nwankwo and Aine Maxwell at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
LYIT students Siobhán Howe, Eimear Bradley, Chloe Murtagh, Amy Devlin and graduate Niamh Porter at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Valerie Taylor at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Eimear Bradley exhibition at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Joan Carey at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
Helen Murray wins McElhinneys Student Designer Award at Define Donegal in Convoy Woollen Mills
