Barbie and East End gangsters inspire Limerick fashion show

Fashion designs inspired by a myriad of themes ranging from Barbie dolls to the East End gangsters The Kray twins were showcased at this year's Limerick School of Art and Design Fashion Show.

Leading Irish designer and former LSAD graduate Joanne Hynes was among the top designers who showcased their work at the unique gathering of up and coming designers.

Hynes who has designed clothes for celebrities like Amy Huberman, Jessie J and Tulisa, took part in the college's annual fashion show 'Nineteen' held for the first time in the historic setting of the city's Milk Market.

Other well known LSAD alumni including Natalie B. Coleman, Tim Ryan, Danielle Romeril, and Brenda Aherne of the Electronic Sheep knitwear label, also showcased their work at the end of year graduate show.

“Limerick School of Art and Design Fashion Department is going from strength to strength and this year will see the school participate in London’s Fashion Graduate Show, a first for an Irish College,” said Mike Fitzpatrick head of School, LSAD.

Mr Fitzpatrick described the staging of the fashion show at the Milk Market as a “exiting departure” which he added was continuing evidence of the college’s commitment to enhance the cultural fabric of the city and support the City of Culture designation.

As 2013 is also the year of the Gathering, ‘Nineteen’ is running in tandem with an ‘International Alumni Fashion Gathering’ tomorrow with a homecoming of stellar design talent to Limerick city invited to showcase their work, share their experience and inspire young designers.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for LSAD, and Limerick City, to reconnect with our graduates and for them to share their wealth of knowledge with current students and the general public alike” said Anne Melinn, Head of Fashion in LSAD.

Tonight’s graduate fashion show saw 19 students showcase their unique creations inspired by a diverse range of themes from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder to the effects of the rain during the Monsoon season in India.

Michael Stewart whose collection was inspired by worship, pagan rituals and shamanic ceremonies, was announced the overall winner scooping the coveted Bord Gáis Networks Award for the Best Overall Collection Based on use of Fabric and Concept Development which includes a € 2,500 bursary.

Svitlana Andriyets’s collection influenced by ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’, won The AIB Business Development Award for the collection showing the Most Commercial Potential, which includes a bursary of €2,500, and a year’s mentoring programme for a new business start-up

Fergal McGrath, Managing Director of Bord Gáis Networks was on hand to present the overall award to Michael Stewart and said, “Supporting further education and fostering enterprise and innovation is integral to the Bord Gáis Networks ethos. Partnering with LSAD affords us the opportunity to support budding Irish talent to display their skills and potentially secure internships to further develop their careers. Bord Gáis Networks has a long and proud history in this city and we are proud to be part of the drive to promote Limerick City as an international centre for fashion education and excellence.”

Tomorrow LSAD in partnership with Bord Gáis Networks will host a special event as part “The Gathering 2013” as a selection of internationally renowned LSAD alumni Designers have been invited to showcase their work at the Fashion Show and share their experience at the Fashion Seminar.

Students and the general public will have access to these designers during seminars and workshops throughout the day.