New designers have collections showcased by Brown Thomas

The collections of three up-and- coming designers were showcased yesterday as part of an initiative which aims to promote Irish…

The collections of three up-and- coming designers were showcased yesterday as part of an initiative which aims to promote Irish designers as they embark on the international fashion scene.

The designers - Jennifer Rothwell, Tim Ryan and Vivien Walsh - were selected under the Brown Thomas Designer Mentor Programme, which was launched in tandem with the upcoming Dublin Fashion Week.

Since its inception last year, the programme has enabled relatively unknown designers to expand their client base both in Ireland and abroad.

Brown Thomas directors Shelly Corkery and Stephen Sealy met 14 Irish-based designers last March to discuss their designs and offer their practical expertise.

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Three were then chosen by the directors to showcase in the department store, alongside more established collections.

Shelly Corkery, head of fashion direction at Brown Thomas, said the initiative offered the designers invaluable commercial, design and career advice, which was "essential in this highly competitive industry".

The unveiling of the innovative designs at the store yesterday did not disappoint those in attendance.

New York-born Dublin resident Rothwell unveiled her autumn/winter collection which featured ultra feminine evening dresses and beautifully-fitted woollen suits.

Designs from Tipperary native Ryan, who has been producing handmade crochet and knitwear pieces for small boutiques since 1995, were eagerly awaited by his existing fan base.

"This is a wonderful learning opportunity as we can now have greater interaction with the customers who will hopefully give us positive feedback on our designs," he said.

Renowned Irish jewellery designer Walsh provided the finishing touches to the models' ensembles with her collection of distinct handcrafted pieces, using baroque pearls and Swarovski crystals.

It is hoped that this initiative will enable them to progress in the domestic market, while providing a platform from which they can emerge internationally.

If the talent of these young designers is anything to go by, Dublin looks set for a promising fashion week.The next Dublin Fashion week begins on August 27th.