The First Ever Dublin Institute of Design Fashion Show.

I was very kindly invited to the Dublin Institute of Design's first ever fashion show yesterday. The show was housed in the lovely and historic Smock Alley Theatre in Temple Bar and the amphitheater-style seating meant that no matter where you were sitting, you had a great view (although they'd given me a very snazzy spot next to the lovely Lorna of LC's Closet). Nineteen designers showed off their mini-collections of 4-5 pieces which subscribed to the theme of the evening, The Seven Deadly Sins. I think this theme lent a sense of fun and humour to the show with the odd childish giggle escaping from members of the audience during the lust inspired collections. But there was also an element of theatrics and drama that played well in the setting.

Dovile Joniskyte

Katharina Krause

Edita Liaugaudaite

After a two year diploma course, the designers showcased how far they had come and how much they had learned in a relatively short period of time. The whole show was very impressive but I did have my favourites! Some of my absolute favourite collections of the night were from Lauris Brimmers who created very strong modern looks restrained by monochrome palette and Shauna McSweeney who not only had The XX as her soundtrack (plus ten in my mind) but her styling was so on point and the clothes were wonderfully kooky - think a ladylike, floral Ashish.

Shauna McSweeney

Anne Marie Fagan and Charlotte Mooney both had wonderfully intricate collections that had just the right amount of kink going on. I was really digging Mooney's equestrian vibe and the use of sheers in Fagan's collection.

The styling of Jargal Batkhuu's collection was also very impressive while the collection as a whole was a wonderful mix of traditional and rock and roll elements and exceptionally competent and cohesive in execution.

Two of my absolute favourite pieces from the whole night came from Marian Witcher's collection; dat mesh top and pants combo is so wantable and the movement to the baby pink gown was just so gorgeous. I'll have one of each, please.

My overall favourite collection of the night has to be Mari Pold's. It was so unbelievably cohesive and professional with a real keen eye for detail. I appreciated the drama of the show styling but also how utterly wearable the pieces actually were. The limited palette of gold and white made it fresh and restrained while those lace visors added a touch of the theatrical. Give me that suit now.

Congrats to all the designers! It was a great show. And thanks to DID for having me!