Into the Blue

Image Magazine is probably my favourite of all Irish fashion publications. I first encountered the magazine as a teen when a friend actually appeared in a shoot in it. Out of support, I bought a copy and fell in love with an Irish version of the publications I have always admired. My aunt buys it monthly so when I was younger and had no money of my own, she would often give me her copy once she was done with it.

I've kind of grown up with Image and delighted in high fashion with a distinctly Irish twist. It also was cool to have a magazine like Vogue or Elle UK that talked about lovely things available readily here and with prices in euros. To have a magazine that talked about homegrown talent and supported Irish brands and designers and companies. 

The January 2015 edition of Image Magazine featured a shoot that I was particularly struck by and that I felt the need to blog about. Into the Blue, shot by Eilish McCormick and styled by Corina Gaffey, features beautifully crisp, clean images of beautifully crisp, clean outfits. The whole thing is gorgeous - not that it would be difficult to make Faye Dinsmore look good... - and features so much female Irish talent in one shoot that I've come over all fan-girly. But seriously, these are the things I love in images and styling. Sporty, sophisticated, simplicity. It's kind of my mantra. And the no-nonsense shots against a blue background that makes Faye's eyes and the neutral toned white and grey or blue outfits pop? Yes, please.

What a perfect palette cleanser for the new year.

(All images are the property of Image Magazine)

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2015 - The Year of Irish Design

It's now officially the Year of Irish Design (and 2015) so I'm majorly excited for what is to come! This year is going to be a celebration of the best and the brightest of established and emerging design talent from Ireland both at home and abroad. Expect exhibitions, talks, trade shows, workshops, conferences based around all aspects of design including architecture, clothing, objects, tech.

Over the course of the year, I'll be hitting up some of the events and posting about them. And, I'll definitely be supporting the initiative. Not just to support job creation but to truly celebrate the unbelievably talented designers that we produce as a nation. Hopefully, I'll also be able to tie in some great studio visits and interviews to add my own two cents to the whole thing.

Image from a design by Lennon Courtney for the Second Skin exhibition. 

But for now, here are some of the events that I'm most looking forward to this year:


Second Skin 
National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny
7/11/2014 - 25/01/2015
City Hall, London
16/03/2015 - 25/03/2015

This exhibition looks at production, consumption and sustainability and showcases the work Jennifer Rothwell, Joanne Hynes, NATALIEBCOLEMAN and Lennon Courtney.


Fresh Talent
National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny,
7/02/2015 - 18/03/2015


Irish Eyes on Fashion
Gallery of Photography
2/03/2015 - 29/03/2015


Hidden Heroes: The Genius of Everyday Things
Design Hub, Dublin Castle Coach House
3/04/2015 - 14/06/2015

Vitra Design Museum will show 36 everyday objects looking at their conceptual and economic significance.


Irish Design Here/Now
National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny
July until September


Goldsmithing and Jewellery 
National Craft Gallery
13/07/2015 - 30/07/2015


Ireland on Film - Costumes from Iconic Irish Movies
The Little Museum of Dublin
August until September

Any events you're excited for?

2014

This year has been a momentous one for me and this blog. In a single year, it has grown hugely in reader numbers, regard and opportunities. I've been sent away on a trip for it, been able to run more competitions than ever before, met amazing people and learned an inestimable amount.

I've started being invited to events and launches and now work on a regular basis with PR companies. I got the opportunity to go review the Lusty Beg spa and hotel in the North. I met and interviewed Kitty Moss, my favourite Irish illustrator, hung out with Natalie Coleman in her studio, had tea with Helen James in the recently opened Considered Café. I met and photographed the lovely Sarah and Josie and learned about lolita fashion. Friends were also made in the Irish blogger community. I got to indulge my love for Cleo on a deeper level and was invited to the first ever Dublin Institute of Design show. There were four press mentions of the blog in National media this year. Plenty of stuff got sent to me to review. Cool (I hope) outfits were worn. And I was shortlisted for Best Fashion blog in the Irish Blog Awards once more. Oh, and I made my blog aim for the year happen - I was at the Alexander Wang x H&M launch.

These things make me feel giddy, impossibly lucky and incredibly thankful. Thankful to you, the readers, and to any brands or designers or companies that value my hard work and the quality I try to ensure over insane numbers of followers. To anyone who reads this blog on a regular, semi-regular or intermittent basis - I sincerely thank you. You have no idea what it means to me. And, hopefully, with your help we can continue to grow together. To any first time readers, welcome and do pop back anytime! To those who've given me their time or who I've met through the blog - I'm so glad I got the opportunity to do so!

Everything I'm so proud of is pretty minor league stuff and I'm not getting ahead of myself here but I'm still happy with my wee achievements all the same. Let's hope it's only up and out from here!

How was your 2014?

Spring 2015 Looks

At the start of the AW season, I did a wee post where I put together some examples of the types of looks I was feeling for the season. I liked how that turned out so I thought I'd do another for Spring 2015 - especially as for most of Spring around my neck of the woods (Ireland) there's a lot of awkward in-between season dressing where the weather is still frightfully cold and miserable. Partly inspired by actual trends, partly inspired by my life and infused with my own twist on things - there's a touch of Saint Laurent SS15 and seventies vibes, there's an outfit inspired by how my mother used to dress me as a kid and another all-white number that comes from my love for Danielle Romeril SS15 and what Cos showed in their preview for next season.

What will you be wearing this season?

Get thee to Heatons this Christmas

Yesterday morning, Heatons launched their Christmas collections over breakfast. Starting the day off with Christmas stuff, a fashion show and the spread of food below isn't half bad. I mean, I can take getting up in the morning for this. And imagine getting up to it Christmas morning? Because that's what I recommend. The festive line is awesome - from cute decor, homeware, adorable kids clothes and super-impressive womenswear with just the right amount of tailoring. 

Oh, and the prices? Still super-reasonable.

I'll be expecting the tux blazer and houndstooth coat in my stocking, Santa.

Better still, is that from tomorrow, their new and improved online store will be open - meaning you can have the goodies delivered right to your door or arrange for instore pick-up. Handy.

Check out my shots from the show and event below and check out the site when it goes live tomorrow.

Has the Christmas excitement begun for you too?