Fashion in a Glass House

03 September 2008

Fashionistas from all over Munster will be gathering in Tralee on Friday 26th September to view the Autumn/Winter Collections from Kerry's leading designers and boutiques at a very unique location, the Dutch built Highlight Glass House of the new look Ballyseedy Home & Outdoor Living.  One of only two of it's kind in the country, the venue which has a unique Curved Glass Roof will form a beautiful backdrop to the stunning creations on the Catwalk .The event is being organised to raise vital funds for Build4Life, a charity set up to to develop Ireland's first dedicated CF treatment unit within Cork University Hospital and to raise awareness for Cystic Fibrosis.   Hosting the night will be Sinead Desmond, well known and popular Ireland am Presenter, together with Lee Bradshaw, from RTE's The Restaurant and Chef/Proprietor of the Station House Bar & Grill in Tralee.  Some of Kerry's leading fashion names will be showcasing their new collections including Hannons of Castleisland, Macbees and Envy of Killarney, Ryle Menswear and Whispers of Tralee, La Boheme - Dingle, and Taelane Boutique from Listowel.  Designer Bridal and Evening Wear by Caroline Atelier and Footwear will be by Wild Pair, Tralee.

The event has been organised by three women with Kerry connections involved in the fashion industry, Award Winning Bridal Designer Caroline Matthews of Caroline Atelier Designs and Norma O'Donoghue, who designs custom made and award winning head pieces and has her own boutique in Tralee, Whispers, specialising in occasion and evening wear.  Working with Caroline and Norma is Deirdre Waldron from Fuzion PR and Marketing who is involved on an ongoing basis with Build4Life and also works with a wide range of fashion and beauty clients.

Speaking at the launch of the event Caroline stated "The event is to showcase the best of Fashion in Kerry.  When I first came to Kerry from Leeds I was so impressed with the quality and range of boutiques and designers.  Even my friends from Leeds love to shop here and some of them have already booked their flights to come over for the event.  I now have my own business set up in Kerry and am really looking forward to showcasing my new collection of Bridal and Event Wear in such a beautiful setting as the Glass House at Ballyseedy Garden Centre."

Deirdre added "Our aim through the event is to raise €10,000 for Build4Life, but as well as raising vital funds it will be a great girlie night out full of fun, fashion and great entertainment.  Our special thanks go to Liam O'Connor and Kelly McDonnell from the Liam O'Connor Show who will be providing the entertainment on the night during the Fashion Show."

Siobhan O'Mahony, leading Clarins Make Up Artist, in association with Debenhams will be providing Make Up for the Models who are from leading Dublin Agency B Scene, who recently produced the Miss Universe Ireland competition.  Hair Styling will be provided by Sean Taaffe Hair & Beauty, from Killarney who was recently announced as a finalist for Salon of the Year for Schwarzkopf Ireland.  

As well as a Drinks Reception on arrival Gorgeous Canapés will be provided by Just Cooking a Kerry based Cookery School and Hospitality Consultancy Service.  There will also be an Afters Party hosted by Lee Bradshaw at the Station House Bar and Grill with further drinks and a selection of Canapés for guests who wish to extend the night with their friends.  After all it is on a Friday!!

Tickets for the event are €60 each, which includes admission to the Afters Party and are available from participating boutiques as well as Ballyseedy Home & Garden Centre Tralee.  Further information on the event and on Build4Life can be found on www.build4life.net.