CFW Day 1: Student designer of the year awards..

It started on a bright sunny evening in Cork, and we trotted ourselves into town slowly in high high heels to The Pavilion. We were greeted by the models with their beautifully crimped hair and the CFW coordinators Viv and Emer. We worked the room for a bit before jumping into action, and we got to meet all the student designers, the judges, as well as social fashionistas.

We got the chance to talk to some of the designers before the show started. We were very fortunate to get a sneak peak backstage at their collections, and even got to video interview some of them. It was time for the models to start getting dressed, so we teetered over to the guest judges of the night. It was an honour to meet the renowned Irish designer Peter O'Brien, as well Emma Connelly the lovely fashion editor for the Evening Echo, and Fergal O'Connor of Origin Hair Design Cork. As intimidating as it was approaching the judges at first, the conversation with them was very relaxed and fluid.

Peter O'Brien stated that he was expecting a surprise from CFW, but perhaps something classic as well. "Fashion is a ridiculous industry.. it's all smoke and mirrors, but I love it.", and "Fashion should always be your sleeve, never your mistress." were some of his classic pearls of wisdom that we will treasure forever! After designing a diffusion line for A-wear, his next project will be costume designing for the Dublin Gay Theatre. He loves Tilda Swinton and Katherine Hepburn, whom we love too, and admires women who are quirky, yet understated. Emma Connelly was hoping to see the designers express their true personality without being too overstated. Fergal O'Connor predicted something a bit edgy, and predicted the next big hair trend with a big vibe for the 80s, and he's loving the lasers, bright colors and big shoulders.

The lovely judges

We took out spot in the front row seats (look at us being all Rachel Zoe...that's bananas, I die). Eimear Varian Barry also known as EVB was the host of the show, and we happened to be sitting next to her awesome mom. EVB said she wanted to "have fun with a big fashion family!".

Us and EVB

The show started with Mary Cronin, who's collection was based on the northern lights as a reflection of the sky on the arctic landscape. Our favorite pieces of her collection were the items with the cobblestone effect silk and the chiffon wide flared ruffle pants. A dress that wasn't to be forgotten was the Jetsons-like nude colored dress with fanny pack and the wired hem.

Joanna King's collection was inspired by the Sunday best, with high necked collars, chiffon bell sleeves and bright taffetas dominating the runway.

We loved Jackie Manning's work, and we both gasped in awe when her first piece hit the runway. It was an explosion of black and white tulle, made into a beautifully crafted asymmetric one shouldered dress. It looked like a delicious meringue with a hint of dark chocolate.

Joe Howard interpreted recycling into his collection by re-using found objects and scrap material. It's great to see a designer with such vision, who's outfits don't actually look like scraps.



Look out for Aidan Sheehan's collection in the next post! Let's just say it was amazing..

Marie Clair Foley was inspired by exotic birds, butterflies, and flowers and used paint, embroidery and sculptural techniques in her designs.

Cathy Johnson was the spotlight designer for the evening, post coming soon!

All in all it was tippidytaptopiddy topnotch night (in Fi's own words.....), and the SOS! girls were not disappointed.

xx-LJ & Fi