Ballinahown-based handbag designer Martina Dermody will fly the flag for Westmeath at next week’s Irish Fashion Innovation Awards in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Galway.
The prestigious awards on Thursday April 17 give visibility, support, and a voice to young design talent throughout Ireland, offering an unrivalled opportunity for their work to be shown to a jury made up of fashion design experts.
Winners will be announced in six different categories including accessory, millinery, jewellery, dress design, ‘Ones to Watch’, and a student category.
Martina is a finalist in the accessory designer category.
Martina established The Handy Bag Co in 2012 having won an award for Most Innovative Use of a Medium from Offaly and Westmeath local development companies.
With an eye for colours and a passion for bags, Martina decided to design bags which are not only practical but beautiful too! Her main product is a multi-purpose bag which can be used for many different occasions, including travelling, knitting, sketching, for students, or even a new mum!
Martina will be hoping her 2014 collection will catch the eye of the judging panel who include Eddie Shanahan, chairperson at the Council of Irish Fashion Designers; Deirdre McQuillan, Irish Times fashion journalist; and Patricia McCrossan, managing director of Golden Egg Productions.
For more information or to buy tickets for the event call (091 ) 384350, log on to www.goldenegg.ie/events, or search ‘Irish Fashion Innovation Awards’ on Facebook. Tickets, which cost €35, include pre-show drinks and canapés, a special gift, and the awards ceremony followed by a fantastic after-show party to start off the Easter weekend in style.
