Search Results for 'Lorna Weightman'

Ireland houses some of the most amazing designers, stylists, and fashion industry experts who have built up successful careers through ambition, entrepreneurship, and creativity. Although we do not have a fashion week per se, the Dublin Festival of Fashion is attempting to address the need for a platform for this talent. I have been involved with the festival since it started three years ago, and I have seen it grow in popularity, with fashionistas from around the country travelling to the capital to check out the programme of events, including talks from experts and plenty of fashion shows. But this year it will be extra special, with presenter Amanda Byram as the face of the festival. I met Amanda last week in Dublin to talk about what makes the festival special, why she is so excited to be part of it, and what she loves about fashion.

Celebrities are the most powerful tool in the world of fashion. What they wear sells millions worth of stock for retailers every season. So when the singer-slash-actress puts her name to something, well there are only two words to describe the fallout -— “cha ching”. The celebrity endorsement and brand ambassador phenomenon has fast become the key to surviving the retail decline and affirms a label’s place in the eyes of the bright lights of showbusiness. Over the last number of years there has been a surge in collaborations, from guest designers in department stores to celebrities having a go at some sketching themselves, although I always question the level of involvement they have in this end of things. Then we have celebrities who present and judge fashion design television shows with the aim of broadening their career aspirations into fashion. For all the many ways that the world of the rich and famous infiltrates the fickle world of fashion, the results, more often than not, translate into the one thing that makes the world go round, and that’s hard cash.

In fashion terms, summer is officially over. We are well and truly into sale territory and the first Autumn Winter stock will begin to hit the shop floors over the course of July and August (there are some amazing trends coming our way!). Honestly, I get a lot more excited about the summer sale frenzy then the post-Christmas one simply because I think my money always goes further. T-shirts, shorts and sandals are among the most popular sale purchases and traditionally are the best bargains. So if you are heading away on your summer vay-cay and want to nab some last minutes suitcase essentials, your timing could not be more apt. So ladies, put on your most comfortable shoes, and let's hit the high street for some polite elbowing and shouldering and find us that summer steal!

Getting fit is no easy chore and personally I am allergic to the gym. However I go anyway to keep fit and healthy and the odd time I actually enjoy myself, and with Olympic mania already gaining momentum, there is no time like 2012 to get sporty. I have never been a fan of tracksuits but with the increasing popularity of classes like Bikram yoga and Pilates, the range of gym and leisure wear now available in Ireland is at an all-time high. I will point out the obvious and say that comfort and fit are the most important, and depending on whether you like to walk, run, or go to classes, there is a practical element to your choice of clothing. The good news is that it is all very affordable.

Even if we do not want to admit it we are, as fashion consumers, influenced by the catwalk. It shapes our style, and in turn, how we buy. We see the likes of Jordan Dunn or Karly Kloss strut down the catwalk in something jaw dropping and we sit in hope that our favourite high street retailers will interpret this trend in an affordable way. At every fashion week, I watch intently so I can develop my personal trend preferences. Some jump at you, others take time to be realised. But this season is like a trends festival. As the summer is fast approaching and we plan our getaways to places that actually get some sun, I thought it appropriate to do a little refresher on some of the most popular looks.

If I ever won an award (preferably an Oscar) I would make sure I wore the mother of all ball gowns, bring the red carpet to a standstill, pose for the paps until my cheeks hurt and blow kisses at the adoring crowd. Well I can dream, right? Award season is well underway; the Golden Globes set the bar for exquisite style from Michelle Williams and Charlize Theron, the SAG awards let Angelina have her moment in Jenny Packham and the BAFTAs this week brought the black evening dress back to the fore. That said, celebrities do have the choice of every gown known to man; but not to worry, there are plenty of formal dresses making an appearance this season and at really affordable prices.

We all experience the feeling first thing on a Monday morning, dragging yourself out of bed, jumping in the shower, and then opening the wardrobe doors asking the same question: What will I wear? The traditional work wear attire consisted of the standard suit, for both men and women. For women, that has changed somewhat; the suit is disappearing and in come dresses and separates, which in essence, are far more flattering and comfortable to wear all day. That is not to say that dress policies specify what we can and cannot wear to work, so make sure you familiarise yourself with this before taking on any fashion experiments at work.

Castlebar woman Edel Moran has been crowned Curvette of the Year 2011.