SHOWCASE PICS....

Our View from the Balcony..

We were so chuffed to find out that we had been included in the Top New Products in Ireland for 2011. Our product entry and packaging took pride of place down in the main arena in the New Products Gallery.

The Corner of our stand at SHOWCASE 2011.

I paid a visit to my pal, Elaine Sarah at her stunning Button & Co stand in the main arena. A Waterford based craft brand blazing a trail on the new Irish handcrafted products stage! I must add it took me quite a few visits before I could catch a chat with Elaine Sarah, each of the previous times I paid her a visit her stand was surrounded by very official looking buyers in official looking suits! To say that Button & Co are doing well would be quite the understatement. Also worth adding that this gal is one of the most hardworking, passionate and talented girls I know, very determined and deserves all of the success and support that is coming her way! Ger was also at SHOWCASE but she managed to get through without getting her picture taken so if anybody captured a vintage looking gal tiptoeing around in red tights and matching red shoes please do send them onto me.x

Our New Vintage Inspired Bridal Fascinators at SHOWCASE.

Gals,

We returned from SHOWCASE ( Ireland's biggest Creative Expo showcasing the best of Irish Handmade Products and Brands) at the RDS Dublin, last Weds Night and it's taken us days to come round from the exhaustion of the week away. We had a long week in the run up to the fair, prepping products, packaging, designing leaflets at 2 in the morning etc, ya know that kind of thing! Once the fair kicked off it was 4 days of networking, meeting potential clients and showcasing our wares to 1000's of buyers from all over the world. It was our very first time exhibiting at any trade fair so it was a really eye-opening experience. We were showcasing in the Balcony area under the Local City Enterprise Board. We joined forces with 4 other local craft/designers as part of the new Waterford Design Collective, Kite Design Studios ( more about this in the next post) . We are already looking forward to next year's SHOWCASE and hope to be exhibiting in the main arena, fingers crossed. :) In a nutshell, we made new contacts, made new clients and we were included in the Top New Products List for Ireland 2011, a great way to step into the New Year. We also had a chance to bond with our new friends in Kite Design Studios (our new home!). There was lots of chatting, a couple of bevvies all round a great opportunity to get to know one another over the 4 days away. ( Tell you all about these guys in the next post)

( A special Thank You to Waterford City Enterprise Board for the opportunity to participate in SHOWCASE this year. Thanks also to the Crafts Council of Ireland for running such a terrific event)

Elite Model Launch Party

Elite Model Launch Party in Krystle's Nightclub Dublin April 30th
What a view! Pic taken from the party section of Krystles Nightclub. An open air section of the club, absolutely stunning venue!

Irish Elite Model Grace Connell from Limerick and bonzie busting a move on the dancefloor!

Grace was a doll!

My Plus One!! My pal Caz accompanied me to the event and wasn't long about getting into the swing of things!

Caz and I had the good fortune to be in the company of this gorgeous creature: Anna Saccone. An absolutely gorgeous vision to look at but incredibly sweet and positive person. She has an infectious spirit and we were really enjoying her company on the night! Anna is Ireland's most subscribed female on Youtube. She runs a highly successful channel for young women in Ireland and has just published her first book: her message is loud and clear! Change your style, Not yourself!!!!

We Love Her! (more about Anna later)

My first bevvie! (if you exclude the bottle of pink bubbly we had in the hotel!eek)

bonzie, Grace Connell (Elite Model) and the uber stylish Maria Fusco (Top Irish Stylist Legend!!)

bonzie and Gorgeous Georgina Heffernan! (RTE Fashion Editor)

Georgina is incredibly supportive of our work. We adore her. :)

Myself and Caz.

Anna Saccone & Me. :)

Film genius Jonathan Joly in the background capturing the event on film. Will be posting this up later too. Caz and I made the cut aswell as a lovely interview with RTE Fashion Editor, Georgina Heffernan. All round an absolutely fabulous night. We don't get to participate in many such events given that we live down the South and most of these nights take place in Dublin, but I have to say it was a terrific launch and everyone really enjoyed themselves. I met with Sebastian Castrillon, the president of Elite Model Management who was probably the most stylish male on the night, Suit: Tom Ford complete with a diamond brooch no less! Sebastian was so welcoming and hosted the night with elegance and flair! On a side note, amongst the celebs there on the night I got a glimpse of Kamal Ibrahim, the Irish Male Model who has just snatched the title of Mr World.....well ladies, I can safely say, I don't think a title was EVER so well deserved!! An absolute vision of a man , god bless him! ..and my favourite bit is he is very pleasant and all round "sound" as they say here in Ireland! Congrats on the win Kamal, we salute you and your beautiful packaging. :)

ps. For some unknown reason, and possibly just a lucky twist of fate, Caz and I arrived to our hotel, having booked a pretty standard, cheap and cheerful room, only to be met by a super friendly receptionist who informs us that we have been upgraded to the suite room!! We were chuffed to bits! It's not everyday that happens and we certainly made the most of it! Thanks to Grafton Capital Hotel, Dublin for a wonderful stay, we will be back. We bought the staff a box of choccies to say thanks!