Top Irish and Kerry fashion designers and independent boutiques were the stars of the show on Thursday at the Muckross Park Hotel.

Delphine and Christine Grandjouan at the Fashion at the Muckross Park Hotel Killarney on Thursday. Photo: Barry Murphy

Zoe O'Connor Emily O'Donoghue and Orla Diffily at Fashion at the Muckross Park Hotel on Thursday. Photo: Barry Murphy

Mairead Bowen pictured at the Fashion at the Muckross Park Hotel Killarney on Thursday. Photo: Barry Murphy

Mary Stapleton Foley at the Fashion at the Muckross Park Hotel Killarney on Thursday. Photo: Barry Murphy

Cathy Troth and Frances Fogarty at the Fashion at the Muckross Park Hotel on Thursday. Photo: Barry Murphy

Jane Green and Orla O'Driscoll at the Fashion at the Muckross Park Hotel on Thursday. Photo: Barry Murphy

Nora Herlihy and Betty Farrell ready for the Fashion at the Muckross Park Hotel on Thursday. Photo: Barry Murphy

Helena Hanbidge and Catriona Heaslip looking stunning at the Fashion at the Muckross Park Hotel on Thursday. Photo: Barry Murphy

Trish Thompson and Megan Hanley at the Fashion at the Muckross Park Hotel on Thursday. Photo: Barry Murphy

Helen Cody and Rory Murphy at the Fashion at the Muckross Park Hotel on Thursday. Photo: Barry Murphy

The style was sensational both on and off the runway in what was one of the most hotly anticipated events of the season 'Fashion at the Muckross Park' produced in association with Kellihers Toyota Tralee.

Guests travelled from all over Kerry and far beyond, for an exclusive preview of new collections from top Irish and Kerry designers and boutiques. The show was opened with a collection bursting with colour, happiness and light by acclaimed Irish fashion couturier Helen Cody and the finale was a rare retrospective showcase from another multi-award winning couturier Delphine Grandjouan. Produced by Orla Diffily and the team at Upfront Model Management, in association with Ray Stack Productions, it is the first in a series of shows designed to put Irish fashion creatives back into the spotlight and promote local businesses and fashion sustainability.

The evening opened with red carpet arrivals and champagne and canapés reception in the opulent setting of the tea room at the Muckross Park Hotel. Guests also enjoyed a complimentary Muckross Wild Irish Gin reception. The main show was modelled on international fashion week salon setting, and featured Helen Cody, Carol Kennelly, Cathy Troth, Delphine Grandjouan, Goose Boutique, MacBees, Phoenix V, Jasmine, Hannons, Holden Leathergoods, Lily Mais by Fran and jewellery by master goldsmith Brian de Staic. Winner of the Upfront New Emerging Designer competition Megan Hanley of Lola & Winter also showed her beautiful collection. The night was MC’d by fashion blogger Emily O’Donoghue.

The winner of the Most Sustainable Guest Style, in association with Kellihers Toyota Tralee, and judged by Emily O’Donoghue, was Jill Hannon, who won a matching Fiadh pendant set from Irish jeweller Brian de Staic. The winner of the Most Sustainable Collection, in association with Kellihers Toyota Tralee, was Frances Fogarty, creative director, Lily Mais by Fran who designs colourful swim robes made completely from disused and repurposed towels. She won a photo shoot with top DOP, James Maher. The winner of the Most Stylish Guest, sponsored by Holden Leathergoods, was Vambail. She won a limited edition new season leather clutch by Holden.

The hair on the evening was sponsored by Sean Taaffe Hair & Beauty. Make-up was by Juliette. The organisers wish to thank the Muckross Park Hotel for their incredible assistance and support in organising this event, Connect Magazine for their generous spot prize and magazines, Listowel Races for tickets to Ladies Day and Grace Foley singer for spot prizes.
Upfront Model Management have produced stellar events for over 20 years including KFW fashion week and the New Season Collections at the Aghadoe where they also sponsored the Sustainable Collection Award. The next designer showcase is in The Glasshouse at the Montenotte Hotel Cork on Wednesday May 18.