Local fashion retailers to get ‘survival’ master class

Local fashion retailers are set to get a free master class in making the most of their business at a Fashion Fest workshop hosted by the Chairperson of the Council of Irish Fashion Designers, Eddie Shanahan in the Guildhall on Friday 18th November.

Retailers will be given the opportunity to take part in a ‘Reviving Retail Workshop’ during the programme which is organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council as part of its Fashion Fest programme.

Eddie Shanahan speaking ahead of the event said:

‘This is wonderful opportunity for local businesses to get inspiring ideas on how to stimulate their business and generate more income.This unique workshop is aimed at helping retailers to unearth the rich sources of design talent on their doorstep and how to identify other ways to revive their business.

"Locally there are so many opportunities for businesses to work with new designers to create and offer something unique to their customers and this is what these workshops are all about - providing that channel for the two to merge.

"Following a call to local designers in September to apply to take part in a Fashion Fest Design Showcase we received quite a number of applications from designers which provided a broad spectrum of emerging talent who will showcase to retailers and a grand audience at the Guildhall on Friday evening, following the retail workshop.

"We have been nurturing these talents through a number of development programs over recent months and now have discovered several exciting new designers who have been paired with established names to offer retailers a point of difference with which to attract customers. Amongst those taking part is Hannah Vail, a Dublin Fashion Week finalist, Milliner, Anna Caples, Jewellery designer, Hannah McGuinness and Fashion Designer Chloe Duggan.

"At the Designer Showcase in the Guildhall, myself, Deirdre McQuilllan and Sara O’Neill will then judge each designers collection and decide who will win a Council bursary prize award of £1,000!"

Fashion Fest will take place from 18th until 20th November. Further details on all the events taking place is available at www.derrystrabane.com/fashionfest