Irish Fashion Week's first event, and my special connection to the most iconic ‘Celia skirt’

The event was held in The Westbury hotel in Dublin.

I was accompanied by the fantastic designer Mary O’Sullivan who dressed me for a panel talk I gave. I've been Mary's friend for years. I first met her a number of years ago when I hosted a fashion show with the Holman Lee Agency in Castletroy College. Even as a teenager, Mary showed a discerning eye for design, and has since blossomed into a fantastic bespoke designer.

I have a special affinity for Mary’s designs as we both have a big grá for Limerick, textiles, and garments with a strong sense of place and purpose. Mary has a way of looking at the world through the lens of fashion, design and creativity which we always bond over.

For the panel, I met Mary outside the hotel. The traffic down to Dublin was horrific in the heat, so I was in a hurry to get ready.

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In a hectic flurry of colour, finishing touches, and fashion flair, I got ready with hair and makeup and clothes in a scenario that many models will be familiar with, though is rarely openly discussed in the industry. Yes, reader, I got my glam on in the bathroom.

Mary styled me in the bathroom, and when I emerged onto the hotel floor, I felt like a million bucks. I was wearing the ‘Celia skirt’, which Mary so kindly has named after me, and the ‘Mary corset’.

Back in 2024, I was the first to wear the ‘Celia skirt’ for the Paul Costelloe show, so I feel I have a special connection to the piece.

I feel so lucky to showcase such beautiful and stunning one-of-a-kind pieces from Mary O’Sullivan. Mary is one of my favourite designers to come out of Limerick in recent years, and I would recommend her clothes to anyone who has an appreciation for fashion.

At the moment, she’s working on the most stunning custom wedding dress, and I tell you, it’s so beautiful it would almost make me want to get married again!

Back to the event – I was delighted to be surrounded by the best of the best of Irish design. There were business people, and marketing heads giving talks as well on the economics of the fashion business, which of course, are equally as important as the makers. I always say – there’s no design without a cash flow!

Anyhow, all that is to say I am incredibly excited for the return of Ireland’s Fashion Week in October. It is incredible the amazing fashion coming out of Ireland, and I’m so thankful to have even just a small part in the scene.

Watch this space,

Xx Celia