Things have changed in Nokia Young Fashion Designer award-land this year, and there's no big brouhaha with the traditional huge catwalk show, massive queues and squabbles for seats.
Susie Bubble did the judging honours with an Irish panel 12 months ago, but this time around, cult fash blogger Facehunter was in town to help a panel that included designers Marc O'Neill and Aideen Bodkin plus ASOS's Debbie Walker and Avoca's Amanda Pratt.
The student-designed clothes themselves come out from under cover of what was traditionally a very press-heavy event too, because the Nokia YFD format moves to that of a symposium with talks over four days and an exhibition, meaning anyone can pop along to see the final 20 designs - as well, of course, the winning one (Emmy Slattery from NCAD, fact fans)
There was some pomp and preening yesterday morning though as the gals who were modeling the students' designs for judging lined up at South William Street's Brown Sugar for hair and makeup. I popped in quickly to get a gander at the look and to snap a few pix. Heavily influenced by the recent Dior couture show, makeup featured a clean base, very strong brows, neutral lids and a natural lip, all the better to not distract from the clothes and to work across a big range of different design styles. Tight lining defined the eyes, and all products used were from Kohl, Brown Sugar's own brand.
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Then it was on to hair: big, teased, pinned up and gorgeously shaped, it looked fantastic. Ok, a bit much for a night on the tiles but for anyone with a lot of locks or as a style for a brave bride, this'd look amazing. Plus, now we know Brown Sugar can definitely deliver on the much-coveted upstyle, a skill so many can't seem to master.
Like the looks? Let us know in a comment!
Fancy checking out the finalists yourself? The exhibition takes place from today, Thursday 25th to Sunday 28th at Powerscourt Townhouse Centre. Admission is free.
