Yesterday I popped down to the RDS with my friend and super deadly knitwear designer, Honor Fitzsimons, for Showcase 2015. It was so inspiring to see so many amazing Irish designers of all disciplines under one roof. We stayed for 4.5 hours chatting away with people, making new friends and contacts, trying on jewellery and hats, and taking in the fashion show. 

(Honor models a modern creation by Fiona Mangan)

I spoke with several Irish brands which, fingers-crossed, will lead to some very exciting collaborations. I was surprised and delighted at how enthusiastic people were about sex toys. 

One of my favourite booths was one we didn't see till the very end of the day. We were lured into jewellery designer, Pierce Healy's corner booth by his incredible display of gold and silver rings and necklaces set on spray painted toy dinosaurs and Disney characters. His work is somewhere between Viking, Steampunk, and Rockstar, but could be worn by anyone. 

The fashion show was spectacular. Loads of great tweed and knit pieces including this stunning red dress by Ireland's Eye. Many of the models wore these amazing headpieces made by Appassionata Flowers on Drury Street. I wonder if that's something I could pull off. I'm gonna go with yes.

We had a wonderful and productive day. Watch this space over the next few months for the addition of a few great Irish brands!