Showcase Ireland News

Top 50 New Products at Showcase

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:13:38 GMT

A full lsiting of the Top 50 New Products is available here.

Showcase Fashion 2012 - A New Platform for Irish Fashion

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:56:56 GMT

The inaugural runway show featured over 150 garments and accessories from exhibitors at the show. It also featured guest designers such as Louise Kennedy and Paul Costelloe.

There was a lively panel discussion on Monday morning on the Challenges and Opportunities in Irish Fashion. The concensus was that even in recessionary times, Irish fashion has a future. Showcase Ireland will continue the fashion trend at Showcase 2013.

See all the segments of Showcase Fashion 2012 runway show in the Video File.

President Michael D Higgins Opens Showcase 2012

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:43:37 GMT

Showcase includes a wide range of well-known consumer brands including Tipperary Crystal, Belleek, Galway Crystal and Avoca. It also features Creative Island, a space dedicated to beautifully crafted products exclusively ‘Imagined, Designed and Made in Ireland’. First launched at Showcase in 2010, Creative Island has been expanded from 55 to 85 exhibitors, all chosen by an independent jury for their creativity, innovation and craftsmanship.

Other elements of Showcase 2012 include:

The Top 50 New Products area where buyers can easily locate some of the best newly launched items.
A ‘New Trends’ Area highlighting the hot products for 2012.
A new Enterprise Zone, where 52 new micro enterprises from 13 counties in Ireland are displaying their fresh talent under the umbrella of the County and City Enterprise Boards.
Seminars for retailersfeaturing expert speakers on topics such as business development, merchandising and trends forecasting.

The show continues in the RDS until Wednesday 25th January

Lynda Gault Ceramics Wins Best New Product at Showcase 2012

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:24:50 GMT

Showcse Award Winners

Crafts Council of Ireland Craftsmanship Awards

Now in its fifth year this award highlights excellence in craftsmanship. Winner: Furniture maker Karl Sweeny from Dublin for his magnificent, elegant jewellery boxes.

Showcase Exporter of the Year Award
Recognising Irish exporting companies which provide a top class service to their overseas customers. Winner - Fisherman Out of Ireland www.fishermanoutofireland.com

The Crafts Council of Ireland’s Creative Island Award
This award is given to exhibitors in the Creative Island area for best stand design and merchandise display and overall product quality.

Winner: Jewellery maker Christina Brosnan - www.christinabrosnan.com

Showcase Top New Products Award

Chosen for new products that are clearly of a quality design, that will excite and attract consumers. (Total of 50 new products selected in Top New Products and aredisplayed in a special area in the Shelbourne Hall)

Overall winner - Lynda Gault Ceramics

Showcase Fashion 2012 - a New Platform for Irish Fashion

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:50:38 GMT

Showcase Fashion 2012 features two events:

Sunday 22^nd January at 6.30pm, RDS Members’ Library. Irish Fashion Runway Show produced and directed by Sonia Reynolds, featuring collections from the Irish Fashion and Clothing exhibitors at Showcase. Show takes places This is a ticketed event and space is limited. For more information, please contact the Organiser’s Office in the Main Hall

Monday 23^rd January from 9.00am-10.00pm, Merrion Room, off the Balcony. A panel discussion on Challenges and Opportunities in Selling Irish Fashion at Home and Abroad

Panellists include:

Dermott Rowan, MD and co-owner of Kiely Rowan PLC, the company that owns the fashion brands Orla Kiely and Olive & Orange. Dermott is a Board member of the Crafts Council of Ireland

Constance Harris , fashion editor of the Sunday Independent and fashion editor of Life Magazine.

Sonya Lennon , co-presenter of RTE’s hit prime time show ‘Off the Rails, and one of Ireland’s top fashion stylists. Sonya is a Board member of the Crafts Council of Ireland.

Sonia Reynolds, Director SRM PR, producer and director of the inaugural runway fashion show at Showcase Fashion 20 12

This is a ticketed event and space is limited. For more information, please contact the Organiser’s Office in the Main Hall

Look out for the Showcase Fashion 2012 labels on garments and accessories featured in the runway show on participating exhibitors’ stands.

Leather and Crochet a Winning Combination for byyvonne

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:41:35 GMT

Yvonne's first products demonstrated a whole new take on traditional crochet. They have since been picked up by US publication Vogue Knitting International & chosen as a gift for Michele Obama on her visit to Ireland. Her work is available in the Design Centre, Dublin and other outlets.. Her new leather and crochet neckpieces take on a whole new dimension and are great statement pieces for the neck & the wrist to jazz up the party dress or even the weekend jumper!

Look Up - 57 Small Craft Businesses Set to Impress

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:15:54 GMT

Download the Look Up brochure which has details of all 57 exhibitors from 15 counties in Ireland and plan your visit in advance of the show.

On Their Way to Showcase 22-25 January

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:23:55 GMT

350 top companies in craft and design to unveil their new products to the world

Export growth anticipated, built on strong Year of Craft 2011 performance
Pre-show buyer registrations up by over 70% on 2011
More than €20 million in sales orders expected over four days
Exciting launch of Showcase Fashion 2012 runway show and events
Expanded Creative Island featuring Irish designed and made craft

Castle Arch Pottery Joins the Dots with New Range

Sun, 8 Jan 2012 09:22:19 GMT

Castle Arch Pottery is constantly updating the ranges the company brings to Showcase each year. Often inspired by table top Ray Power encounters on his travels, he enjoys adding his own twist to classic shapes to create ranges that appeal to contemporary taste.

Stories Cast in Stone

Sat, 7 Jan 2012 12:16:34 GMT

The company is now selling into the UK and has plans to expand into the wider European market, doubling their workforce in the process.Visit the Kay Berry stand, D34 in the Main Hall. and see their website

www.kayberryireland.com

New Directions in Jewellery Design from new Dublin Designer

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 17:04:31 GMT

In 2012, Janice plans to release two more ranges, visit her in the Enterprise Zone at the Dublin Enterprise Stand on the Balcony.

Farm21 Brings Nature Indoors with Innovative Interior Products

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 16:58:47 GMT

Farm21 is also at the forefront of bio-plastics, and we are continually pushing the technology and materials to new levels.

At Showcase Sasha of Farm21 will be exhibiting some of her new items, including mirrors, lighting and vases. Visit her in the Enterprise Zone at the Carlow Co Enterprise Stand on the Balcony.

Irish Handmade Glass Company on Creative Island

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 21:18:06 GMT

Watch out for the demonstrations of glass blowing that will take place just outside the entrance to the Show.

See the master craftsmen of Irish Handmade Glass company at work.

Free Retail Clinics - Book Your Place Now with Retail Experts

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 21:01:21 GMT

James Burke, Retail Consultant

James Burke is a senior level retail executive with over 25 years of boardroom and retail operations experience. He is also the retail advisor to the TV programme,”Feargal Quinn’s Retail Therapy”. If you drop in to the clinic at any time James will be happy to chat to wherever turns up on business development issues. If you would like a 15-minute, one- to- one session with James you can book this in advance by emailing barbara@jamesburke.ie..

Jane Newbigging, Context Business Solutions

With over 25 years’ experience in retail and training and development, Jane offers practical advice on ways to motivate staff to sell. She will also talk to you about how to improve customer spend and gain loyalty.

To get the most out of your meeting, please bring details of size & nature of your business; number of staff and photograph of your sales/ payment areas.

To make a timed appointment please email Jane at info@contextbusinesssolutions.com

Céline Cummins MIDI, International Retail Designer

Célinewill be giving free tips on cost effective makeovers, visual merchandising and window display.

To book a timed free! one- to- one appointment with Célineemail at propshop@eircom.net Or call 01 8570090

To get the best from your meeting it is advisable to email or bringmany photographs of your store front and interior as you can.

Craftmanship Award Winner Woolcore Brings New Collection of Baby Products to Showcase

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:54:10 GMT

Woolcore’s design team is headed by the much acclaimed wool felt artist, Charlotte Sehmisch from Weimar in Germany, home of the famous Bauhaus design movement. Woolcore Designs have crafted a collection which combines the artistic with the functional and the fun with the practical inspired by the Bauhaus design tradition. Visit Woolcore in Creative Island in the Main Hall.

Leap into Spring with Ashleigh & Burwood Home Fragrances

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:33:25 GMT

As ever Ashleigh & Burwood are always looking to extend their fragrance offering to support their increasing lamp styles – all their fragrances are expertly developed and produced using the finest scents. The newest additions to their extensive lamp fragrance collection are Wild Mint, Citrus Burst, Pomegranate and Japanese Orchid – a clever selection of spring inspired fragrances combining traditional scents with unusual and diverse notes, guaranteed to appeal to a wide range of consumers’ scent preferences.

See the Ashleigh & Burwood collection at Stand D79 Main Hall (Laurence Carey Agencies)

Dolce Verre Fine China for that Perfect Cup of Tea

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:52:56 GMT

The Dolce Verre China Collection is in the Chinoiserie style. An eclectic mix where East meets West. It uses the floral patterns found in Chinese pottery and a flurry of birds and butterflies, more usual in European styling. And in keeping with today’s lifestyle, all items are dishwasher safe. Visit them at their stand in the Main Hall.

Sky’s the limit as Brooke and Shoals Candle Makers Signs Deal with Aer Lingus – and Set to Launch New Products at Showcase

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 12:24:57 GMT

Alison creates superior Irish made candles using high quality, fragranced natural wax. She built on her experience of fragrance by going to Grasse in the South of France, the capital of fragrance, to study it in more detail and gather new inspiration.

“My passion for fragrance and smells began as a young child in my Great Aunt’s garden. She had no grand-children of her own so she doted on me. I loved to pick the beautifully fragrant rose petals in her garden in Skerries and she would help me crush them and make what I thought, in my 6 year old naivety, was real perfume.

“My Great Aunt is also responsible for the name Brooke & Shoals. She used to say ‘the babbling brook and the whispering shoals told me you were a good girl”.

“As part of our drive for scent-excellence, we formulate our divine smells by blending fabulous fragrance oils and natural essential oils. We also use an exceptionally high level of fragrance within our candles. The combination of both of these factors, create a aroma with a strong fragrance-throw that really lasts.

“Our candles are made from sustainably sourced natural soy wax. We would never use paraffin wax as it is derived from the world’s scarce and ever-depleting oil reserves and itemits toxins when burned. Our natural soy wax blend gives a much cleaner toxin-free burn,” she concluded.

Further details are available on www.brookeandshoals.ie and visit her on her stand D105 in the Main Hall.

Lee Valley - Coming Home Video Launched

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 11:32:42 GMT

From a small start, Lee Valley has gone from strength to strength. Over the years, the range has expanded to include nightwear, outterwear, shirting and knitwear. The family run business is committed to designing and making high quality garments that are sought all over the world. Visit Lee Valley at their stand in the Shelbourne Hall. In the meantime, sit back and relax, enjoying the Coming Home video, shot on site in Inchigeela, featuring their range of products for today's style conscious.

Transylvanian-born Tipperary-based knitwear designer to launch her new collection at Showcase

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 16:42:40 GMT

Camelia’s Romancing the Lace collection t includes light, knee length dresses, chic cardigans and tops, as well as very romantic formal full length dresses, married with handmade lace details and exquisite accessories. The neutral bronze, silver and black colours are balanced with deep purple and plum.

Born in Transylvania, Camelia studied textiles in the Technical University "GheorgheAsachi" in the Faculty of Textiles and Leather Engineering in 1986, to study textiles. She specialised in knitting.

While working as a knitwear designer and programmer for computer assisted textile machines in her native country, she became passionate about computing and her career took her in a new direction as a programmer. She came to Ireland in 1998 to work for a medical devices company in Ireland where she met her future

Her passion for crafts, however, persuaded her to reconnect with textile world and she established Meli Bondre in June 2010 in her adopted county of Tipperary.

Cameilia is being supported by the Tipperary Enterprise Board and will part of a new “Enterprise Zone” in the balcony of the Main Hall.

Craft Masters Win Stand at Showcase

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:49:20 GMT

Designer and Craft Master panellist Paul Costello described Edward Cook’s iron chair as “So important for Irish creativity, you could show it anywhere in the world and people would say “fantastic”. This is unique and this should be what you’re encouraging as the halo, for everybody else to follow”. While designer Louise Kennedy commended Caoimhe Wood’s ceramic heart for following the brief commenting “She could write orders tomorrow, it’s a great piece and the price point is great.”

A second series of RTE’s Craft Master is at the planning stage.

New Range of Table Top and Interiors Made from Recylced Ground Coffee

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:15:29 GMT

Started by IT specialist, Denis Dolan, Denre wants to ‘raise the standard of recycled products’. This range proves that recycling, sustainability and good design go together. Visit Denre at their stand in the Shelbourne Hall at stand A258 .

New Range of Greeting Cards from Contemporary Irish Artists

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:24:30 GMT

The inspiration for Art Cards Ireland came from Marion’s observation that today’s artists have a different perspective on Ireland’s landscape and culture that varies from the more traditional view of Ireland often found in greeting cards. Published in this format the work makes for beautiful cards that allow people to communicate with each other in a personal way.

Only a few months up and running, Art Cards Ireland’s range is stocked in book shops, craft shops, the National Gallery of Ireland and the Hunt Museum, Limerick.

First time exhibitors at Showcase, Visit Art Cards Ireland on Stand A279 in the Shelbourne Hall.

Artists include:

Jonathan Aiken
Walter Bernardini
William Blair
Valerie Brennan
Mary Canty
Rod Coyne -
Marie Hanlon
Siobhan Hyde
Kevin McAleenan -
Zita McGarry Kelly -
Shane O’Connor -
Christina Jasmin Roser
John Short -
Holly Somerville -
Anushiya Sundaralingam -
Veronica Wallis

Lamps and Mirrors reflect Aran Hand-Knit Heritage

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:46:38 GMT

Cillían Johnston’s “Aran Beag” range(‘beag’ means ‘small’ in the Irish language) is a series of products table lamps and mirrors that incorporate hand-knit Aran textile pieces in a happy blend of contemporary design and traditional craft. This is Cillían’s first showing at Showcase; visit him on the Balcony at the Wicklow Enterprise Board stand.His website is www.cjfurniture.ie

Crochet and Leather Neckpiece to Create a Chain Reaction for By Yvonne

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:16:40 +0100

Yvonne has not rested on her laurels, developing her product range and extending her use of materials. Her latest creation, featured here, uses traditional crochet thread and thin leather strips to make a dazzling chain neckpiece. Her bold, innovative approach in this design has led to orders in the Irish Design Centre, Powerscourt House, Dublin. See this and other new products at her stand in Creative Island. Visit her websitehttp://byyvonne.ie/

Showcase Trends 2012-2012 - It’s a Brave New World

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:01:37 +0100

The Four Main Themes of our Brave New World Are:

‘SAVAGE BEAUTY’ – SPRING SUMMER 2012-13

‘ORDINARY HEROES’ - SPRING SUMMER 2012-13

‘TWISTED PUNK’ – AUTUMN WINTER 2012-13

‘TRUE SOPHISTICATE’ – AUTUMN WINTER 2012-13

For more information here the Trends area in the Highlights Section, Catch the seminars on Trends in the Seminar Area at the Show to put you in the picture of what’s hot for 2012-2013.

Klickity Creates A Fanfare with New Clock

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:34:05 +0100

Klickity’s new Scribble Box, to be launched at Showcase, is a stackable, customisable set of cardboard boxes which allows the user to decorate them and create their very own personalised desk tidy. Users can release their inner scribbler and sketch, scribble, draw or paint onto the boxes and then use them to store stationery or jewellery. The design duo have made a big impact since their first outing at Showcase last year. The New Product Award judges commented that it was refreshing to see young, exciting design talent producing great contemporary designs at great price points. Their products are now stocked all over Ireland and they have opened new accounts in the UK in recent times. Visit Klickity in Creative Island.

New Lease of Life for Irish Linen with Greg Whelan Designs

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:30:29 +0100

The Irish Linen House designs and manufacturers superior quality 100% Irish linen products. The product range comprises of tablerunners, placemats and napkins. The product range through its versatility of design takes the market beyond individual homes to the wider home accessory market and gift market. Visit The Irish Linen House in Creative Island.

Hennessy & Byrne - Stories Carved in Stone

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:15:51 +0100

The ancient stone used in Hennessy & Byrne’s giftware range was formed up to 900 million years ago, quarried in selected quarries around Ireland and handpicked by craftsmen. All of the designs work with the natural beauty and variety of the raw material.

The range is stocked by retailers across Ireland including The Donegal Shop in Dublin, The Kilkenny Design Centre in Kilkenny, Louth Craft mark and Joyce’s Craft Shop in Connemara In the USA , they sell to retailers based in New Hampshire and Pennsylvania in the U.S.

New Products for Showcase 2012

New products to watch out for at Showcase 2012 include a selection of cutlery items with handcrafted stone handles, some smaller Christmas themed gift items, as well as exciting additions to our tableware range in each of the three featured stones, Connemara Marble, Kilkenny Limestone and Wicklow Granite. Visit Hennessy & Byrne in Creative Island.

"You Don't Have to be Irish to love Susannagh Grogan Scarves"

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:50:45 +0100

Like many of the designers at Showcase Susannagh Grogan strives to provide modern Irish design with international quality and appeal. A recent article in the Pittsbury Post Gazette in the USA illustrates what buyers like Ms Manning of St Brendan’s Crossing feel: "Susannagh Grogan’s stunning scarves really spoke to me," she said. "It was something natural to our market that gave it flair.And like many of the items at St. Brendan's Crossing, you don't have to be Irish to love them.” Susannagh Grogan Scarves are in Creative Island again this year.

Free Retail Clinics at Showcase

Tue, 7 Dec 2010 13:40:35 GMT

Clinic with James Burke, Retail Consultant

Clinic with Jane Newbigging, Context Business Solutions

With over 25 years’ experience in retail and training and development, Jane will be on hand to offer practical advice on ways to motivate staff to sell. She will also talk to you about how to improve customer spend and gain loyalty.

Clinic with Céline Cummins MIDI, International Retail Designer

Célinewill be giving free tips on how get the best results from your store design. She will offer free advice on cost effective makeovers, visual merchandising and window display.

The clinics are located in the Shelbourne Hall near the Seminar Area. You can drop by for a consultation or make an appointment in advance to ensure you get the time that suits you best. For details on how to book, click here

"Showcase is a One-Stop-Shop for Sourcing Great Irish Products"

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 17:18:55 GMT

In the Video File section, Kathleen Moran, Director of Kilkenny Design Centre, takes us on a tour of her wonderful craft and gift shop in Kilkenny. She talks about why a visit to Showcase is a must every year, not only to source great Irish products, but to see new ways of merchandising, get the story behind the product and network with buyers from different countries. "Showcase is a one-stop-shop and it's on our calendar now every January", Kathleen said.

Creative Island - Inspired by the Landscape and Heritage of Ireland

Wed, 3 Nov 2010 19:37:48 GMT

Showcase and the Crafts Council of Ireland present 90 of Ireland’s talented craft makers who design and make their work in Ireland. Each craft maker has been selected by an independent panel of retailers for the quality and creativity of their work. This new expanded area located at he top of the Main Hall, is dotted with areas for meetings and inspiring product displays. Meet the makers and see great products inspired by the landscape and heritage of Ireland. 23 new exhibitors this year.

View the list of the Creative Island exhibitors.

15 Tips on Using Trends

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:17:09 +0100

15 trend watching tips, some practical, some more contextual, for you to run with today from trendwatcher.com.

Know why you're tracking trends
Don’t get your trends mixed up
Know a fad when you see (or smell) one
Don’t apply all trends to all people
Be (very) curious
Have a Point of View
Benefit from an unprecedented abundance of resources
Name your trends
Build your Trend Framework
Start a Trend Group (even if it’s just you)
Secure senior backing or be doomed
Don't worry about timing or life cycles or regional suitability or...
Apply, apply, apply
Have some fun
Let others do some of the work for you in 2011