On The Town: Just a taste of fashion was on view at a party in Dublin's Morrison Hotel this week, with designs by John Rocha and the 2004 Nokia Young Designer of the Year, Olivia Hegarty.
"You think fashion is all about Gucci and glamour and fake tan, but there are a lot of creative, interesting people in the fashion world," said young Dubliner Hegarty, who is now based in London, working with Irish designer Pauric Sweeney.
Judges in the upcoming 2005 Nokia Young Fashion Designer awards will include Rocha, Deirdre McQuillan of The Irish Times, and Paris-based designer Peter O'Brien.
"You expect young people coming up to be hugely creative, so you look for that, but you also look for a relationship between the clothes and the people who are going to wear them," said O'Brien, who grew up in Finglas.
The competition is "a great opportunity for students and young graduates. In the 1970s we never had any opportunity like this," said Rocha. "They are given the window to express what they can do."
As to choosing a winner, he said: "Talent always shouts at you. Hopefully I don't have to look for it. You see it."
Among those who will be encouraging their students to enter the competition are Louise Boughton, a teacher from Ballyfermot College of Further Education; June Verdun, of Bray Senior College; and Suzanne Marr, principal of the Grafton Academy of Dress Design.
"It's very important for them to have a showing of their collection," said Marr.
The 10 finalists will be given a chance to show their creations at the awards next year. Closing date for entry is February 22nd 2005. For further information and entry forms, telephone 01-6614055.