IRISH FASHION INDUSTRY

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27377, 16 June 1954, Page 2

IRISH FASHION INDUSTRY

REASONS SUGGESTED FOR SUCCESS “The emergence of Dublin as a new market for the fashion world has been one of the most remarkable developments in recent years,” said Mr Sean Lemass, Eire’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, when he formally opened the fifth national fashion parade in Dublin recently. The fashion world—always seeking the new and unusual—was now looking with interest, and eagerness to what Ireland was producing, said Mr Lemass. Very few would have dared to forecast this a short time ago. This development resulted from a happy combination of circumstances, said Mr Lemass. First, a group of Irish designers had emerged whose talents would have won them recognition no matter where they worked. “Second,” raid Mr Lemass, “our textile manufacturing industry has developed, and its leaders, aware of their role in the development of a fashion market, are experimenting in new designs, colours, and textures. “Third, there is the high standard achieved by a number of Irish companies producing fashion goods,’’ he said.

The aim of the fashion parade was to demonstrate that Irish textiles and Irisha materials would stand up to the most exacting demands of the fashion trade. Entries were accepted only if not merely the cloth, but also the accessories, were Irish-made.