For over two decades, Yellow Moon has been at the forefront of Derry’s fashion scene, and in November the store will play a key role in the city’s first ever Fashion Fest – a four day celebration of style, showcasing the very best of the local fashion industry.
The packed programme is a highlight of Derry City Council’s Business Opportunities Programme, with support from Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund. Yellow Moon proprietors Marie McElgunn and her husband Ivan McIvor have been working behind the scenes to help ensure that the event really secures Derry’s place on the fashion scene.
As a member of the steering committee for Fashion Fest 2014, Marie will bring some of her own vision and inspiration to the event, which takes place in venues all over the city from November 20-23.
“I just love fashion – fashion, music and art are the three things I wanted for Yellow Moon, and it worked,” she explained. “We opened Yellow Moon 24 years ago this month, on the 13th September 1990. We are still here and I’m always busy!
“I’ve always enjoyed collecting art and playing new music, and I’m passionate about getting new designs out there, particularly from our young people.
“I adore vintage and once-off pieces and have plans for a pre-loved clothing range for girls too. We’re the only shop in the North doing Diesel, so people come from far and wide for that, and nothing costs more than £100, so our clothes are affordable but classy.”
November’s extravaganza will see fashion fans, industry experts and emerging and established designers descend on Derry for a unique programme of events.
“I’ve been hoping for a dedicated fashion festival like this in Derry for years,” Marie said.
“This will help put us on the map as a fashion city, especially considering our history of fashion and textiles and how many fantastic up-and-coming designers we now have here, we should build on that.
“I attend a lot of fashion events myself, and so I know that there’s room for new events like Derry’s Fashion Fest.”
Marie envisages a bold new design competition for future festivals too.
“Ideally, I would love to see an Ireland-wide competition for young people set up, with students showcasing their designs during the Derry fashion week.”
Through Yellow Moon, Marie has hosted many sold-out fashion shows over the years for charities like Foyle Search and Rescue and the Foyle Down Syndrome Trust.
“I would encourage people to support this first Fashion Fest and also to support their local retailers too,” she stressed.
“Don’t buy online or go to Coleraine and Belfast to shop when you can get quality clothing here at home.
“We need to promote the city all over Ireland, let everyone know that Derry will be the place to be for fashion.
“This city is full of great music too, and that can only complement the local fashion scene. So I think it’s important that we make use of our own resources, our own local models, designers, and musicians. Make Fashion Fest 2014 all about Derry and help put us on the map!”
The festival will feature top designers, an industry focus and a four-day vintage fair held in the city’s Cathedral Quarter.
St Columb’s Cathedral will also be transformed for an Irish Wedding Showcase, including a raised catwalk along its 400-year-old aisle.
If you are a fashion designer, trader or if you have something special you feel you would like to bring to Fashion Fest 2014, get in touch.
To register your interest, apply to take part in Designer Showrooms or book your pitch for the Vintage Fair, please contact: Tara Nicholas on: 028 7136 5151, ext. 6980, or email: [email protected].
For more information on the various events and opportunities arising for Derry’s Fashion Fest 2014, see: www.derrycity.gov.uk/fashionfest.
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