Ireland’s top models, stylists, fashion commentators and local fashion retailers are on the final countdown to Kilkenny Fashion Week which opens today (October 15).

Renowned fashion producers Catherine Condell and Sinead Keenan have been styling and selecting a generous selection of fashion looks since Sunday afternoon from 15 boutiques and department stores participating in the gala fashion show that opens Kilkenny Fashion Week tonight at Lyrath Estate Hotel. Later today, a dozen of the top models in the country will arrive on site to begin rehearsals for tonight’s show. They include: Karen Fitzpatrick; Sarah Morrissey; Yomiko Chen and local model Derbhilia Coogan. In a new departure, two male models will join the ladies to models men’s AW14 looks!

And with the fashion spotlight firmly on Kilkenny, it is expected that TV cameras from TV3’s Xpose and Irish TV will be on site to make broadcasts on Kilkenny Fashion Week.

“Having the spotlight on Kilkenny as a shopping destination and its fashion offering is of tremendous value to the city”, commented Moira Fulton, Chairperson, Kilkenny Fashion Week.

Tonight’s gala fashion show is guaranteed to be a great night out with wine and tapas served before the show. A photo booth in the welcome area will allow guests to have their photo taken with friends. Guests will be seated at tables where they can make notes and have plenty of comfort, according to organisers. €1,500 in prizes will be offered in the interval raffle with all donations going to the Carlow Kilkenny Homecare Team. Following the show, DJ Eddie Hughes will entertain and Lyrath will provide a late bar. Some tickets are still available from Goods, Pauls, Peaches and Kilkenny Design.

Emerging fashion designers will also be present at the show to see their work modelled at the graduate fashion segment, organised in association with the Grafton Academy of Dress Design. Colin Atkinson, senior head tutor at the Grafton Academy, will be in Kilkenny tomorrow to announce the winner of the Kilkenny Fashion Week Student Scholarship and present a lucky Kilkenny secondary school student with a scholarship to the Academy next summer. 11 students from various secondary schools in the country are in with a chance to win the top prize.

Stylist Marietta Doran will preside over the fashion event for over 50s at the Ormonde Hotel at 2pm on Thursday, accompanied by Afternoon Tea, called Prêt-a-Pour-Tae. This event is only €5 and promises to be a great afternoon’s entertainment featuring a bevy of local models taking to the catwalk for the very first time with commentary on how to wear what suits you. Tickets are still available and can be collected from Pauls & Goods.

Many of the city’s fashion shops will stay open until 7pm on Friday for “Fun Friday”. Expect discounts, promotions, competition and visiting stylists from today until Saturday evening. Fashion Pops! at the Tholsel on Saturday will see fashion shows brought to the public as a troupe of models from Prima provide 20-minute fashion shows every 30 minutes, starting at 12.30pm until 4.30pm. Each show will feature different clothes in a great showcase for local retailers.

“We would encourage anyone who can to do some fashion shopping over Kilkenny Fashion Week as shopping as there’s fantastic value and great events in-store in your favourite shops”, said Moira Fulton