“Yours is a history frequently marked by the greatest of trials and the deepest of sorrow. But yours is also a history of proud and defiant endurance. Of a nation that kept alive the flame of knowledge in dark ages; that overcame occupation and outlived fallow fields; that triumphed over its Troubles - of a resilient people who beat all the odds.
And, Ireland, as trying as these times are, I know our future is still as big and as bright as our children expect it to be. I know that because I know it is precisely in times like these - in times of great challenge, in times of great change - when we remember who we truly are.” – Barrack Obama addressing Ireland, 23rd May 2011
And, Ireland, as trying as these times are, I know our future is still as big and as bright as our children expect it to be. I know that because I know it is precisely in times like these - in times of great challenge, in times of great change - when we remember who we truly are.” – Barrack Obama addressing Ireland, 23rd May 2011
It is no word of lie that in recent years Ireland has hit a bought of depression. Our green isle has run a ground. The economy has been brought to its knees and its angry and frustrated citizens have lost faith in the leaders. Ireland was in need of a desperate revival, to restore the faith. This change came slowly and it firstly began by a fresh set of faces, a new government. This unique power-sharing government set about the arduous task of restoring hope within the people. They brought new methods and new attitudes so that the corruption of the past years would be nothing but a thing of the past. 2012 represents a change, a fresh start. The encouragement of this new positive attitude is everywhere to be seen; and to a recent discovery of mine, especially within the fashion world so it seems.
Showcase is an annual event that promotes the talented craft market of Ireland. It is a four day show that exhibits the hottest new designers and artists in Ireland. It attracts many consumers from all over the world therefore helping the exhibitors to catch their big break. It is also helpful in the manner that showcase offers a list of seminars. They operate through-out the day and offer business advice on what is new in the world of craft. However it was a seminar given on the fashion trends for 2012 that grabbed my attention. I found it a truly inspiring moment as I suddenly became aware of the influence and importance of the fashion world. I have been pretentiously ignorant of the influence that fashion wields in society. I can now see how this new positive, strength that is been induced by the political world is also eminent in this year’s fashion trends. As each of the four trends are described a pattern within them all can be seen.
Savage Beauty
This trend is of a botanical theme. With the tribal flare of geometric bold prints it hails the excitement of the idea; ‘The Savage New World’. Bright, bold and blary; it resonates an influence of South America. There is a play with colour, clashing strong hues of yellow and orange against rich, leafy emerald green. There is an infectious excitement within this trend that entices us to explore the weird and the wonderful. One is encouraged to explore this new and vibrant world.
Ordinary Hero
This trend explores the subdued. It carries a romantic feel delving in to the subtle nudes and dusty pinks and greys with a natural delicate look. It celebrates the underdog, the average Joe. A hero inspires hope and encourages a positive attitude that grows and develops through many.
Twisted punk
This colour clashing trend dominates the Autumn/Winter collection. It uses the traditional tweed and Aran knits and a ‘twisted’ flare to them. It revives street culture, an Irish street culture as it explores clashing bold red and yellows with subdued mustard yellow. This edgy look adds a flare of confidence and gives courage to be different and innovative. It celebrates 'Irishness' with a fresh new look.
True sophisticate
With its use of warm metallics a sophisticated air of luxury is created within this trend; luxury without being ostentatious. It celebrates the classical look but now with a new found simplicity; giving a strong image of solidity and humbly simplistic. Its sleekness gives a smooth grounded ‘sophisticated’ confidence which is the powerful image that we want to promote to countries whose faith in Irelands success has wavered.
There is an overall injection of confidence and power as is the suggestion of strength within them all; ‘savage’, ‘hero’ and ‘true’. There is a clear push to inspire hope within the people which reflects the rebirth and revival of our Irish politics. It is a new start, but instead of being fresh and beautiful, its promotes strength and confidence to jump into this new year and only look forward. Like the reformation with the political world, the fashion world also commands a new fresh positive attitude to be brave and face the tough times ahead with faith in each other, faith in a better time, faith in a new world. Only time, patience, faith and baby steps will return our nation to its former glory and the confidence and positivity will make this happen.
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