THE LCFE Restyle Challenge 2014 took place last Thursday 13 in The Parlour Bar and it proved a fun night out and a great success. It was a live fashion event featuring six participants including four teachers, a caretaker and a learner at the college who all underwent a sponsored style makeover by fashion students in partnership with retailers from Limerick’s Fashion Quarter. Four local independent boutiques and clothing retailers supported the fundraiser including Helene Modes, Gretta Gibbs, O’Donnell Boutique and for men, Connolly, Chapps and Stitch Menswear. A number of city restaurants showed their support including the Cornstore, Chocolat, Marco Polo, Bella Italia, Peter Clohessy’s Bar/ restaurant and The Curragower Seafood Bar.
The evening was compered by LCFE’s Patrick Hogan and the audience were brought up to speed with special behind the scenes footage in a really slick production by the LCFE Television and Film Production learners before the final reveal on the catwalk.
I joined Limerick-based make up artist, Mandy O’Loughlin and Chocolat Restaurant manager, Barry Kiely on the adjudicating panel as we sought to find the best male and female transformations. In the end Marion Bridgeman and Eoin McCarthy were unveiled as the winners. However thanks to the generous sponsors, no-one went home empty handed with great prizes on the night for candidates.
LCFE’s Event Production module teacher, Muireann de Barra said: “This has been a wonderful opportunity for Limerick College of Further Education learners to engage with local retailers in the city, who have shown tremendous generosity towards the project.”
Pieta House representative, Johnny Togher also spoke, praising organisers of the event that all funds raised would go directly to the Limerick branch of Pieta House, centre for the prevention of self-harm or suicide. He continued: “We’re amazed by the generosity of people in difficult times and we thank everyone who has organised events for Pieta House.”
By the way you can still support the project online on the fundraising page: http://www.mycharity.ie/event/restyle2014
