Meath based milliner creates winning hat at Dublin Horse Show
A Carnaross-based milliner created the winning hat for Ladies Day at Dublin Horse Show over the weekend.
The magnificent headpiece was created by Sinead McKenna Millinery and was worn by Maritess McCarthy from County Cork who won the title of Best Hat/Headpiece on the day.
Sinead has her own millinery business where she strives to create fashion-forward and unique headpieces and hats which are nothing short of works of art.
Originally from Stradone in County Cavan, Sinead first moved to Carnaross almost five years ago where she now lives with her family and has created their forever home.
Sinead said that "Carnaross isn't just where I live, it's where my creativity has truly flourished."
"Fashion and style have always been my passion and have fascinated me, but millinery is where I found my true calling, by designing unique, show-stopping headpieces that demand attention."
"Creativity runs in my blood. My mum and grandmother could both craft beautiful garments from nothing, and it’s from them that I inherited my love of creating and designing!"
Sinead said that the headpiece worn by Maritess on Ladies Day "blends traditional millinery craftsmanship with the delicate wiring of turkey quills, forming golden, spiral-like branches. The green roses, each painstakingly handcrafted from feathers, are made with approximately 350 to 400 feathers apiece, giving them their lush, full-bloom appearance and striking presence."
When asked what inspires her work, Sinead said that nature is her greatest muse.
"I find endless inspiration in my garden, especially in my roses, which hold a special place in my heart. Translating their beauty into wearable pieces allows me to merge the organic elegance of nature with the bold, sculptural drama of high fashion, bringing a piece of the garden to life on the runway."
The Dublin Horse Show took place from 6th to 10th August with Ladies Day taking place on 7th August.
The event is a huge day for the fashion industry and the category is a huge win for Sinead.
Maritess McCarthy, who wore the stunning headpiece, took home a €2,000 luxury hospitality voucher prize on the day.
The judges described the headpiece as "fun" and "quirky", winning Maritess the whopping prize.
The hat stood out from the crowd to one of the judges in paticular.
Bairbre Power, fashion editor of The Irish Independent, said that she first spotted Maritess' hat in the crowd. She said the “hat was just beautiful, like a satellite”.