Dee Mangan

Accessory Winner

Accessory Designer of the Year 2016

Sponsored by Colm Quinn BMW

Dee Mangan’s Kinsale Leather collection scooped the award on the night with a collection that was inspired by fables and stories of the world.

Founded by Dee Mangan in 2014, Kinsale Leather builds companions for your everyday adventures by allowing the simplicity of the design and the quality of the leather to speak for itself. Dee believes your accessories are your everyday companions, accompanying you on your daily adventures and their handmade, leather goods are made to be worn and loved.

The overnight bags, totes, clutches, cosmetic cases and unisex belts have all been handmade in Kinsale. 2015 was packed with one milestone after another with a nomination for Irish Best Young Entrepreneur, a new store and studio opening in the centre of Kinsale and the launch of Kinsale Leather in the iconic Arnotts Department Store in Dublin for Christmas 2015.

“It was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish, the standard of design on the night was so high I was so delighted to win! I thoroughly enjoyed the process from start to finish and I was so impressed with the high standard of production and professionalism of the whole event. It was such an honour to be showcased alongside established designers and before such esteemed judges. I still can’t shut up about the night, everyone who comes into the store hears the story!” said Dee after her win.

Goldenegg Productions would like to take this opportunity to sincerely welcome Colm and all the team at Colm Quinn BMW in their first year as sponsors of the category.

Dee Mangan is pictured here with Colm Quinn and Nicola Kerrigan of Goldenegg Productions

Carla Johnson

Fashion Winner

Fashion Designer of the Year 2016

Sponsored by Brown Thomas

Carla Johnson aka MONA SWIMS was crowned Irish Fashion Designer of the Year 2016 at the glittering awards ceremony on March 10th. She also took home the Innovation Award 2016.

The creative force behind MONA is Irish print designer Carla Johnson, who studied Textile design at NCAD in Dublin. After graduating in 2006, Carla moved to London, where she worked and designed prints for Duro Oluwu, before becoming a full time freelance print designer. Carla spent the next six years developing prints for the fashion industry all over the world from her east London studio. She draws inspiration from her love of travel and a deep fascination with water.



The S/S 16 collection is the brand’s most evolved yet. It introduces elegance through voluminous, silk loungewear, exhibiting MONA’s signature prints. Designed to make women feel utterly beguiling, the collection is comprised of leggings, bikinis, one-piece swimwear, as well as versatile kimonos and sarongs – all perfect for parading at the beach or integrating into arresting daywear. Cut around an elegant 1950s hourglass shape, Carla’s pieces work stylishly with both slender frames and fuller figures – complimenting beautiful curves wanting to show-off. The look however is anything but retro, as bold statement prints are the hallmark of this timelessly vibrant and visually exciting collection.

Carla Johnson is pictured here with Patricia McCrossan, Goldenegg Productions and Karen Galligan, General Manager of Brown Thomas Galway

Emma Bourke

Jewellery Winner

Jewellery Designer of the Year 2016

Sponsored by Hartmanns of Galway

Emma Bourke proudly took the honour of Jewellery Designer of the Year 2016.

Emma is a glass artist and researcher based in County Mayo. Her interest lies in traditional and contemporary use of wild plants. Last year, Emma developed a collection called Ethnobotany in which she placed tiny glass flowers inside blown clear glass organs. Each plant affects the organs differently, for example, foxgloves are used in heart medicine but was traditionally made in to a broth used to boost the immune system and cure colds and flus. Each organ was made in to jewellery items such as a pocket watch and a locket. These are heirlooms which would be items passed from mother to daughter just like stories or remedies of plants would be passed through word of mouth.

Hartmanns of Galway has been providing the west of Ireland with the highest standards of service and the highest quality of products for over four generations now. Known for stocking some of the most exclusive brands on the market, this family run business has a reputation for excellence. The jewellers is also well know for its support of local groups, having sponsored the Irish Fashion Innovation Awards for seven years running.

Emma Bourke is pictured here with Skye Hartmann of Hartmanns of Galway and Patrick McCrossan of Goldenegg Productions

Elaine Keogh

Millinery Winner

Millinery Designer of the Year 2016

Sponsored by The Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Galway

Elaine Keogh took the title of Millinery Designer of the Year 2016.

Her stunning collection dominated the catwalk with striking pieces that were innovative, unique and perfectly crafted.

Elaine trained under Rose Cory, the Queen Mothers milliner, for more than four years and as a result, she creates contemporary, feminine collections using the traditional methods of the craft.

Elaine is proud to only use ethiically sourced fabrics, mainly from France and Italy.

Elaine works from her studio at Belmont Mill Artist Studios, Co. Offaly.

Her collection for the Irish Fashion Innovation Awards was beautifully feminine with a bohemian twist. The luxurious collection was pretty and floaty, creating a carefree spirit. The layers of delicate silk drew on the girlishness of the label and the charming hats in pretty colours created a youthful spirit.

Goldenegg Productions would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Karen Jones and all the team at The Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Galway.

Elaine Keogh is pictured here with Andrew Drysdale, General Manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Galway and Lauragh Quinn of Goldenegg Productions

Colin Burke

Student Winner

Student Designer of the Year 2016

Sponsored by Local Enterprise Office Galway

Colin Burke from the National College of Art & Design (NCAD) saw off tough competition to be chosen as the Student Designer of the Year 2016.

Colin’s winning design was a response to the brief set by Goldenegg which perfectly encapsulated ‘Where Life Meets Style.’

The role of the Local Enterprise Office is to help promote the enterprise culture throughout Galway. As sponsors of the Student Designer of the Year category, the LEO Galway is once again offering invaluable support not only to the Irish Fashion Innovation Awards, but also to the young fashion designers who will be the face of Irish design in years to come.

Colin Burke is pictured here with Breda Fox, CEO of the Local Enterprise Office Galway and Rebecca Reilly of Goldenegg Productions

Sponsors