The Kerryman Newspaper

Friday, November 7, 1997

by Deirdre Walsh

click here to return to Caroline Leahys website

A YOUNG Kerry Designer is hoping to get her big break on the national fashion scene after she appears on the Late Late Show on Friday as a finalist in the show's annual fashion awards.

Caroline Leahy from Causeway, who specialises in knitwear is well known within the county for her unusual and exquisite designs.  But she's now hoping that her appearance as a finalist in such a prestigious competition will catapult her onto the national and maybe even international fashion scene.

"This is fantastic for me from a publicity point of view.  I'm already selling to a lot of the top boutiques in Kerry, but hopefully now I'll be able to sell my stuff in Dublin as well". she told the Kerryman.

Caroline who is the daughter of Patrick and Catherine Dillon from Ballyduff, is a self-trained desiiner and dress maker.  She operates from her own studio in Causeway.

Although she is mainly known as a knitwear specialist, Caroline has recently branched into evening wear and it was in the evening wear section of the competition that he was shortlisted.

Her design, which will be worn by one of Ireland's top models on the night is a bronze lurex dress and cardigan, which Caroline describes as 'classy' but very wearable'.

If she's chosen as the winner from the six finalists, she will be presented with a specially designed crystal trophy.

To celebrate being chosen as a finalist, she will host a fashion show featuring her latest autumn and winter designs at Harty's Bar, Causeway, on Wednesday next, November 12, with two shows, one in the morning and one in the evening.