By Kathy O’Sullivan

GLITZ and glamour were the order of the night at the Rose of Tralee Fashion Show, held in the Dome on Sunday evening.

An enraptured audience leaned forward in their seats to get a closer look at this year’s autumn and winter collections.

The night began with the presentation of the Best Dressed Lady Award to Pauline Crean by former Miss Ireland winner Olivia Treacy.

Ms Treacy told the crowd that she was very proud to have Kerry origins as her late father Tom hailed from Killarney.

“The Rose of Tralee is a great celebration. It is wonderful to come back to Kerry and I feel especially blessed to be born half Kerry,” she said.

The former Miss Ireland then introduced Mrs Crean as the winner of The Best Dressed Lady competition.

Chosen from 13 finalists, Mrs Crean wore a lime green outfit, which consisted of a top, jacket and three-quarter length trousers, which she had purchased earlier in the Summer from McBees’ boutique in Killarney.

A native of Ballybunion, but now living in Oakpark, Tralee, Mrs Crean said she was absolutely thrilled to win the competition.

Mrs Crean was presented with a £300 gift voucher for Dunnes Stores and a weekend for two in the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork.

After the presentation, the catwalk came alive as the models twirled up and down clad in a selection of sensational colours and materials.

Fashions from boutiques all over Kerry were displayed on the night, ranging from evening wear to the more casual look.

Wide creative hats, large fur collars and thin sharp belts lent a more dramatic look to some of the outfits, with some creations having a definite oriental influence.

The colours black, red, brown and purple dominated on the night, with the more unusual combinations of brown and turquoise and silver and purple also featuring amongst the fashions.

The male models showed what was on offer for the men, with diamonds and navy making a definite comeback in the more casual look.

The audience, which included the twenty eight Rose contestants, clearly enjoyed the night, with most agreeing that the fashions presented to them were a delightful mixture with something to please everyone.

Rosemary Daly, from The Spa, said that while there was some unusual outfits on the night, there was a very good selection with knitwear clearly making a comeback.

In agreement was Tralee lady Ellen O’Connor;

“It is a very good night and I am enjoying it immensely.

“The Delphine selection was very good as was the Dunnes Stores display. The clothes do not look as good when you see them on the rails,” said Ms O’Connor.

Phyllis Kelleher from Ballybeggan and Margo Calnan from Clogherbrien were also very impressed.

“The Dome looks very well. It is a very enjoyable night and there is a good mix.

“The Caroline Leahy selection was very good,” said Ms Kelleher.