Vintage Tulle and A Gentleman Farmer win at the Sustainable Style Fashion Event on Saturday at Listowel Races
Amy Griffin and Sydney Sargent. Pix John Kelliher
Andrea Thornton and Sean O’Donoghue were the overall winners of the Sustainable Style fashion competition organised by Listowel Tidy Towns and An Taisce on the final day of the Listowel Harvest Racing Festival on Saturday 24th of September. Each received €300 in cash sponsored by Listowel Race Company and Mc Carthy Brokers Listowel.
Andrea got her headpiece from ‘Second time around’ in Listowel; her cameo brooch was a “something blue’ gift from a friend for her wedding and her magnificent mint lace and tulle prom 1950’s dress was from Georges Arcade in Dublin. She got her beautiful gloves when she attended the Jane Austen Festival in Bath. Sean’s very dapper blue and black suit was vintage and he has worn it many times over the years.
Judged by international model Sydney Sargent and Elaine Doyle from An Taisce, the judges were overwhelmed with the exceptional standard of outfits on all ages on the racecourse. Sustainability is the big conversation in fashion right now and this was evident from the wonderful and heartfelt stories behind the outfits. Most were heirlooms or coveted vintage purchases and many of the finalists had also up styled items in their existing wardrobes to give them a new and fresher look.
First runner up in the women’s category was Amy Griffin from Limerick who wore her own vintage brand “and Again” and first runner up in the mens was David Silles. Each received a bumper hamper kindly sponsored and presented by Oonagh of Brodericks Pharmacy.
Overall winners of the Listowel Tidy Towns / An Taisce Sustainable Style competition, Andrea Thornton and Sean O’Donoghue. Pix John Kelliher
All 10 finalists received gifts sponsored by the business of Listowel town.
Listowel Races were the first course to host a sustainable fashion competition and thanks to organisers Listowel Tidy Towns and An Taisce, this competition which promotes and celebrates up-styling, recycling and vintage / pre loved style has continued to grow in popularity as we all seek to reduce waste to protect the future of our planet.
Congratulations to the organisers from Listowel Tidy Towns whose vision and hard works have made this event the huge success it is today.
Huge thanks to Imelda Murphy, Mary Hanlon and their incredible teams for making this sustainable fashion event so popular and BIG thanks to our own team Helena Halpin and Ray Stack.
All images are by John Kelliher Photography