NEW YEAR, FRESH START

NEW YEAR, FRESH START

Good to be back on my blogg!! 

I haven't posted for a while, laying low on here after loosing my amazing Mum in 2018.  Massive change for us all to adjust to.  My Mum taught me how to sew in 1st Class and she never ceased to be my inspiration and encouragement throughout my career and everything else besides.

To ease myself back I have put together some of my favourite looks from last year which I designed at my studio.

Royal Ascot is THE place to be to hat watch and there are some new trends on show.

The trend of wearing Halo Headbands and Beaded Headbands shows no sign of slowing down following the Duchess of Cambridge wearing a beautiful halo piece to Prince Louis' Christening.

Blush Silk and Beaded Headband 

Black Wired design

Black Silk Abaca Headband 

Here is a selection of Racing Looks showcased by Olivia Danielle Boutique with my Racing Hats in the run up to the Galway Races.  Modelled by Catwalk Modelling Agency.

Every year I have the pleasure of designing a hat for Mandy Maher from Catwalk Modelling Agency.   I choose a block yellow straw and silk headband style here trimmed with butterflies which work perfectly with her fab suit and yellow sandals. 

A classic wide brimmed Suzie Mahony Designs Wave Hat designed all in red to enhance the dress detail, worn by Rebecca Rose Stylist at the Galway Races.

Thank you to all the models above from Catwalk Modelling Agency.

This year make your hat your crowning glory, let your hat bring the whole outfit together. 

Whether you wear a bespoke design or a studio piece, have it styled to suit you and your personality.

Wearing a hat should be fun!!

I hope you enjoyed my first blogg of 2020!! and Happy New Year !!

Suzie x

Irish Designers at Cloughan Castle

Irish Designers Racing Shoot at Cloughan Castle!!

I was delighted to be part of this unique photoshoot on my own doorstep!!

Cloughan Castle was the perfect setting on a beautiful sunny day for our Race Style Shoot featuring Suzie Mahony Designs designer millinery with fashion from the spring summer 17 collection at Aideen Bodkin Fashion.

Cloughan Castle is the venue you need to create an event that will be long remembered whether you're celebrating a private party, a romantic wedding or a business gathering.  

Photographer: Joe Crean Photography  Styled by Suzie Mahony and Deirdre Kelly.

I used this opportunity to highlight the varying designs I create through my Millinery and showing some of the shapes and looks that can be achieved for your racing looks.  Especially if you are supporting Irish Designers.

Statement Black Hat trimmed with nude pink loops on both sides.  

Lace detail dress from Aideen Bodkin teamed with pearls to finish the look.

We couldn't resist this beautiful shot, the main entrance to the Castle, surrounded by woodland with panoramic views of the Slieve Aughty Mountains.

I used this very large extra wide brimmed hat in cerise with silk trim to highlight the detail in this lovely dress and the overall profile is very striking.

Orange and Cerise.  Striking two tone hat with floral and quill trim.  This hat can be worn a few different ways.  This is how I added more height to the look by having the hat to the side.

Classic bespoke black hat teamed with one of my favourite Aideen Bodkin Dresses, Black background with floral detail in blues and pinks.  This dress would also work great with a block colour pink hat in the perfect tone of the flower.

Perfect racing attire. 

Yellow is huge this season and here we mixed it with soft greys and blue tones.

Vintage Styling with this beautiful leopard print bicycle.  Perfect for the sunshine with just the right twist of colour in her hat and not forgetting the daffodils!!.

Its official big hats are back for the Racing Season this year.  I have used the hats here to bring out the colour and the detail of the dresses from the collection.  We kept jewellery simple and elegant with neutral tones for shoes also so the full emphasis was on the outfits and hats.  

No day out is complete without the Suzie Selfie!! 

Thank you for checking out my blog.  Looking forward to future shoots at this beautiful venue.

Thanks
Suzie x

Pre Races Fashion Show

Pre Races Fashion Show

The scene was set for the first Pre Races Fashion Event at the Oranmore Lodge Hotel on a glorious Sunday afternoon.  With lots of bubbly, racing fashion and millinery it was the place to be to get your race style tips for The Galway Races.  Ladies day at the Galway Races is the largest ladies day in Ireland so we need to plan in good time for our outfits and hats!!.  The event was in aid of Oranmore Maree Coastal Search Unit.

Special guest for the afternoon of fashion, hats and fun was Faith Amond.  I've known Faith for a number of years, designing hats for her and she always looks effortlessly elegant at any race meeting.  I was delighted when Faith scooped the prestigious best dressed prize at Aintree last month walking away with a stunning Land Rover!!  

Such a fashion event wouldn't be complete without Mandy Maher Catwalk Modelling Agency /TV3 Stylist who was our MC for the day.  Here she is looking radiant in royal blue from Olivia Danielle Athlone.

This year I am busy designing hats for Ascot and already processing orders for the Galway Races which is great.  Designing the correct angle, shape and look for a client is key to the overall look.  I love creating new designs and styling your complete look at my Suzie Mahony Designs studio.

All our models for the day are from Catwalk Modelling Agency, Fashion below from Olivia Danielle with hats from Suzie Mahony Designs.

Jumpsuit 

Jumpsuits are now added to the 'allowed list' at Ascot this year for the first time.  They are so comfortable and can look very classy.  This pale blue and ivory lace jumpsuit below is teamed with Suzie Mahony Designs ivory hat trimmed with pearls and beading.  A very simple elegant look.  I love the little sleeve as well.

The dress and coat combo will never go out of fashion.  This red print stands out and with a block colour red hat or headpiece you can't go wrong.

Neutrals

Focusing on neutral tones, a dress and coat outfit teamed with ivory headpiece but it is embellished with metallic silks and beading.

Every lady should have a black and white look in her wardrobe.  If your heading to the races this suit is perfect.  Beautiful texture.  Pop a black and white hat with it to bring out the detail in the suit or even go all out with a striking black piece.  Either would look fab here.

Colour!

I love this colour, rich turquoise but with just enough pink in my hat design to give the whole look a beautiful finish  Again lovely textures in the quality clothing and the hat shape works well here giving the whole look a real classy edge.

I hope you picked up some ideas or tips for your racing outfit!!
Thank you for reading my blog.

Suzie x

Ascot Dress Code: Style & Hats

There is only one Ascot

As long as I can remember I have followed the style, the pomp and all that comes with it from Ascot each year on our screens.  I love it, from all the style and Royalty to the beautifully groomed horses from around the globe.  It is top of my 'to do' list so fingers crossed I will attend in 2018!!!

Clients attending Ascot want the perfect hat and styling the complete look is all part of my role as a Milliner at Suzie Mahony Designs. Designing a hat that works for them and the occasion.

Ascot set the dress code rules each year and these rules are respected and adhered to which gives us all the fabulous spectacle that is Ascot!!.

Each enclosure within Ascot Racecourse has a different character and dress code, from The Royal Enclosure, Queen Anne Enclosure, Windsor Enclosure and Village Enclosure.  

The outfits and hats at Ascot are as talked about as the racing itself.  Keeping up with current fashion trends this year Ascot have added the Jumpsuit as part of the allowed dress code list.  

Royal Ascot Style Guide 2017

THE HAT

Hats play a huge part in your overall outfit when attending Ascot.  Large hats styled elegantly with your outfit can look amazing.   If you have the confidence to wear a fabulous hat then attending Ascot it the perfect opportunity to do so.  

Accessories bring your outfit together, try different jewellery and bag styles to complement your look.  

Top Tips for your Ascot Hat:-  

Make sure it sits comfortably and securely on your head.  Attending Ascot is not the time to be fiddling with your hat, you must wear it at all times so try it on beforehand.  Extra elastics or headband options can be done to avoid any problems when you get there.

The Ascot Dress Code 2017

• Dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer.

• Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater.

• Jackets and pashminas may be worn, but the dresses or tops underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure dress code of having one inch or thicker straps.

• Trouser suits are welcome.  They should be full length and of matching material and colour.

• They must be worn with a top that adheres to the guidelines of not being strapless or sheer.

• Hats should be worn.  A headpiece which has a base of 4" or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat.

• A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times. 

• Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted in the Royal Enclosure. 

• Midriffs must be covered.

• Fascinators are no longer permitted in the Royal Enclosure; neither are headpieces which do not have a base covering a sufficient area of the head (4" Dia)

• Shorts are not permitted.

Royal Ascot runs from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th June 2017

Thank you for reading my blog and I hope you have a wonderful time at Ascot 2017.

Suzie x

Couture Fashion Showcase

Couture Fashion for Weddings and Races

The Couture Fashion Show is a whole new concept from Olivia Danielle.   Teaming up with the fabulous team at Bellissimo Galway they produced an amazing show with Millinery by Suzie Mahony Designs in the heart of Galway City. 

This show gave the VIP experience to those who were lucky enough to join us on the day.  With a warm welcome with drinks and canapes on arrival.

I was delighted to have my Millinery showcased as part of #CoutureatBellissimo with the Olivia Danielle Fashion Show.   Suzie Mahony Designs is stocked instore for your special occasion.

Mike, Dympna and Brendan Bellissimo Galway

Couture Fashion labels from Ireland and throughout the world all modelled by Catwalk Modelling Agency.  MC for the event was Mandy Maher owner Catwalk Modelling Agency.  Mandy looked stunning a 2 piece monochrome skirt and jacket from Olivia Danielle.  I created a leather petal and veiling headband to complete the look.  I think you'll agree she looks fabulous!!

Mandy Maher and Suzie Mahony

On a glorious Sunday afternoon in the Bellissimo Salon Galway.  The perfect setting with brilliant day light through all the windows, this showed the fashion and millinery at its best for the audience.   The red carpet on a white background gave set the scene for a beautiful fashion show, followed by hair Art creations from the Bellissimo Team.

Are you heading to the Galway Races this year?  Perfect evening meeting attire here.

The fashion catered for all aspects of occasion both weddings and races with hats made to match  from Suzie Mahony Designs.

Unique hat designs only available at Olivia Danielle.

Perfect Ladies Day Style and Hats 

With the Derby just around the corner and not to mention Ascot in June, are you heading to the Royal Enclosure? 

Quality Monochrome looks to take you from season to season.

As well as occasion wear, Olivia Danielle stocks a vast range of smart casual attire for every lady.  You really have to browse the rails in store to appreciate the beautiful styles and colours available.

With Debs season getting under way it was the perfect show to highlight to the ballgowns from the Debsroom Athlone, upstairs at Olivia Danielle.

Wow!! Hair Art created by a team from Bellissimo both in Galway and Limerick.  Its amazing what can be created - all from hair!!

The VIP experience wouldn't be complete without a host of beautiful prizes on the day including the best dressed prize from Olivia Danielle which was won by Caroline O'Brien who wore a lovely white top and jeans accessorised perfectly.  We were all drooling over her fabulous shoes!!

Thank you for reading my blog.  I hope you enjoyed a little taste of our Couture Fashion Show.

Suzie x