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

Friday Fair Lady at the Galway Races

FRIDAY FAIR LADY

Looking back on the Galway Races, I put together a little blog from our Friday Fair Lady evening at the Races.  Each year this Best Dressed Competition just gets better and better.  

Sponsored by Athlone Town Centre it offers an amazing prize packet over €2,000 worth of prizes.  The lucky lady receives a bespoke Suzie Mahony Designs Hat as part of her prize and lots of other goodies.

I opted for a Navy Trousers look with a striped jacket with ivory top and of course a fab hat!!  An excuse to add a pop of colour to my outfit and I love red.

I couldn't leave out this photo with my best buddy Annette, looking very trendy in monochrome mixes topped off with a funky headpiece.

Joined by Athlone Town Centre Frieda, Pamela and Shirley all wearing Suzie Mahony Designs Hats and fashion from the centre.

Catwalk Modelling Agency showcasing Suzie Mahony Designs Headpieces and Jewellery.

Tanya Hennigan (My Little Love Stories Blog) with Jane Swarbrigg Managing Director Inglot Makeup

Celebrity Stylist and Judge Marietta Doran, Shirley Delahunt Athlone Towncentre with Suzie.

Shirley Delahunt, Jane Swarbrigg, Marietta Doran and Doireann Garrihy Snapchat Queen.

The Prize:-

A €1000 Shopping Spree at Athlone Towncentre

A 2 Night Hotel & Spa Break at Sheraton Athlone HotelA €500 Inglot VoucherA Bespoke Headpiece from Suzie Mahony Designs

Catwalk Models looking fantastic.

Choosing a top 10 not to mention a winner is a very difficult job, so many different and unique looks to choose from.   You can check out the live video I did in the Champagne Tent to see all the ladies here!! Friday Fair Lady

Spotted this lady wearing one of my hats, doesn't she look so elegant with soft pink and ivory.

Couldn't resist checking out Eilis Dempsey wearing one of my silk hats.

Winner Alright:-

The Wining Ladies and Judges

Rebecca Rose is the fairest of them all!

Meet our new Friday's Fair Lady.

Rebecca Rose stole the show with her floral and stripe combination

Hope you enjoyed my blog.

Suzie x

'Ladies Day' HATS / STYLE Galway Races 2017

LADIES DAY AT THE GALWAY RACES 2017

It was a manic few weeks in the run up to the Galway Races this year.  However much you plan your outfit for the day it always comes together at the last minute!!  

This year for the first time in over 15 years I didn't attend ladies day!!   

Attending the races is brilliant but when your working right up until the Wednesday night late, you can only do so much.  I was certainly there in spirit with lots of beautiful ladies wearing my hats. I attended the races on Friday and also a number of events during the week so I didn't miss out.

I love sharing some of the looks from my customers for Ladies Day.  The biggest Ladies Day Competition in Ireland sponsored by The g Hotel Galway.  Ladies wear hats every day now to the festival but I wanted to do a showcase for Ladies Day because there was such a variety of styles and hats on display.  I love to see the complete look head to toe so here are a few for you to enjoy.

Fiona Glynn - Fit and Fabulous - wearing one of my new designs which I tweaked to work with the detail on her dress, love her green bag!

Lorraine was the lucky winner of the Clarenbridge Oyster Pearl this year and as a result I sponsored her hat for Ladies Day,  I styled her lemon dress with a Navy and Lemon Silk Hat, Shoes and Royal Bag from my studio collection.  

I love butterflies and designing this stunning silk hat for Caroline Glancy I used the colours from the butterflies on the coat to create a splash of colour with a Bespoke silk Suzie Mahony Designs Hat.  Her outfit is from Olivia Danielle Athlone.  

Orange is one of the best colours on Dearbhla Silke from Catwalk Modelling Agency,  I ignored her height with this hat because it is Ladies Day!!  Think she looks amazing.

Tara Moran and the Team from Maximum Media got all their hats from my studio this year.  Tara is wearing a red Suzie Wave hat.

Rosanna Davison wearing a soft Gold Headpiece I designed to complement her look for Ladies Day.

Judy Fitzgerald looking radiant in blue with a white Percher I designed with loads of height using wired feathers, flowers and silk swirls.

I have had so many complements about this look on Katie Geoghegan who was chosen by Bairbre Power as a finalist for the Best Dressed Competition.  I introduced this striking red angular hat because red is fabulous on Katie with her dress from Harper.  So delighted for her.

Eileen Lundon - Olympic Saddlery - wearing Suzie Mahony Designs for Ladies Day.

Aoife O'Hanlon Top 10 Finalist for the g Hotel Best Dressed Lady Competition

Aoife's hat is a bespoke Red trimmed with lots of flowers and silk swirls.

Ladies attending Ladies Day are a very important part of the attraction and atmosphere and indeed the style for the overall week at Galway.   I love the addition of the selfie wall this year, maybe we need another one near the Fashion Action!!   

Susan Flanagan wearing all Ivory Phoenix_V Dress with an accent of Gold.  Her hat is embellished with ivory roses and gold silk swirls.  Her LIPS gold clutch is also from my studio collection.  Susan was also chosen as a finalist at the Galway Races Best Dressed Dressed Competition.

There is so much effort and planning for ladies for the day it is such a shame we only see a few chosen or highlighted.   Social Media  is probably the best forum to catch a glimpse of the style,  wouldn't be great to see more of our Racing Ladies on the TV, a little balance like they achieve at other race meetings around the world.

I was delighted to have customers picked for Best Dressed, designing hats for race meetings throughout Ireland and further afield for the past 15 years, it's still the one closest to home that is the sweetest!! Galway. 

The showcase of Millinery at the Galway Races puts us on the International Stage when it comes to quality bespoke designs.   Looking forward to seeing even more as the racecourse continues its development for 2018.  Exciting times ahead!!

Thank you for reading my blog.

Suzie x

Galway Races Launch 2017

Galway Races Launch 2017

This year the launch of The Galway Races was held on the rooftop of the Marker Hotel Dublin.  

Check out this lovely Galway Races Video 'The Week' which was first shown at the launch. 

I am delighted to be part of the sponsorship team for the Friday Fair Lady this year.  With all the team wearing beautiful dresses from Athlone Town Centre I had great fun styling the looks with hats and jewellery to create a great mix of colour and style.

Setting the scene in the style stakes with Katie Geoghegan from Catwalk Modelling Agency wearing Suzie Mahony Designs new design Wave Hat and Neckpiece, dress from Athlone Town Centre.

Ladies Day Judges interviewed by Marietta Doran giving us the top tips!! Bairbre Power Fashion Editor Irish Independent, Celebrity Judges Aoibhín Garrihy and Baz Ashmawy, Triona Barrett The g Hotel & Spa.  

There is an envy-inducing €10,000 prize for the winner of the g Hotel & Spa Best Dressed Lady competition and €2,000 prize for the Best Hat competition.

Athlone Town Centre Friday Fair Lady Judges Doireann Garrihy Snapchat Queen, Jane Swarbrigg Inglot, Shirley Delahunt Athlone Town Centre and Marietta Doran TV Stylist.

The winner of this ‘Friday Fair Lady Best Dressed’ competition will receive the unique prize of a €1000 shopping spree in Athlone Towncentre,  2 night hotel & spa break at the Sheraton Athlone Hotel, €500 to spend in INGLOT Athlone and a Bespoke headpiece crafted by award winning milliner Suzie Mahony. 

The full Friday Fair Lady Team Judges and Sponsors with Michael Maloney Galway Racecourse Manager and Katie from Catwalk Modelling Agency.

Shirley and Katie enjoying the rooftop setting for the launch both wearing Suzie Mahony Designs Hats and Jewellery.  
Love the block colours! very striking. 

The MC for the Launch Marietta Doran TV Stylist wearing Suzie Mahony Designs Hat with dress from Athlone Town Centre.

No event is complete without a selfie!! and who better to join me than Doireann Garrihy.

Thank you for reading my blog and I look forward to seeing you at the Galway Races.  

Suzie 

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

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