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 

Wedding Showcase at The Meadow Court Hotel

Wedding Showcase at the Meadow Court Hotel

It really didn't take much convincing to give up my Sunday afternoon for this Wedding Showcase in our local hotel The Meadow Court where we got married over 20 yrs ago!!

The newly refurbished function room is very warm and inviting to all.  A very comfortable homely feeling you get from this beautiful family run hotel.

Our showcase was modelled by Catwalk Modelling Agency.  In my interview with Mandy Maher Catwalk Modelling Agency I shared lots of my tips and advice for Mother of the Bride.

Suzie Mahony Designs hats and jewellery with fashion from Guna Deas Loughrea.  Perfect wedding guest looks for this season.

I could have chosen any colour hat here from the stripes in the skirt but red is on trend this season and makes the look a little stronger.

For my own Show I styled the models with hats, bags and jewellery to show a variety of what may work for your special day.  By using plain cream and black jumpsuits this look set off the accessories perfectly.

Nude Pink has to be one of the top tones this season for mother of the bride.  Here I designed a nude pink silk percher hat for which I designed the block myself to maintain a unique finish.  I have trimmed it with ivory veiling and silk swirls.  I added a pale pink pearl bag which brightens the black jumpsuit and also ties the look together.

Melania Blue:  

Another good tone for Mother of the Bride this year.  This piece is an elegant button shape where I have trimmed with beautifully cut feathers and a little bling!!

My 'Wave' Design hats are causing a stir this season as ladies take on the idea of wearing something very strong in shape and when created in block colours like this royal blue, can be very striking.

The Backstage Selfie!!  

Here I styled Katie with this bespoke black silk handmade hat trimmed with ivory pearls, feathers and silk swirls.  A real showstopper and looks amazing.  I simply teamed it with ivory pearls and a black patent clutch to bring the look together with her jumpsuit.  

Thank you for reading my blog.

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

Launch of First Furlong 2017 Millinery Showcase

Launch of First Furlong 2017

I am delighted to have been part of the First Furlong Event for the past 5 years.  This event gives me the opportunity to showcase my Millinery designs at a special event where each of us Galway Millinery can highlight our unique hats.  It is no secret that Galway is the capital of Millinery and at First Furlong you will see ample evidence of this with every lady wearing a hat on the day in a bid to secure the 'Raciest Lady' prize!!  The launch was in the beautiful gardens of the Ardilaun Hotel in glorious sunshine.  

Lynn McLoughlin, Caitlinn, Suzie and Jennifer Skeffington BCRI

My continued support of the Breast Cancer Research is also a very important to me.  As one of my chosen charities to support through my work as a Milliner.

Lynn from Anthony Ryans, Caitlin Catwalk Modelling Agency and Jennifer Skeffington each wearing one of my bespoke millinery designs for the launch.

Setting the scene for our photographer on the day Wonderful Life Productions.

First Furlong at the Ardilaun Hotel takes place on Tuesday 1 August and encapsulates all the fun of the Galway Races with lunch, music and fashion. MC this year is well-known fashion and lifestyle blogger, Lisa McGowan from Lisa’s Lust List.

Maria Kelly The Ardiluan Hotel

Starting at 12 noon with a sparkling drinks reception those attending will enjoy a four course lunch with wine, followed by an afternoon of fashion with a Millinery Showcase hosted by Mandy Maher of Catwalk Modelling Agency featuring some of Ireland’s leading Milliners; Suzie Mahony, Caithriona King, Majella Dalton with fashion by Anthony Ryans.  The perfect opportunity to chose your crowning glory for the Galway Races. 

Lisa McGowan from Lisa’s Lust List will also judge the ‘Raciest Lady’ and ‘Bookies Favourite Gent’ sponsored by Anthony Ryans. Entertainment will be by the Guinness Jazz Band, and a special performance by classical tenors Duo Vocis featuring Frank Naughton and Sean Costello.

Tipsters will be on hand to give racing tips before everyone is shuttled to Ballybrit for an evening of racing. Tickets are on sale from the Ardilaun Hotel for the price of just €75 all in, including shuttle and entry to the race course.

All proceeds will go to Galway based charity Breast Cancer Research who fund a research programme at the Lambe Institute for Translational Research, NUI Galway led by Professor Michael Kerin.

Professor Michael Kerin and Jennifer Skeffington BCRI  wearing Suzie Mahony Designs.

If you would like to join us you can purchase your tickets HERE

Thanks for reading my blog.

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