Fashion Competition success for Thomas Smith!
Mid & East Antrim Council Fashion Competition provides opportunity for Larne High School GCSE & A Level Art students to work with local fashion Designer Geraldine Connan.
Larne High School pupils Emma McClean, Erika Glass, Robbie King, Natasha McHendry & Thomas Smith took part in a competition to design a unique outfit for the Spring Fashion Show organised by Mid & East Antrim Council in March. It will take place in Larne Town Centre alongside working with Larne Football Club and local businesses. The winner will have their outfit design made by a local fashion designer, Geraldine Connan and have this displayed at the Fashion show in March. Geraldine visited our students to share her expertise, discuss the student ideas and the plans for the successful entrants.
On Tuesday 21st March 2024, the pupils attended awards ceremony hosted by Larne Grammar School where Geraldine announced the results. The certificates were presented by Gerardine Mulvena, the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim.
Geraldine Connan had further plans for the competition:
‘The winning outfit as you know is to be displayed at the Football fashion Show 28th March 2024. In addition to this the Mayor is hosting a Gala fashion show to celebrate my 40 years in business and I would love to include the students work at that event. I hope to include elements of all other student designs as accessories. Some pieces on the catwalk and other artwork on display boards and mannequins . This show is the 21st March 2024 at Magheramourne estate.’
Geraldine Connan, February 2024.
FIRST RUNNER UP – THOMAS SMITH YEAR 14
Geraldine has praised Thomas:
‘Amazing portfolio of work, a true artist and very focused on the direction he is taking his career. I would like to ask Thomas to allow his ‘Jacket’ art piece to be displayed on a mannequin at the Magheramorne Estate Show.
Thomas’s desire is to be a tattoo artist; he has the capabilities to use his drawing and painting skills in many directions including fashion design with his brilliant sense of proportion. I have secured work experience for Thomas with LMC Tattoo Studio, proprietor Miguel Castro. Thomas now follows the footsteps of former pupils of Larne High School surviving in the design world; Mitchell Cahoon photography working in Selfridges London and Peter Graham now working in Calvin Klein New York.’
SPECIAL MENTION – ERIKA GLASS YEAR 12
Erika Glass’s avant-garde design will take centerpiece at the Gala fashion show and football fashion show pop up shop.
Well done to all our students for taking part in this competition. Your designs are fantastic and you deserve this success! We are very proud of you!
Thank you to Rachael Kearns, Business Engagement Officer for Mid & East Antrim Council for inviting us to take part and making this all happen.
A special thank you to the Geraldine Connan for providing such an amazing opportunity for students to work with you and to take inspiration for your wealth of knowledge and skills. We are very grateful for this opportunity and the exciting events to follow.