Joan today officially opened Showcase – Ireland’s International Creative Expo at the RDS in Dublin. One of the country’s largest international trade fairs, Showcase 2016 will welcome over 5,000 buyers from more than 20 countries including the UK, North America, Germany, Italy, Japan and UAE over the four days of the show which runs until Wednesday, 27th January.
Now in its 40th year, Showcase has established itself as a must-see trade event for retailers to source unique Irish design and craft and to discover the latest products to market, many of which are unique to the fair. Over 450 Irish designers, manufacturers and craftspeople across Fashion, Jewellery and Home & Giftware are unveiling their new collections at this year’s show.
Joan said: “The work of Irish designers and makers is highly regarded around the world for its quality, diversity and provenance, especially following Irish Design 2015, the year-long government-backed initiative showcasing contemporary Irish design in Ireland and abroad. Showcase provides a unique opportunity to maximise the potential for increased sales and exports of creative Irish businesses. Thanks to Enterprise Ireland’s promotion of Showcase abroad, the show continues to attract buyers from all over the world, connecting them with hundreds of Irish designers and makers. Generating up to €20 million in sales orders over the four days of the show, Showcase is critical to sustaining and growing jobs in the design and craft sector which employs thousands of talented people throughout the island of Ireland.”
Key features of Showcase 2016 include:
- A new initiative, The Knitwear Project, an exciting presentation of innovative Irish knitwear created by emerging and leading Irish designers and manufacturers in a special fashion show produced by Catherine Condell.
- Home & Giftware and Jewellery categories, with specialist curators Alanna Gallagher (Home & Gift) and Natasha Sherling (Jewellery) guiding the international buyers to the very best and exciting new products from the show’s exhibitors.
- Creative Island, at the heart of the show, a special area featuring 91 DCCoI client companies selected by an independent jury for their creativity, innovation and craftsmanship.
- The Enterprise Zone featuring unique products by almost 100 micro and small craft and design businesses who have been supported by their Local Enterprise Office and plays a critical role in helping emerging Irish entrepreneurs develop their business and expand their client base.
- An extensive retail seminar programme over the four days of the show featuring top international industry speakers, providing retailers with expertise, research and advice.