Neilli Mulcahy design exhibition opens

An exhibition on the work of Irish fashion designer Neilli Mulcahy opens at the National Museum today.

Ms Mulcahy ran a Dublin shop producing haute couture garments in the 1950s and 1960s, and designed the Aer Lingus uniform in 1962.

The exhibition, entitled "Irish Haute Couture of the 50s and 60s," includes examples of her garments, fashion photographs, fabrics, accessories, hats and design drawings.

The designer donated her archive to the museum's decorative arts and history campus at Collins Barracks.

"Mulcahy was one of the first truly Irish designers and was known for her pioneering use of Irish fabrics, and tweed in particular," said a museum spokeswoman.

"She collaborated with the weavers, fabric designers and knitters to produce innovative fabrics in vibrant colours. The exhibition evokes an era when Irish materials and crafts became modern and sophisticated."

A series of lectures and a schools programme is being planned by the museum officials in association with the exhibition.

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