Threads of Sligo

Image of Sligo gal Brigit O’Quinn from Sligo sporting a Gaelic revival style look courtesy of Orla Fitzpatrick. Check out more from her amazing collection of photos here.

This weekend I went home for the June Bank Holiday to spend some time delving into research for a special event for a collective I am part of for the Lily and Lolly CraftFest. The Red Petticoat Collective is a group of like-minded fashion and textile lovers who have come together to explore our hometown, it’s stylish past and sustainable future. We have called ourselves the red petticoats  to reference a West of Ireland folk garment which unites our location (Sligo) and our topic (fashion and textiles). It also has a little romance and mystery to it!

Let me introduce you to the petticoats: Tara Boath-Mooney is a Sustainable Fashion & Textiles designer , Zoe Coleman is an Art Historian,  Orla Fitzpatrick is a Photo Historian and I of course me – Ruth Griffin, I am a writer and fashion historian!

On Saturday, 17th June we are hosting a tour called the Threads of the Town which explores our fashion and retailing past and amazing present day businesses. The trail takes in contributions from us all with selected guest contributors joining us along the way.

We will begin the trail at the world renowned bespoke tailor Joseph Martin and take you on a tour to Sligo’s much-loved past and present department stores and drapery businesses from Johnston’s, Mullaney’s and Lyon’s. We will also be looking at hidden fashion and textile histories along the way and finishing with a grand finale in Lyon’s Cafe where there will be an opportunity for tour goers to talk about the town’s style memories or show any fashion mementos from the past that may have a story to tell.

Why not like our Facebook page here for the most up to date information?

Tickets €10. Book on Eventbrite here . Limited places so don’t delay!

Hope to see you there,

Find out more about the Lily & Lolly CraftFest