Announcing Showcase 2018
Showcase – Ireland’s International Creative Expo® returns to the RDS, Dublin from Sunday, 21st to Wednesday, 24th January 2018. Showcase was founded by the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland 42 years ago and has enjoyed very strong growth in recent years. Buyers attend annually from Ireland and over 20 other countries worldwide. Over the past 2 years, estimated sales orders generated at the show have grown from €18.4 million to over €21.2 million at last year’s Showcase, equating to an annual market value of €140.4 million.
Showcase has become a must-see trade show for specialised retail buyers from Ireland and overseas, offering them access to unique products designed and made in Ireland.
For 2018, Showcase introduces MADE/Slow, a special fashion and homeware presentation of quality design featuring products to adorn the body, dress the home and warm the soul. All of the featured work is designed and made in Ireland by small producers, providing sustainable employment through innovative design and traditional methods. These designers and craftspeople live and work in some of Ireland’s most breathtaking locations, taking inspiration from their unique surroundings and marrying this with local materials to make beautiful and innovative quality products designed to be loved and cherished forever, not cast aside.
Brands participating in MADE/Slow include Fisherman Out of Ireland, Ireland’s Eye, Avoca, Emblem Weavers, Cushendale, Mourne Textiles, Magee, Wild Cocoon, Diem Pottery and J. HILL’s Standard. The fashion and textile products selected for MADE/Slow will be introduced at a vibrant fashion show while the homeware products will be presented throughout the show in beautiful new display units, designed and made in Ireland by award-winning exhibition designer, Steven McNamara of ROJI.
Showcase is an annual destination for retail buyers from Ireland and more than 20 other countries, including the UK, USA, Mainland Europe and the Far East, all keen to see the very latest designs from Ireland’s top brands and craft producers. The fair is an international launch pad for the 450 Irish designers, manufacturers and craftspeople who unveil their new season collections across fashion, jewellery, home and giftware. Each year, a particular emphasis is placed on new products to market, providing retailers with opportunities to discover and stock up on the latest design-led products, many of which are unique to the show.
Showcase specialist curators Alanna Gallagher (Home & Gift) and Natasha Sherling (Jewellery) will help make viewing the best products easier for the discerning visitor by presenting an edited selection of the most interesting and innovative products, including nominees for the Best Product Awards at the show, throughout the product category halls.
At the heart of Showcase 2018, Design Ireland will feature 80 leading contemporary Irish brands chosen by an independent jury for their creativity, innovation and craftsmanship. All the products in this dedicated area of the Main Hall are designed and made in Ireland.
The Local Enterprise Showcase, which will once again fully occupy the balcony of the Main Hall at the RDS, will feature unique products from emerging Irish businesses supported by their Local Enterprise Offices. The 2018 event will see almost 100 micro enterprises from across Ireland participate in this area, all keen to establish links with Irish and international retailers.
For attendees wishing to expand their knowledge and learn more about global trends, an extensive retail seminar programme over the four days of the show will feature top international industry speakers delivering thought provoking workshops and presentations that provide retailers with expertise, research and advice.
Showcase is a partnership between the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland and Showcase Ireland Events Ltd., with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally through their network of offices overseas.
Showcase 2018 runs from Sunday 21st to Wednesday 24th January and is for trade attendance only. For further details on the event or to register to attend, please visit www.showcaseireland.com.