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Work of talented Longford designers centre stage at launch of Showcase - Ireland's Creative Expo
Wendy Louise Designs and Capulet & Montague from Longford will be in attendance
Hat – Wendy Louise Designs (Stand C67) - Longford; and White & gold earrings, Capulet & Montague (Stand C96) - Longford
Reporter:
Longford Leader Reporter
12 Jan 2026 8:00 AM
Email:
newsroom@longfordleader.ie
The work of two talented Longford designers occupied centre stage at the launch of Showcase - Ireland's Creative Expo on Tuesday, January 6 in at The Factory, Bolands Mills, with models Hannah and Patrick styled in fashion and accessories from Showcase 2026.
Fashion and accessories by Wendy Louise Knight of Wendy Louise Designs and Lisa McCormack of ‘Capulet & Montague’, who are exhibiting at Showcase, were worn by models Hannah and Patrick at the launch.
Wendy Louise Designs specialises in bespoke designs from large-brimmed showstoppers, to fascinators, cloches, pillboxes, trilbies and fedoras, while ‘Capulet & Montague’, founded by Lisa McCormack, is one of Ireland’s leading jewellery designers. Lisa featured in the Longford Life magazine Sept / Oct edition 2025.
Showcase, which returns to the RDS, Dublin, from Sunday, January 18 to Tuesday, January 20 brings together hundreds of Ireland’s leading designers, makers and creative brands under one roof.
Peter Burke, T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, commented on the launch of Showcase 2026: "I’m delighted to continue to support Showcase, the largest international trade show of its kind. Over the years Showcase has grown into an essential platform, linking Irish designers and craftspeople with retailers from across Ireland and from around the world. Retailers play a really significant role in bringing these products to the global market, helping to strengthen Ireland’s reputation for quality and innovation and supporting our SMEs to grow and export."
"The retail sector remains a vital part of our economy and a key partner in supporting the continued growth of Irish design and craft. Showcase continues to play a pivotal role in building these relationships contributing to the success of retailers, craftspeople and designers both nationally and internationally."
105 brands will exhibit for the first time at this year’s event. Showcase is the first big event in the calendar for the design and craft sector in Ireland. It is a big revenue generator for the almost 400 exhibitors that attend the event each year, as well as significantly contributing to the national economy and Ireland’s export market. The Irish design and craft sector directly employs over 73,000 people, mostly outside of Dublin, which highlights the sector’s importance in regional employment and economic development. A successful three days at Showcase, is the first step in a positive trading year for many of Ireland’s design and craft businesses.
Pamela Kerr, Head of Craft and Design, Local Enterprise Offices, said; “The Local Enterprise Offices are delighted to be back at Showcase again for2026 with over 100 LEO supported companies that will be taking part. Showcase is very much the kick-off event for these businesses each year and we work hard with our colleagues in Design & Crafts Council and Enterprise Ireland to add real value for our clients. This event can be a real starting point to sell to buyers for the year, so we want to ensure all our clients benefit from the event.”
For further details on the event or to pre-register to attend, please visit www.showcaseireland.com.
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