Leitrim designer to showcase work on national stage at charity fashion show

Leitrim-based knitwear designer Pearl Reddington will take to the national stage as Ireland’s biggest charity fashion event, the ARC Fashion Show, returns to the RDS Concert Hall on Thursday, April 23.

Pearl will showcase six of her neon-imbued garments as part of the 11th annual ARC Fashion Show, a standout date in the Irish fashion calendar that raises vital funds for ARC Cancer Support Centres.

Originally from Dublin and now based in rural Dromahair, Pearl works from a small studio surrounded by waterlogged fields, windy hills and mossy woods.

She has always had a connection to Leitrim and now lives in the cottage her family once used as a summer home when she was a child. “Dromahair and Leitrim inspire everything I do. It’s all connected, it’s a huge part of who I am and inspiration for my work,” said Pearl.

Pearl has been living in Leitrim for four years and loves the rural simplicity of Dromahair compared to Dublin, as well as the personal nature of living in a small community. She finds inspiration in her everyday life there. “Leitrim is such a creative county. I can’t keep up with the amount of stuff going on here!” she added.

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Pearl’s knitwear is made with materials from Donegal Yarns and is guided by a deep respect for Ireland’s textile traditions, alongside a curiosity about how colour, pattern and handwork evolve over time.

Her signature palette often centres on navy and grey, punctuated with unexpected pops of neon, creating combinations that feel both natural and striking.

As well as the show meaning a lot to Pearl because she can take part in something for an important cause, she said, “It’s great to be able to bring my pieces that are created from home to a national runway. It’s very special to have a home for them to show them off,” adding that she has just completed her Spring/Summer collection.

“The cause is really good and connecting with the other makers it’s going to be a showcase of Irish designers,” she added.

Her designs are completely handmade - even down to the buttons, which are crafted from porcelain and individually hand-painted to match the yarn.

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Excited to showcase her Aran jumpers, vests and sweaters, she commented on how this is a different and meaningful way of raising money. “It’s so important because it goes both ways. We get something great out of it but it’s also for charity.

“It’s harder for charities to fundraise traditionally. It brings a different audience for charities. It’s great to have a home for my pieces and to also be giving back,” added Pearl.

The ARC Fashion Show, sponsored by Davy Group, will feature collections from 30 Irish designers before an audience of more than 800 guests. 

From couture and contemporary fashion to heritage knitwear and accessories, the event promises a dynamic showcase of Irish creativity.

Produced by Eddie Shanahan, the show will unfold on a dramatic catwalk set against a spectacular electronic backdrop.

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A highlight of the evening will be the powerful ARC Angels sequence, featuring four women who have experienced cancer or are currently undergoing treatment. 

Their participation brings the total number of ARC service users who have modelled in the show over the years to 44, a moving reminder of the cause at the heart of the event.

All funds raised will go directly towards ARC Cancer Support Centres’ free psychological, emotional, educational and practical services for men, women and children affected by cancer.

The ARC Fashion Show takes place on Thursday, April 23 at the RDS Concert Hall, Dublin 4. Doors open at 7pm, with the show starting at 8pm. Tickets are priced at €70 and are available here.