Hats off to new fashion hub in Limerick
LIT has put its name firmly on the map sowing seeds for a sustainable fashion industry in Limerick and providing an employment boost to the city centre.
Speaking at the launch yesterday, LIT president Maria Hinfelaar said it was appropriate that the launch of LIT’s International Fashion Incubator Limerick (IFIL) coincides with Limerick’s bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2020 during the Irish Year of Design 2015.
“IFIL will become part of Limerick’s business and educational infrastructure with a remit that is not only local and national in its scope but truly international. Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD) is ranked among the world’s leading fashion schools and is the only Irish institution to exhibit at London Graduate Fashion Week.
“It is fitting that we launch IFIL as Limerick prepares its bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2020 and during the Irish Year of Design 2015,” she said.
Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan, who was present at the launch, said IFIL builds on the ground-breaking work that LSAD has achieved in the fashion and textile sector.
“Limerick is now at the forefront of Irish fashion both nationally and internationally. The IFIL will ensure that this exciting and dynamic field of study will continue to go from strength to strength.”
The launch was a key element of the official opening of the refurbished Merriman House on Lock Quay, a new centre of excellence in fashion design that builds on the international reputation of LSAD.
“The location of IFIL at the heart of the city is also a very significant boost to the ongoing enhancement of the city centre and I want to pay tribute to the vision that LIT has displayed in this and all its future capital development plan,” Ms O’Sullivan added.
Dr Hinfelaar described the opening of Merriman House as a “very significant step” for LIT and for Limerick city centre.
“We are creating employment in Limerick city centre by increasing the number of students and staff in the city while sowing the seeds of new enterprises in an iconic building on Lock Quay.”
Dr Hinfelaar said the launch was an integral part of the LIT’s Campus 2030 capital development plan and was unique to Ireland.
“The school of art and design graduates have created a network of global renown in the world’s leading fashion houses.
“What IFIL does is open the door for these designers to work and live in Ireland, while mentoring up-and-coming young designers through the IFIL designer-in-residence programme.”
She also described the movement of mentors whose education began in LSAD and who are now returning to expand their businesses and support recent graduates as the “backbone” of IFIL.
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