“My collection is all about joy, hope and love. It’s the brightest collection I have ever designed as I desperately wanted to create an atmosphere of happiness after all that we have been through in the last two years,” explains designer Helen Cody, one of the many Irish designers who participated in the ARC Cancer Support Centres fashion show, which took place on Thursday, April 21 in the RDS Concert Hall, Dublin 4.

This fundraising event, produced by Eddie Shanahan and supported by law firm Arthur Cox Solicitors, was a celebration of the diversity and quality of Irish fashion design. It was attended by a glossy posse of some 800 guests, who enjoyed a champagne reception before the show. Spotted on the frow were models Sophie Anderton, Celia Holman-Lee as well as Nicky Byrne of Westlife and his wife Georgina Ahern.

Cody, an ARC ambassador, opened the show with a burst of colour, reflected in the backdrop of her collection – a fluo-botanical screen created by her sister Catherine Cody – an artist who lives in Martinique. Cody paid tribute to Mairéad Mangan, Head of Fundraising at ARC, who was the driving force behind the success of the charity’s many campaigns and events for over ten years. Mangan died in December. “I created a red poppy dress in her honour as a symbol of remembrance and hope,” explained Cody; the poppy dress poignantly opening a show, which was both emotional and inspiring.

Other Irish designers featured included Caoimhe Murphy, Gabrielle Malone, Lia Cowan, FéRí and Christine Murphy for Urban Aran. Established names such as Niamh O’Neill, Rebecca Marsden, Heidi Higgins, Mona Swims, Caroline Duffy, KDK and Theo+George also participated in the line-up. There were dramatic contributions from Helen Hayes, sisters Blaithin & Niamh Ennis, Eadach by Sara O’Neill, Charlotte Lucas, Sarah Murphy, Caterina Coyne and Hazel Greene. As for accessories, Barbara Bennet showed a collection of customised sneakers; Aoife Kirwan and Leonora Ferguson presented exquisite designs in millinery.

Niamh Daniels created printed kimonos and giant wraps for an integral part of the show which involved a number of cancer survivors, known as “ARC Angels”. They took to the stage to showcase this special sequence and received a standing ovation.

The finale of the show was a special collection by designer Sorcha O’Raghallaigh, who lists Madonna, Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue, M.I.A., Grimes, Florence Welch and Kieza, as clients. Her work, which blurs the parameters of art and fashion and has been featured in British Vogue, Vogue Italia, LOVE magazine and W, did not disappoint.

In addition to a raffle prize draw, and goody bag (from Sculpted by Aimee), guests learned more about the essential work of ARC Cancer Support Centres. They provide psychological, emotional, practical and educational support (free of charge) to people with cancer as well as their families and carers.

To find out more and donate to this organisation visit www.arccancersupport.ie.