Laois fashion designer to showcase new label at Ploughing Championships

Laois fashion stylist turned designer Annie Duff is set to showcase her new label at the National Ploughing Championships.

The Raheen native has a wealth of experience in the fashion industry having both modelled and worked in Dublin, London Fashion Week and Los Angeles over the last two decades.

Just under a year ago she launched K2 Select which she will showcase at the Ploughing, being held in Screggan, County Offaly between September 16 and 18.

Annie, who was brought up in the family run Portlaoise pub Eamon A'chnoic, has always had an interest in style which she attributes to her glamorous mam and gran.

“I've been working in fashion for nearly 20 years in all aspects of the industry. I always really had a passion for styling curvier ladies and making them feel just as important and confident as anyone else,” said Annie.

“I've worked in both London at numerous fashion weeks and for a month in LA two years ago. I've worked in top boutiques in the country styling looks for Ireland AM, the Six O' clock show and Xpose at the time.”

Over her years in the industry Annie has worked with some of the top women in business and fashion and has learned from the best. She previously worked as a senior stylist at La Creme boutique in Gorey and ‘loved every minute of it’.

“I am now independently styling women for occasions mother of the bride/groom, specialising in curvier shapes under Annie Apple the honest Stylist,” she explained.

“I got into casual wear because my partner has been supplying quality sportswear and teamwear for over 14 years and because fashion has turned so casual and sporty I knew there was an opening for affordable quirky casualwear.

“Konnect2 was born, which is teamwear and sportswear. Then I started designing casual, unusual pieces that can be worn with runners or heels and most importantly at an affordable price called K2 Select. It's in its early stages but it seems to be going down really well.”

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Konnect2 Clothing is based in both Laois and La Mata in Spain. They recently launched a new website www.konnect2clothing.ie and have an online presence on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.