Lynsey hopes to empower women with her work

A STRABANE fashion designer is hopeful that her designs will encourage and empower women, after she has been selected as a wardrobe sponsor for the 69th Miss Universe competition.

Lynsey McGarrigle, founder of  Haus of Mohawk, has been selected as a sponsor for the forthcoming contest, which will take place at the end of April in Hollywood.

Lynsey has been brought on board by the Irish team to help prepare Tyrone woman Nadia Sayer’s wardrobe as she represents Ireland in the international competition.

The Strabane woman admitted that she was elated and blown away by the opportunity.

Lynsey said, “Fashion is something we live our lives in and when we reflect on previous special occasions we often remember what we wore and that garment captures not only a moment in time but how you felt when wore it.

“My designs urge women to be a reflection of the Miss Universe motto, ‘Confidently Beautiful’ and it is extremely important to me that my designs empower young women.

“I do what I do because I want to leave a trail so that others coming behind will follow and when the time comes I will happily pass the baton onto the next who will blaze their own trail, not only moving our industry forward but empowering women to follow their dreams by doing so.

“I have travelled this road for others to follow, my wish for them is to go further because progress is not made by standing still or taking centre stage, its made by opening doors, giving a helping hand and taking even the smallest steps forward, when one of us succeeds, we all succeed.

“I live by the mantra empowered women, empower women and my hopes is that my journey and designs do the same,” said Lynsey.

Reflecting on a ‘tremendously difficult year’, Lynsey said being selected as a sponsor has been the ‘jewel in the crown’ and she extremely grateful for the opportunity.

She continued, “There are so many talented designers throughout Ireland and I feel so truly blessed that Miss Universe Ireland have contact Haus Of MoHawk to be a part of their phenomenal team.

“Miss Universe has 3.5 million followers on Instagram with an audience of over 500 million viewers tuning in to watch the grand finale in over 190 territories.

“To have the opportunity to dress Nadia during her time at the Miss Universe competition is a dream come true and I’m filled with overwhelming gratitude for the opportunity.”

She added, “This opportunity has truly been the jewel in the crown for me this year,” said Lynsey.