It's official, my dear dear friend Helen James is moving to New York, I'm too sad to write about my personal loss, but as part of a greater creative community I'm very worried that so many are leaving, we lost Tim Ryan a few years ago, we lost Helen Cody and now Helen James...God only knows how many more will leave. I know of another top Irish designer who has emigration on the cards...
What message does this send to younger generations??.. That there certainly is no hope to be in this business whilst staying in this country? Paul Costello, John Rocha, Sharon Wauchob, Orla Keily...all work permanently or have some temporary base abroad.
Is this the only solution? Will we all have to leave?
Even though I'm an eternal optimist and I love Ireland...specially this time of the year..I wouldn't blink twice if the opportunity arose..