‘It’s such a big opportunity for me and a huge honour’: Dromore designer prepares for New York Fashion Week

A County Down designer and fashion retailer will showcase her bespoke range of jewellery at a runway show during September’s world-renowned New York Fashion Week on September 13 at 22 Vanderbilt, Manhattan. 

Dromore mum of two Melanie Bond was one of hundreds of independent designers from across the globe to apply for the honour through fashion collective Flying Solo NYC. Established a decade ago in New York, Flying Solo’s fashion platform supports and spotlights new and talented designers via catwalk shows, PR and media opportunities as well as selling online and at their Paris and New York retail outlets. 

Flying Solo appoints an expert panel to review applications for New York Fashion Week from new talented, independent international designers and selects those who they believe are the ‘Ones to Watch.’  The panel looks at designers who can demonstrate thoughtful collections with strong visual aesthetics and unique brands, and these creators are invited to be part of Flying Solo NYC’s New York Fashion Week Runway Show.  

Melanie is thrilled to be part of New York Fashion Week: “Taking place twice a year New York Fashion Week is so high profile and is followed by all the major industry publications such as Vogue, Marie-Claire and Harper’s Bazaar.  

“It’s such a big opportunity for me and a huge honour. I’ll meet many of my peers in the business from different countries worldwide. Flying Solo also have great contacts in Paris and Milan and I aim to make the most of the event, the people I meet and of course have fun with my team. 

“I’ll be showcasing my new ‘Heirloom’ collection inspired by story-telling and stained glass, using vintage brooches & trinkets, and my hand-wired flowers made in bold colourways, ready to dazzle as the light shines on them.” 

Alongside her legal career Melanie began creating jewellery as a hobby which developed into a bespoke jewellery business. In 2022 she took the brave decision to leave her job as a solicitor and opened her now hugely popular and successful Melanie Bond fashion and accessories boutique in Dromore, County Down.  

Ahead of NYFW Melanie will attend the 2026 Ulster Tatler Awards on 3rd September at Belfast’s City Hall as she has been shortlisted in the category ‘Fashion Boutique of the Year.’

 When the dust settles on September’s New York Fashion Week (and Ulster Tatler Awards) Melanie will be planning the final details of a special fashion exclusive at the Culloden Estate’s Vespers Restaurant which will raise cash for the Mary Peters Trust. 

“I first met Lady Mary back in 2012 when I created a special bespoke necklace which she wore to the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year Awards. It was such an honour; and it’s Mary’s life and work that is the inspiration behind our evening of fashion, food, sport and music on Tuesday, November 17.” 

The event will feature current catwalk looks by a portfolio of Northern Irish designers showcased by top local models.  

Retailers, labels and brands profiled at the event include fashion, handmade jewellery and accessories from Melanie Bond’s boutique; local designer of bespoke and ready to wear women’s clothing, Stephen Mageean; contemporary milliner and handbag designer Grainne Maher; and chic millinery creator Marie-Claire Ferguson.  

Joining the fashionable line-up is STORIES Parfum creator Tonya Kidd-Beggs, who was inspired by Lady Mary Peters to produce the luxury “Legacy of Light” candle, sales of which are helping to raise funds for the Mary Peters Trust. Alongside STORIES Parfum a festive marketplace will provide guests with the opportunity to pick up Christmas gifts and other items ahead of the festive season.  

Event compere is broadcaster Cate Conway, and in addition to a gourmet supper and fashion extravaganza, the evening will include live music by top jazz musician Linley Hamilton alongside Stephen and Rosa Bond adding extra vibe and buzz to the night. 

Key guest of the evening is Lady Mary Peters, founder of the Mary Peters Trust. All proceeds from the evening are being donated to Lady Mary’s sports charity and will help to support young, talented and upcoming sporting stars of the future.  

Looking forward to the evening organiser Melanie added: "Lady Mary Peters is a true champion in every sense of the word, and one of the most inspirational (and stylish!) people I have ever met.

“From her first jewellery commission in 2012 we've stayed in touch, and she cut the ribbon in 2023 to open my boutique. Curating this one-of-a-kind, poignant fashion show really is a dream come true for me. I'd love people to join us at this exclusive event as we honour Lady Mary's legacy of light and raise funds for her charity."