Tonight, IrishCentral will take you live to a fun and fascinating conversation on digital and technology game changers in the fashion industry, hosted by Digital Irish in New York City. 

Join live via IrishCentral's Facebook page at 6:30pm ET as Don O'Neill, the Kerry-born Creative Director of THEIA leads a panel discussion with Eileen Shields, Footwear Designer, Eileen Shields Inc - Design Studio; Michaela O'Shaughnessy, Social Media Producer at Teen Vogue; Ruari Mahon, Founder and Director, Loughlin Joseph; and Christina McCarthy, Media Manager at Victoria's Secret.  

Meet the Panel for Digital and Technology Game Changers In The Fashion Industry

Don O'Neill, Creative Director of Theia at JS Group International 

Known for his elegant and sophisticated eveningwear, Don O’Neill was born in Ballyheigue in Co. Kerry. Having worked with top designers in London and Paris, he now serves as Creative Director for THEIA. The collection opened in Fall 2009 and was immediately bought by global retailers such as Neiman Marcus and Saks. The designs have also been worn by celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Idina Menzel. 

Eileen Shields – Footwear Designer, Eileen Shields Inc Design Studio

Born in New York, Eileen Shields grew up in Ireland and, after graduating from the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, worked for Donna Karan International in New York for over a decade. She launched her own collection in September 2004 and the EILEEN SHIELDS label is now available in over 60 high-end boutiques and department stores globally. Counting Angelina Jolie, Courtney Cox Arquette, Drew Barrymore and Halle Berry among her many customers. 

Michaela O’Shaughnessy- Social Media Producer at Teen Vogue

Michaela O’ Shaughnessy from Galway currently works as the Social Content Producer at Teen Vogue managing the brands Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook Live accounts.

Previously Michaela worked for MTV where she created and implemented social coverage plans for major tentpole events such as the VMAs, EMAs, and the Golden Globe Awards. Personally, she has a following of over 15K across social platforms, including her successful blog entitled ‘Life of a Lady Bear’.

Ruari Mahon- Founder and Director Loughlin Joseph

Northern Ireland-born and currently based in New York City, Ruari Mahon is a fashion brand and communications specialist, with ten years’ experience dedicated to the contemporary and luxury sector in the North American and European markets. 

After a seven-year tenure directing global communications at Nudie Jeans, Ruari founded Loughlin Joseph in 2017, a multidisciplinary communications consultancy for fashion and design interests. Loughlin Joseph melds organic and modern modes to create unified narratives that inform every aspect of strategy, from infrastructure development to implementation.

Christina McCarthy- Media Manager at Victoria’s Secret

Christina McCarthy is an integrated media manager with both digital, search, social and traditional experience, currently working at Victoria's Secret on the integrated media team for Lingerie & Beauty. Having previously worked at MediaCom, part of WPP, on the Revlon account. Christina has industry experience within the advertising landscape among beauty/fashion, healthcare, CPG, travel & leisure, food/beverage and personal care. Christina’s passion is digital and social strategy and connecting to young consumers and creating dynamic messaging that is tailored to moving businesses forward. Having studied at UCD Michael Smurfit and completed an MSc of Marketing Practice prior she has moved back to the states after being in Dublin for some time.

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About Digital Irish 

The mission of Digital Irish is to connect Irish ex-pats and Irish-Americans who explicitly work in the Digital Media arena (or those interested in meeting them) either with established firms or startups. They are folks who touch on the following areas – social media, mobile, online advertising, digital agencies, search, analytics, video, e-commerce or other online-centric b2c or b2b plays.

Digital Irish aims to give Irish startups a soft landing in NYC through regular fast-pitch meetup events. You can join the group (its free!) here.