From October 6th to 10th, creativity flourished throughout Ireland. Designers, stylists, models, makeup artists, and photographers gathered to showcase their talents during the country’s very first Fashion Week. Seven shows, hosted in historic halls and scenic venues, featured some of Ireland’s most established names while sharing the stage with the new generation of upcoming designers.
Beyond the week’s celebration of style, this moment was a defining point for Irish fashion, a platform for visibility, collaboration, and support among what our small island has to offer. Unlike other international fashion weeks, this event had a distinct focus on Irish heritage and community, evident amongst the pieces showcased.
The director behind this remarkable week was Ashley McDonnell, an Irish luxury and tech entrepreneur who initially announced the launch of Ireland’s Fashion Week (IFW) back in April. Reflecting on the week, McDonnell shared, “IFW is something I love and I’m passionate about, but if someone else had created it previously, I’d have been happy to simply help out. As a platform for a nationwide fashion week didn’t previously exist, I felt it was something that was needed, and I could help build”.
Her enthusiastic desire and vision created a stage to showcase emerging talents while appreciating established Irish designers. Similar to other fashion weeks, IFW aims to preview upcoming trends, drive sales, and facilitate valuable networking between the designer and the wider creative community.
Every show spotlighted a distinct style and vision, with venues carefully chosen to beautifully enhance each designer’s story. Across the seven spectacular shows during Ireland Fashion Week, Roisin Scanlan, the Director of Operations, recalled “a country-wide celebration of creativity”. Each event presented Irish culture, fashion, and community to collide, where guests could admire iconic collections from famous homegrown designers while also discovering the next wave of talent.
Irish Roots show at Slane Castle
Irish heritage was honoured during the inaugural week at Slane Castle in Co Meath. The Irish Roots Show exhibited some of Ireland’s most reclaimed designers. Some participating labels included Avoca, Helen Steele, Jack Murphy, IrelandsEye, and Louis Copeland. The nine participating designers created four looks each, dedicated to Irish textiles. Avoca recognizes the sheep of Ireland in an impressive headpiece composed of wool from Donegal Yarns, a cardigan from Miss She Got Knits, along with a pink houndstooth set with accessories by Hanna Hats of Donegal.
Sportswear Show at Teeling Whiskey Distillery
Ireland Fashion Week will commence with a show from Bold Golf, a brand that blends streetwear and art while redefining golf apparel with a modern twist. Taking place at the Teeling Whiskey Distillery, guests can expect a reimagined new generation of golf apparel while tying to traditional Irish roots. Golf bags appeared as part of the styling to hint at the label’s commitment to the theme yet standing out with layered sweaters and voluminous trousers.
Sasha Donnellan at Windmill Lane, Dublin
The following day, a runway show by Sasha Donnellan took place at Windmill Lane in Dublin, a modern venue to highlight the elegance of her pieces. Donnellan creates her pieces as a tribute to the feminine resilience during Irish history; the quiet defiance is highlighted by her use of heavy wools with delicate silks to reveal innocence and rebellion. The pieces emphasized the model’s natural beauty, as the show is named “Dreamt of in Connemara, Handmade in London”. The pieces included dresses for the modern-day bride, working beautifully with leather jackets, and an array of fabrics, including tweed, silk, and chiffon. The guest singer, Tolü Makay, was another highlight of the night.
The Irish Sea Graduate Show at the Marker Hotel
The Irish Sea Graduate Show followed at the Marker Hotel, overlooking the waterfront of Grand Canal Square. The setting perfectly reflected the night’s theme, connecting new creators with Irish coastal heritage. Forty emerging designers took inspiration from the Irish sea to create elaborate looks that celebrated creativity and sustainability. Featured pieces on the runway showcased the new wave of Irish talents ready to make an impact on global stages.
Aoife McNamara at Ballynahinch Castle
Later in the week, Aoife McNamara presented her contemporary collections at the stunning Ballynahinch Castle, weaving together Irish traditions with a strong focus on sustainability. Describing this event as “her biggest show ever,” Aoife emphasised how a showcase of this scale will significantly enhance the visibility of Irish fashion globally. Collaborating with a list of Irish heritage brands, she featured pieces crafted from 100 per cent Irish wool, working with Donegal Yarns, Molloy & Sons, Hanna Hats, and Gemma Cowen. By spotlighting local artisans, Aoife celebrated the rhythm of the mind and spirit of Irish heritage.
Rashhiiid at the Douglas Hyde Gallery
Rachel Maguire (Rashhiiid) brought her distinctive vision of sustainable luxury to the runway during IFW. Her bold designs are expressive and memorable, designed to stand out rather than fit in. Known for her bold, expressive aesthetics, Rachel’s creations have been famously seen on global icons, Doja Cat and Megan Thee Stallion. This Streetwear Show took place at Trinity’s very own Douglas Hyde Gallery, a fitting venue at the heart of contemporary Irish art and design.
Paul Costelloe at Dublin City Hall
Irish fashion week concluded with a closing show by Paul Costelloe, one of Ireland’s most established and celebrated designers, held in the iconic Dublin City Hall. The collection paid tribute to Irish craftsmanship, connecting fashion to the cultural history of Dublin itself. After decades of sharing Irish fashion on international stages, Costelloe’s return home felt both symbolic and deeply personal. Known as the “Irish Ralph Lauren”, and famed for designing for Princess Diana, his presence underscored the prestige and enduring legacy of Irish fashion.
The week brought together 55 designers across seven magnificent shows, each curating collections that gave homage to Irish heritage while adding their own meaningful and distinctive touch. Every venue complemented designers and vision beautifully, creating immersive experiences celebrating the diversity of Irish fashion.
With Visa as the principal sponsor, the event not only spotlighted Irish designers nationally but set the foundation for future growth and recognition. This partnership promises to bring €1 million in industry support, empowering the next generation of fashion talent to thrive and place a much deserved spotlight on the work on the abilities and craftsmanship that define the Irish identity.
