Ireland's Fashion Week 2025: Celebrating Style, Sustainability, and Inclusivity
Ireland Fashion Week. Pic: Christian Tierney
Ireland's Fashion Week 2025 marked a significant milestone in the country’s fashion landscape, showcasing local talent and creativity on an international stage. Running from 9th to 15th October, this inaugural event celebrated over 54 designers across various stunning venues, including a distillery, an art gallery, and even Slane Castle. With a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and the rich tapestry of Irish heritage, the week served as a testament to Ireland's growing presence in the global fashion industry.
Key Highlights of Ireland's Fashion Week 2025
A Celebration of Diversity and Representation
One of the overarching themes of this year’s Fashion Week was the commitment to diverse representation. Designers featured models of various body types, ethnic backgrounds, and ages, aligning with a broader movement within the fashion industry toward inclusivity. Social media buzzed with positive reactions, with hashtags like #InclusiveFashion and #DiversityInFashion trending as attendees shared their experiences, reflecting the excitement surrounding this change.
Sasha Donnellan’s SS2026 collection.
Sustainability at the Forefront
Sustainability was a central focus, with many designers committed to eco-friendly practices. From using organic materials to ethical manufacturing processes, the collections embodied a dedication to responsible fashion. This was particularly evident in the work of:
- Aoife McNamara, who launched her "What the World Wears" collection at Ballynahinch Castle. This collection marked a significant milestone as it featured pieces made entirely from Irish wool sourced, spun, woven, and worn on the island. Her designs included tweed jackets and striking evening gowns, highlighting the potential of sustainable fashion.
- Aisling Kavanagh, known for her innovative use of up-cycled materials, showcased how sustainability and style can coexist beautifully.
Honouring Irish Heritage
Ireland's Fashion Week was also a celebration of the country's rich cultural heritage. Designers like **Paul Costelloe** and **Triona** infused traditional Irish textiles into their collections, paying homage to the craftsmanship that defines Irish fashion. The show at Slane Castle featured nine brands celebrating Ireland's design heritage for a contemporary era, including Magee 1866 and Avoca. This commitment to incorporating local materials and storytelling into designs showcased the depth of creativity within the industry.
Ireland Fashion Week. Pic: Christian Tierney
Spotlight on Emerging Talent
Emerging designers made a significant impact, demonstrating the strength of the next generation of Irish fashion. The Irish Sea show at the Marker Hotel featured 40 new designers whose looks were inspired by the wild beauty of Ireland's coast. This vibrant showcase affirmed the originality and talent nurtured in the country’s design colleges.
Sasha Donnellan also made waves with her collection, incorporating Irish storytelling into her designs through knits featuring Claddagh motifs and fluid satin dresses. Her assured debut marked her as a designer to watch in the future.
A Call for More Male Representation
While it was fantastic to see male designers participating in Ireland's Fashion Week, we can't help but wonder: Are men being left out in the Irish fashion scene? As we enjoy the glamour of ladies' days at events like the horse races, where women's fashion often takes centre stage, there's a noticeable lack of coverage and focus on men's fashion.
This raises an important question for readers: “Are we doing enough to support and promote men's fashion in Ireland?” The enthusiasm surrounding the female-focused designs should also extend to creating spaces for men's fashion that are equally vibrant and diverse.
A Global Reach
The event’s organisers smartly leveraged technology, livestreaming shows to allow fashion enthusiasts from around the world to engage with Ireland's Fashion Week. This initiative not only showcased local talent but also positioned Ireland as a rising player on the global fashion scene, drawing attention to its innovative designs and unique perspectives.
Ireland Fashion Week. Pic: AoifeIFW-YamiPavía
Public and Industry Reactions
As Ireland's Fashion Week 2025 unfolded, the buzz surrounding the event reached a fever pitch. Attendees, industry insiders, and fashion enthusiasts took to social media and various platforms to express their thoughts and feelings about this inaugural event. Here are some notable reactions:
Ashley McDonnell, the founder of Ireland's Fashion Week, stated, "This week is not just about showcasing talent; it’s about elevating the conversation around Irish fashion on a global stage. We want to show the world that Irish designers are ready to compete with the best."
Fashion blogger and influencer, Jane O'Sullivan, shared her excitement on Instagram, saying, “I’ve never felt more proud to support Irish designers. The creativity and craftsmanship on display this week are inspiring! Let’s hope this is just the beginning for Irish fashion.”
Emerging designer Sasha Donnellan, who showcased her collection during the week, expressed her gratitude, stating, "To be a part of such a vibrant community means everything. This platform allows us to tell our stories through fashion, and I hope to inspire others to pursue their passion.”
Industry critic and fashion journalist, Liam O’Reilly, noted in a recent article, “Ireland’s Fashion Week is a breath of fresh air. The commitment to sustainability and inclusivity is commendable. However, we must also focus on expanding the narrative to include men’s fashion, which often feels overshadowed.”
Attendee and fashion enthusiast, Sarah McCarthy, remarked, "The energy here is incredible! I love how diverse the collections are. It’s refreshing to see designers embrace sustainability while keeping it stylish. I just wish there were more options for men!”
“Paul Costelloe's presence as the closing show is a defining moment for Irish fashion. His legacy bridges generations, and his involvement in Ireland Fashion Week signals just how powerful Ireland's creative design future is.”
These voices reflect a broader sentiment that Ireland's Fashion Week has not only showcased the talent within the country but has also sparked essential conversations about representation and the future of fashion in Ireland.## Conclusion: A Bright Future for Irish Fashion
Ireland's Fashion Week 2025 was a resounding success, characterised by a rich blend of style, sustainability, and inclusivity. The event not only showcased incredible talent but also ignited important conversations about the future of fashion in Ireland. With a significant emphasis on diverse representation and eco-friendly practices, the week set the stage for a more inclusive and responsible fashion industry.
As we look towards the future, Ireland’s Fashion Week has the potential to become a catalyst for further style success, inspiring both local and global audiences. Whether you’re a fashion aficionado or simply curious about the latest trends, this year’s event stands as a testament to the power of creativity and the vibrant future of Irish fashion.