First ever Irish Fashion Week to take place this year

Move over Paris and Milan, it's Ireland's turn

Coming from the mind of Irish entrepreneur Ashley McDonnell, Ireland Fashion Week will be a nationwide effort and take place from October 6th - 10th 2025.

Ireland Fashion Week will be "very different" to others, according to Ashley, because we don't have the "legacy that exists in other cities that have fashion weeks".

"It's going to be less about bringing in media and buyers, and it's going to be more focused on community, education, giving a platform to people," she said.

"It won't just be fashion shows. It'll be events, it'll be talks, it'll be exhibitions.

"It'll be looking into what is Ireland's history with fashion and what does fashion mean for Ireland and what role will we play in the industry in the years to come."

The week is set to consist of seven shows.

These include three flagship shows at heritage locations, two shows set to spotlight Ireland's sporting success and rich culture through fashion, a graduate fashion show, and one show spotlighting independent and emerging designers with Irish roots.

Five events will also take place during the week, including community events, a month-long exhibition and high-profile fashion dinners.

Over 1000 attendees are expected, including industry insiders and cultural icons.

Speaking about the event, Ashley said: "The idea to create a nationwide Ireland Fashion Week came from a realisation that Irish fashion designers were lacking both the platform and the funding to showcase across the country.

"By creating an entity dedicated to producing events and experiences around the country, we’re now in a position to bring a world-class fashion week to the island and help brands with the funding of their shows, subsiding selected designers and offering incredible additional support."

"Ireland Fashion Week is a testament to the incredible creativity of the Irish people - both at home and abroad. We will see the best of Irish talent across fashion, design, music, film and beyond all coming together for the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week."

Applications for designers who want to be featured at the event open on April 23.