10 iconic Irish fashion moments from 2022

Sarah McKenna Barry

It’s been an incredible year for Irish designers, models and style icons.

Earlier this month, I sat down and had a think about some of the most iconic fashion moments from this year. I considered Hollywood stars donning red carpet glamour and some jaw-dropping moments from the most talked-about celebrities, but ultimately, it was moments in Irish fashion that struck the strongest chord.

From new faces to established Irish designers, it’s been a wonderful year for fashion in Ireland. Here are the designers, models and style icons who made 2022 a very exciting year.

1. Seeing double at Gucci fashion week

Alessandro Michele’s Spring-Summer 2022-23 show for Gucci featured not one but two sets of Irish twins: Mallaidh and Kitty Kielthy from Wexford, and Cadhla and Sadhbh O’Reilly from Lucan.

Speaking on the significance of featuring twins, Michele said: “It’s exactly the impossibility of the perfectly identical that nourishes the magic of twins… It’s the deception of similitude. The game of illusion of a cracked symmetry.”

2. Lia Cowan’s first solo fashion show

It’s been a super exciting year for Irish fashion designer Lia Cowan. In 2022, her outfits were worn by the likes of Nicola Coughlan, Louise McSharry and Angela Scanlon. She also exhibited her autumn/winter collection with Undisciplined Tulips – her first ever solo fashion show at the Chocolate Factory in Dublin.

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3. Pamela Ashley Uba’s last night as Miss Ireland

Before handing the crown over to Ivanna McMahon, Pamela Ashley Uba enjoyed one final evening as Miss Ireland in a dazzling green gown by Simply Divine Ltd.

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4. Nicola Coughlan

After being named by Vogue as one of the best-dressed women last year, Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan continued to cement her reputation as a fashion icon at numerous events this year. Our personal favourite? When she wore Valentino to the BAFTAs.

5. When Sarah Jessica Parker wore a Philip Treacy headpiece to the Met Gala

The Met Gala is undoubtedly the most talked about event of the fashion calendar, so it was a glorious moment when none other than Sarah Jessica Parker flew the Irish flag with an intricate headpiece by Philip Treacy. The SATC star accompanied the piece with a checkered gown by American designer Christopher John Rogers.

6. The rise and rise of Sorcha O’Raghallaigh

If there is one word that comes to mind when you see the iconic beaded wigs, feathered creations and ornate jewellery of Irish designer Sorcha O’Raghallaigh, then that word is wow. To date, Sorcha’s items have been worn by Madonna, Lady Gaga, Grimes and just last month, Cara Delevingne wore one of her headdresses for the Pirelli calendar.

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A post shared by Sorcha O’Raghallaigh (@sorcha.or)

7. When Gucci met GAA

Fashion lovers are convinced that Normal People star Paul Mescal was responsible for the humble GAA shorts’ rise to fame, which culminated in Gucci selling a pair that were definitely inspired by one Connell Waldron.

They're gentrifying gaa https://t.co/Cdx10kjDzJ

— Orla ní Dhúill (@SomeBogWitch) June 9, 2020

8. When a Westmeath teen walked for Dior

Earlier this month, 17-year-old Sonny Drummond was one of 75 men to walk for Dior at their show at the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, marking the fashion house’s 75th year in business. A fantastic achievement for a teen who was scouted at Longitude just five months prior.

9. Simone Rocha’s continued reign

Irish designer Simone Rocha had an impeccable 2022. As well as a show-stopping Spring/Summer show, Rocha’s designs were worn by a number of celebrities including, but certainly not limited to, Billie Eilish, Griff, Paul Mescal and Frankie Hayward.

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10. When Rachel Maguire’s faux fur hats became a household name

Rachel Maguire aka Rashhiiid”s furry bucket hats were easily 2022’s accessory of choice with the likes of Doja Cat, Addison Rae, Rosalia and Arian Grande sporting her designs.

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