Set to debut in early October 2025, Ireland Fashion Week is a fresh and ambitious addition to the global fashion circuit. Championed by digital luxury visionary Ashley McDonnell—whose tenure includes leadership at Christian Dior and Puig—the event will span diverse Irish landscapes from the streets of Dublin to the wild charm of Connemara and the heartland of the Midlands. This geographical spread signals a desire to root fashion deeply in Ireland’s cultural and environmental narratives. Over the course of five days, audiences will experience runway spectacles from 54 Irish designers, including icons like Paul Costelloe, rising stars like Aoife McNamara, and graduate breakout Rashhiiid by Rachel Maguire. Model Thalia Heffernan will play a prominent role, culminating in a “model boot camp” dedicated to nurturing emerging talent. With a production budget of €1 million and a tech fund of €7.5 million for designers, the initiative seems poised to build a sustainable, innovative fashion ecosystem. Themes such as “Irish roots” and collaborative moments between heritage brands like Magee and fresh creative voices add depth and authenticity. With backing from global figures such as Sidney Toledano and JW Anderson, this inaugural week promises to thoughtfully and stylishly position Irish fashion on the world
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