IFW: Ireland Fashion Week Is Coming – Here’s EYNTK

From the 6th to the 10th of October, Ireland will host its very first official fashion week. The very best of Irish industry professionals will be showcased alongside emerging talent, celebrating the rich creativity and culture of the country. Here’s everything you need to know…

Ireland Fashion Week was launched by Ashley McDonnell, a digital leader in luxury and tech in Ireland. Rather than having a focus on media and buyers, she stated that the aim of this Fashion Week is to create opportunities and give a platform to those in all levels of the Irish fashion industry.

She stated that Ireland doesn’t have a similar legacy like that of all the other major cities that partake in a Fashion Week, giving the country a chance to introduce a new identity to the fashion world.

Over the 5 days, the works of 55 designers will be featured in a total of 7 shows. The 1000+ attendees will consist of industry leaders, renowned public figures and general fashion enthusiasts. 

The week will kick off with the spotlight shows featuring the works of sportswear designers and streetwear designers. These spotlight shows will thematically highlight the sporting success and the distinctively rich culture of Irish fashion. 

The Modern Heritage show on Tuesday will be the first of the three flagship shows, which will showcase the works of Ireland’s leading designers in breathtaking locations. There’s no doubt that the inclusion of these heritage locations will serve as a highlight of the week, creating a cultural distinction of Ireland Fashion Week in comparison to other global showcases.

Day three will feature the graduate show, which consists of current and recently graduated Irish design students. These aspiring designers will follow the theme of ‘The Irish Sea’ giving them the opportunity to display their stylistic approaches to a receptive audience. 

The Irish Roots show on Thursday will comprise the works by independent and emerging designers. This show will shine a deserved spotlight on Irish talent and will bring a focus to the upcoming names in the Irish fashion industry. The theme of ‘Irish Roots’ will dial ion the origins of Irish fashion and its possibilities in the future.

The final day of IFW will feature the Contemporary show, followed by the finale: the Heritage show. These closing flagship shows will feature the works of Ireland’s most highly renowned designers, displaying the success and prestige of the Irish fashion industry throughout its time.

The closing designer for Irish fashion week has been revealed as the legendary Irish designer Paul Costelloe, who will no doubt deliver a production worth remembering. The array of designers, old and new will reflect the flourishing fashion industry that exists in our country.

In addition to these 7 unmissable shows, the week is full of celebratory events such as two fashion dinners and an after party, fashion exhibitions and community building events. In turn, one million euros will be granted in support of Irish designers, securing a bright future for Irish fashion. 

Ahead of the event, some of Ireland’s biggest names in fashion and culture came together for a campaign shoot that is nothing short of sensational.

Carlos O’Connell of Fontaines D.C, Olympian Rhasidat Adeleke, Ireland’s Supermodel Thalia Heffernan, alongside stars of stage and screen, Clinton Liberty and Zara Devlin came together to represent the richness and diversity of Ireland’s creative generation.

You can take a look at the striking images throughout this piece, shot by Evan Doherty and Christian Tierney. 

Words by Leah Foran