Ireland Fashion Week commenced this week at multiple venues across the country, drawing notable figures from the fashion industry such as Canadian supermodel Coco Rocha and activist model Alana Hadid. Rocha described Ireland's fashion scene as "amazing" and suggested that a national fashion week "should have probably happened years ago" during her first visit to the country.
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The event, which is in its second year, features over 80 designers showcasing Irish fashion, culture, and creativity. Rocha noted that walking the runway at Slane Castle felt like a "full circle moment" for her, given that she was discovered at an Irish dancing competition as a teenager. Although Rocha has deep Irish roots on both sides of her family and has been a dancer for 18 years, this was her first trip to Ireland.
The fashion industry often gravitates towards major hubs like London, Paris, Milan, and New York, but Rocha emphasized the importance of smaller fashion weeks for community development. This year's Ireland Fashion Week has expanded significantly since its launch in 2025 and includes designers from Northern Ireland.
Irish fashion is currently experiencing a surge, with internationally recognized designers like Sinéad O'Dwyer, Simone Rocha, and Jonathan Anderson drawing from their heritage in their collections. Ashley McDonnell, the founder of Ireland Fashion Week, stated that the event aims to build on the momentum achieved in 2025, highlighting the need to match talent with investments, commercial prospects, and support structures to foster an ecosystem for Irish designers.
Among the participants was Sarah Jayne Lavery, founder of Charlotte & Tess in County Tyrone. Lavery, whose collection featured Irish materials such as Donegal tweed and Aran wool, expressed how showcasing her designs marked a significant milestone in her career. She noted the thrill of discovering that Hadid would be modeling one of her looks, stating, "I was just delighted."
Lavery believes events like Ireland Fashion Week help elevate perceptions of the Irish fashion industry and showcase local talent on an international stage. This year’s theme, 'Coming Home,' celebrated Irish creativity and designers' returns.
Emerging talent was also represented, with Belfast knitwear designer Grace Bowman expressing her honor at being selected for the graduate runway showcase. Bowman, who is inspired by the Irish landscape and traditional craftsmanship, highlighted the importance of supporting Irish design. Her collection combines deadstock linen and organic cotton with Celtic motifs and hand-embroidered details, showcasing a blend of traditional and contemporary design techniques.
She remarked, "It will be a fantastic showcase of Irish design and an amazing platform for emerging designers."
Overall, Ireland Fashion Week has provided a vital platform for both established and emerging talents in the Irish fashion scene, reinforcing the message of creativity and heritage.