Prominent digital leader Ashley McDonnell announces the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week, set to showcase creativity and innovation in the fashion industry from October 6 to 10, 2025.
Ashley McDonnell, a prominent digital leader in the luxury and tech sectors, has announced the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week (IFW), marking a significant milestone in the country’s fashion landscape. Scheduled to take place from October 6 to October 10, 2025, this enhanced celebration seeks to transform Ireland into a vibrant runway that showcases creativity, culture, and innovation.
The week-long event will feature a variety of fashion shows, spotlighting both renowned designers and emerging talent from across the country. Attendees will include leading figures from the fashion industry, stylish individuals from Ireland, and international media representatives. In her comments to RTÉ Lifestyle, McDonnell highlighted that the focus of IFW will not only be on traditional fashion shows but also on creating community engagement through talks, exhibitions, and various events that reflect Ireland’s rich fashion heritage and future direction.
McDonnell’s vision for IFW has been a long time coming. Having dedicated years to promoting Irish talent through her podcast “Tech Powered Luxury” and organizing international events, she continues to push the boundaries of Irish fashion on a global scale. In September 2024, she hosted a significant event during Paris Fashion Week, positioning Irish talent alongside global fashion giants. This was followed by a successful live fashion show in Dubai in February 2025, which attracted numerous high-profile attendees, including the Irish Ambassador to the UAE, Alison Milton, and pop star Lyra.
“My ambition is to build the LVMH group of Ireland, and I will do that,” McDonnell stated, underscoring her intentions to develop a collective that uplifts premium Irish brands not only in fashion but across other sectors as well. She stressed that Ireland Fashion Week would differ from existing fashion weeks in other global cities, which often benefit from deep-rooted traditions. Instead, IFW will prioritize community involvement and educational opportunities, attempting to answer longstanding questions about the role of Irish fashion in the broader industry.
The anticipated event will showcase seven fashion shows featuring both illustrious and upcoming designers from Ireland. Among the highlights will be three flagship shows hosted in historically significant locations, spotlight shows celebrating Ireland’s cultural and sporting achievements, a showcase for design graduates, and plans for a show dedicated to independent designers influenced by Irish heritage.
Additionally, the event will include five key events leading up to and following the fashion shows, such as prestigious fashion dinners, a month-long exhibition, community-centric activities, and a vibrant afterparty. Remarkably, IFW has allocated one million euros in industry support to foster the next generation of Irish fashion talent, contributing to the development of a sustainable fashion ecosystem.
McDonnell described the inception of Ireland Fashion Week as a response to the evident gap in platforms and funding available for local designers, stating, “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 supports.”
Applications for designers to participate in Ireland Fashion Week will open on April 23, 2025, allowing local and international talent to contribute to this landmark event in Irish fashion history.
Source: Noah Wire Services
