Photography by Amber O'Shea
Ireland’s fashion talent is no longer just emerging – it’s thriving
This month saw Irish designers, stylists, and creatives step into the global fashion spotlight and finally get their flowers as great Irish storytellers, writes Eoin Gavin.
As a stylist, it’s been a busy few weeks! From attending my first London Fashion Week, keeping up with the latest trends churned out by the fashion elite, and running around the streets of Dublin trying to attend every show like I’m reporting directly to Miranda Priestly (if you know, you know), it’s fashion month baby, so lets buckle up and see how the week has gone for Irish fashion, and the importance of championing your local creatives!
Ireland has long been a nation of storytellers – poets, playwrights, and literary giants. But now, we’re seeing a new narrative take shape: one of Irish designers, stylists, and creatives stepping into the global fashion spotlight (as we should!). In the past and coming weeks, our small nation has and will have all eyes on our creative talent, with Derry native Jonathan Anderson showcasing his debut womenswear collection for Dior, Seán McGirr maintaining his position as creative director at Alexander McQueen, and Simone Rocha and Paul Costelloe remaining titans of LFW, there’s no denying Ireland’s creative talent is no longer just emerging – it’s thriving!
It only seems fitting with our trajectory that we got to see our flair much closer to home with the third iteration of Dublin Independent Fashion Week. Launched in 2023, DIFW has quickly become Ireland’s premier fashion event, showcasing emerging and established designers alike. It’s more than just runway shows, this year’s programme included performances, panel talks, workshops, pop-ups, and even a closing ceremony that brought the entire creative community together.
From stylists and set designers to make-up artists and models, it was a full-circle moment for Irish creatives across the board. You name a creative field, they were involved!
Wednesday: Becoming takes over
Despite it being a full week of festivities, day one for me technically started on Wednesday with Becoming, a collaborative runway show by three sustainably-focused designers and DIFW founding members: Aisling Duffy, Sarah O’Neill (The ZeroWaster), and Megan McGuigan (Seeking Judy/Solstice by Seeking Judy). An amazing array of talent, with contemporary dance, live vocals and model interaction, it was more than just hot people doing their hot people walk, they gave us a performance! Styled by my bestie/arch nemesis Zeda The Architect and her amazing team, we got to see a new range of exquisite trumpet gowns from the Zero Waster, a series of fabulous animal print t-shirt dresses complete with lace frills and embellishments from Aisling Duffy, and the most amazing two-piece sets from Seeking Judy.
Thursday: Weddings, sportswear, and a Roy Keane bikini
Day two began with the ceremonial masterpiece of designer and fellow stylist Ríon Hannora entitled Chapter 7: Sex Before Marriage, an exploration of unabashed love and the shame and guilt that society pushes upon people who don’t conform to traditional standards. Being Ríon’s first bridal collection, it was a theatrical affair with models donning the staple Ríon calico corsets, exaggerated collared shirts, and fitted trousers, but we also saw the calico fabrics used in extravagant tailcoat tuxedos and long sleeve boleros, with lighter cottons being used for garter shirts, and the finale bridal look. The most amazing embellished accessories used throughout really caught my eye, on top of the amazing clothing. In keeping with the week’s festivities, this show also had a live performance by members of Irish music collective Biird. The clothes? Amazing. The performance? Stunning. However, I will forever hold a special place in my heart for the dedication of having custom-packaged condoms with Ríon’s branding. If we’re gonna do drama, we’ve got to commit.
Later that day, we saw the latest set from one of Ireland’s biggest contemporary sportswear brands, Pellador, headed by Greg Hall. The energy outside the venue was unlike anything I’d experienced throughout the week, with people buzzing to get a glimpse of their newest obsession. Known for their signature jersey style knits and screenprinted hats and tees, this collection saw my latest wishlist item, the aptly named “Pellador Jumper” Pellador jumper, 10/10 self-aware branding; a collaboration with one of Ireland’s biggest names, Rashhiiid, in the form of two faux fur-adorned jackets; and the pièce de la résistance, the Roy Keane-i (a Roy Keane screenprinted bikini set, oh my god). Styled by Kara O’Sullivan, it had such an amazing blend of ‘00s nostalgia with a 2025 nonchalance that I can only describe as main character energy.
Friday: Club Culture meets colour
Friday saw colourful sportswear brand Haresquare display their amazing range of oversized tracksuits that I need to get my hands on, and a selection of printed tees and accessories with the synonymous Haresquare logo! Taking place in Juice Jar, Dawson Street, the show blended club culture, streetwear culture, and fashion, leading to a truly unique experience full of fun and excitement. Live sets from DJ Dave Tracey and Fortune Igiebor kept the crowd alive! This night I wore my personal favourite outfit of the week, which was a BRAT green three-piece set from Irish designer Colin Horgan. Though I felt overdressed, the gals reminded me that everyone else was just underdressed, and you know what? They’re dead right.
Saturday: A standout debut
My finale show of the week was witnessing the greatness of the talented knitwear and contemporary designer Conor O’Brien with his debut collection Phantom Threads. This event was insane, and I fear I’m going to need every piece in every colour (*cough*, *cough* Conor, if you see this). An exploration of both restriction and freedom, Japanese-inspired silhouettes, and unbridled craftsmanship, we saw the most amazing sheer organza top and trouser sets, stiff cottons used for coats and wraps, wide leg wool trousers to die for and of course his traditional Aran knitwear in the form of a cardigan, a new addition to his growing range! This show hit emotionally – and in fashion, that’s what makes it memorable!
Beyond the runway: Talks, pop-ups, and cultural conversations
And for me, that was that. I got to experience the very best of Irish design, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t more amazing events throughout the week. Some honourable mentions include the stunning knitwear show of DIFW founding member and all-around sweetheart Mihai Mar of MAR Knitwear; an amazing collaborative showcase, Lilagh, the avant-garde brainchild of LSAD graduates Alexandra O’Donovan and Lily Breslin; the cultural celebration of upcycling and zero waste brand Wahala; the Irish design collective show Togála that saw 13 independent designers show off their skills; and who can forget the jaw-dropping, scene-stealing, downright FOMO-inducing Closing Ceremony that took place on Sunday on the IMMA grounds featuring pieces from every single designer who was involved with the week (I wanna be like you guys when I grow up)!
There were talks on the importance of sustainability, shopping vintage, and supporting independent brands from Amy Griffin of And Again, reporter and journalist Sarah Magliocco with Laura Fitzachary and Oran O’Reilly, and Deirdre Macken of Lucy’s Lounge who had a plethora of guests including DJ Dandelion (an Irish cultural icon), Ayuba of Tola Vintage (a champion of vintage streetwear accessibility), and Gail and Sally of Jenny Vander (institutions of Drury Street and all time favourites).
We can’t forget about the pop-ups throughout the week, including the cute and cuddly Lace and Kittens, headed by Kittenish Knits and Niamh Saunders, the effortlessly cool Anna Rave x Lauris Brimmers pop-up, and the WabiSabi pop-up that had such a vast array of stylish Irish clothing!
Why DIFW matters
DIFW isn’t just a fashion event — it’s the beating heart of Ireland’s creative industry. This week was an opportunity for me to go on my own style journey and remind myself (and you) of the importance of supporting and fostering places within our small country that celebrate community, expressionism, and freedom to do what your heart desires! Anyway, to all the friends I’ve made along the week, to everyone that handed out a compliment, a supportive comment, that said hi, thank you for making lil ol’ me feel welcome and included! So here’s to Irish fashion, to the unsung heroes backstage, and to the community that made this week one to remember.
Personal highlights of the week include wearing platform Crocs with every outfit and changing the jibbitz to suit the theme, (because I commit to the bit); seeing cultural moments happen in real time with the Roy Keane-i and the entirety of the Becoming show; kiki-ing with all around icon and DIFW comms director Jason, aka Pariah Hilton; and spending €136.64 on taxis running from show to show.
Photography by Amber O’Shea.
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