Ashley McDonnell, a prominent Irish figure in the realms of luxury and technology, has officially announced the launch of Ireland Fashion Week, marking the country’s first-ever dedicated event of its kind. Scheduled to take place from October 6 to 10, 2025, the event promises to transform Ireland into a sprawling stage for fashion, culture, and innovation.
McDonnell’s vision for Ireland Fashion Week has been years in the making. As the host of the “Tech Powered Luxury” podcast and through her participation in global fashion events, she has long championed Irish creative talent. Her past initiatives include organizing an exclusive showcase during Paris Fashion Week 2024, where she placed Irish designers alongside global icons like Christian Dior, Schiaparelli, Loewe, and Victoria Beckham. In February 2025, she took Irish fashion to Dubai, producing a live fashion show and podcast attended by dignitaries including Irish Ambassador Alison Milton and singer Lyra, among others.
Her goal extends far beyond hosting a week of fashion shows. McDonnell envisions building a structure akin to the LVMH group in Ireland, with an emphasis on premium Irish brands not only in fashion but across various product categories. She emphasized that Ireland Fashion Week will distinguish itself from its global counterparts by forgoing legacy models. Instead of solely focusing on buyers and international media, the event will prioritize community engagement, education, and a broader cultural narrative.
According to McDonnell, Ireland Fashion Week will feature more than just runways. The event is set to include exhibitions, panel discussions, and celebrations of Irish fashion’s history and its evolving identity. Her goal is to position Irish design on the global stage while honoring its rich heritage and promoting sustainability and forward-thinking innovation.
The inaugural edition promises an ambitious program. Seven major fashion shows will spotlight Ireland’s most prominent designers, rising talents, and top graduates from across the country. Three of these shows will take place in iconic heritage sites, adding a historic and cultural depth to the presentations. Two shows will uniquely fuse Irish sports achievements and cultural milestones with fashion. Additionally, a graduate showcase will highlight student creativity, while a special show will focus on independent and emerging designers deeply rooted in Irish identity.
Alongside the fashion spectacles, attendees can expect five major events, including elegant fashion dinners, a month-long exhibition, community-driven happenings, and an afterparty that promises to capture the celebratory spirit of the week. The event is expected to draw over 1,000 participants, from fashion insiders and press to enthusiasts and cultural icons. Importantly, Ireland Fashion Week will also serve as an economic catalyst, offering one million euros in industry support to foster the next generation of Irish design talent.
McDonnell has made it clear that the idea for a nationwide fashion week was born out of a need to offer designers a more expansive and supported platform. By establishing a permanent entity dedicated to curating events throughout Ireland, she aims to ensure that the industry gets the visibility and financial backing it deserves. Through this initiative, Irish fashion brands will not only have the resources to produce their shows but will also benefit from additional subsidies and structural support.
In launching Ireland Fashion Week, Ashley McDonnell is weaving together the strands of fashion, culture, innovation, and national pride into a single, groundbreaking celebration. With its blend of heritage and modernity, the event is set to showcase the creative brilliance of the Irish people and redefine the role of fashion in shaping the country’s cultural and global identity.
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