Ireland Fashion Week Awards: A Sign of a Thriving Industry
The inaugural Ireland Fashion Week Awards, held at The Dylan Hotel in Dublin, marked a significant moment for the Irish fashion scene. The event celebrated designers, models, and contributors, signaling a growing momentum for the industry. Over 2,000 people attended Ireland Fashion Week events in October 2025, which featured designers like Paul Costelloe and Rashhiiid, alongside emerging talent.
Spotlighting Emerging Irish Talent
The awards highlighted the importance of nurturing new designers. The Student Bursary for Young Designers, a €3,000 grant created in partnership with Oatly, exemplifies this commitment. The bursary fund was built through a campaign where 50c from every Oatly oat milk add-on at Grindstone and Mr French cafes in Dublin went directly to the fund.
This initiative underscores a growing trend of community-led support for emerging creatives. Ashley McDonnell, founder of Ireland Fashion Week, emphasized the organization’s dedication to nurturing Irish design talent through various avenues, including education and direct investment.
Key Award Winners and Recognition
Several individuals and brands were recognized for their contributions:
- Young Designer of the Year (Bioderma sponsored): Sasha Donnellan
- Model of the Year: Marwa Ali & Noelle
- Excellence in Craftsmanship: Kieran Mulhern (Triona Design founder)
- Breakthrough Designer of the Year (At One sponsored): Rashhiiid
- Outstanding Contribution to Ireland Fashion Week: Glen Donnell
- Lifetime Achievement Award: William Costelloe (in honour of Paul Costelloe)
- Student Bursary for Young Designers (Oatly partnership): Oscar Canavan Doyle, Aine Doyle, Torin O’Neill
The Rise of Dublin as a Fashion Hub
The awards dinner and the preceding Ireland Fashion Week events took place in Dublin, specifically at The Dylan Hotel in Ballsbridge. This reinforces Dublin’s position as a central location for fashion in Ireland. Recent guides, like those featured in Who What Wear, are increasingly focusing on Dublin’s fashion scene, highlighting its unique appeal.
Sustainability and Community Initiatives
The Oatly bursary is a prime example of how sustainability and community engagement are becoming increasingly important within the fashion industry. The initiative demonstrates a commitment to supporting young designers while also promoting environmentally conscious practices.
Looking Ahead: Future Trends for Irish Fashion
The success of Ireland Fashion Week and its awards suggests several potential future trends:
- Increased Investment in Emerging Designers: Expect to see more initiatives like the Oatly bursary, providing financial support and mentorship to new talent.
- Focus on Sustainable Practices: The industry will likely prioritize eco-friendly materials and ethical production methods.
- Growth of Community-Led Campaigns: Collaborations between brands, cafes, and consumers to support fashion initiatives could become more common.
- Dublin’s Continued Rise as a Fashion Destination: The city is poised to attract more attention from international fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals.
FAQ
What is Ireland Fashion Week? Ireland Fashion Week is an event showcasing Irish fashion and design talent through shows, presentations, and events.
Who won Young Designer of the Year? Sasha Donnellan won the Young Designer of the Year award, sponsored by Bioderma.
What is the Student Bursary for Young Designers? It’s a €3,000 grant created in partnership with Oatly to support emerging Irish designers.
Where did Ireland Fashion Week Awards take place? The awards dinner was held at The Dylan Hotel in Ballsbridge, Dublin.
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