District’s Picks For Irish Design Week
Words: Izzy Copestake
This year’s Irish Design Week is set to be the biggest and most exciting yet. The full lineup is huge, and has something there for everyone. With such a fantastic array of events and talks to attend, it can be difficult to know what to go to. So here are some of our favourites from the week. Visit the website to secure your tickets.
Kid Super
When: Tuesday 12 November at 5.30pm
Where: Royal Irish Academy of Music
Colm Dillane is undeniably one of the biggest names on Irish Design Week’s lineup this year, so you’re going to need to move quickly to get your tickets to this event. Dillane is best known for the creation of his iconic streetware brand Kid Super; a creation born from his parent’s basement in New York city and now one of the most famous streetwear brands in the world. Dillane’s vision of a bright colour palette, non-traditional patterns, and accessibility in a world full of exclusivity-obsessed streetwear quickly secured the brand’s success. Kid Super has been worn by some of the world biggest artists, collaborating with the likes of the Rolling Stones, and more recently Giggs and Quavo.
As part of the talk, Colm Dillane will chat to Irish fashion designer Natalie B. Coleman. Coleman’s eponymous fashion label has received recognition from the industry, including recently Irish Tatler Designer, Women of the Year Awards 2019 and Irish Fashion Designer of the Year 2019, 2020, 2023. You don’t want to miss this, secure those tickets here.
Dublin Independent Fashion Week
When: Monday 11 November to Sunday 17 November from 12pm
Where: Fade Street Studios and Smock Alley Theatre
Dublin Independent Fashion Week just announced their lineup, and it didn’t disappoint. The events will be held in two venues, Fade Street Studios and Smock Alley Theatre. Some of the most exciting names in Irish fashion will be showcasing their work over the week. On Monday, Solstice By Seeking Judy will be taking over Fade Street Studios. The luxury knitwear line, founded by Irish designer Megan McGuigan, has been featured four times in Vogue and is made exclusively from deadstock.
Other brands showcasing their collections over the week include Ireland’s favourite football jersey inspired brand Pellador, as well as Aisling Duffy and more. Get your tickets here.
MacGuffin Magazine
When: Wednesday 13 November at 7pm
Where: Charlemont Walk, Dublin 2, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin, D02 K7R6.
Each issue of MacGuffin magazine takes an in-depth look at a single object, offering artists the chance to respond to the theme in different ways. Known for its commitment to design and meticulous research, this biannual publication has established a reputation as one of the best creative zines in the country. Founders and Editors-in-Chief Kirsten Algera and Ernst van der Hoeven will join Michael McDermott, director of the Liberties Festival and former editor of Totally Dublin, to discuss MacGuffin’s journey and their unique approach to storytelling. Get your tickets here.
The Making of Beautiful Things: Irish Design in the National Museum
When: Friday 15 November at 1pm
Where: National Museum of Ireland – Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
This is one of our favourite picks for the week, and it’s not just because it’s free. Ireland’s thriving modern design scene stands on a long and rich history of design across the island of Ireland. This exclusive tour showcases highlights and hidden treasures from the Museum’s historic and contemporary collections. Visitors will be able to explore rare items such as a ruby decanter from Ireland’s last active glassmakers, a brass armillary sphere from Dublin’s scientific instrument production days, and an array of traditional Irish chairs. Get your tickets here.
Climate, Design & Entrepreneurs
When: Thursday 14 November 5.30pm
Where: Royal Irish Academy of Music
What is the future of design as climate change threatens resources and the planet as a whole? This event brings together renowned climate scientist Sir David King, design leader Norman Crowley, and impact investor Faye Walsh Drouillard of Wake Up Capital to explore how design and entrepreneurial investment can be powerful tools in driving climate action. Sir David King is the founder of the Climate Crisis Advisory Group and former Chief Scientific Advisor to the UK government. King’s work has been instrumental in influencing global climate policies.
This highly anticipated will dive into how design can provide scalable solutions to the climate crisis. This talk is essential for any young creatives who are passionate about introducing sustainability. Get your tickets here.
In Conversation: Mariam Issoufou with Lesley Lokko OBE
When: Monday 11 November at 5pm
Where: Royal Irish Academy of Music
This talk is perfect for both experienced professionals, or simply anyone interested in the way architectural and cultural innovation can intersect. This conversation promises to bring a unique perspective on how architecture intersects with social impact and creative expression. The speakers are huge names in the industry.
Mariam Issoufou, founder of Mariam Issoufou Architects, is known for her involvement on the award-winning Hikma Community Complex in Niger. Her firm focuses on creating public, residential, and cultural spaces that improve community life and dignity. Professor Lesley Lokko OBE, founder of the African Futures Institute and the 2023 curator of the Venice Biennale’s International Architecture Exhibition, is a trailblazer in discourse on African architecture. Her impressive contributions have earned her awards such as the UK’s prestigious RIBA Royal Gold Medal, and a place on TIME100’s 2024 most influential list.
Get your tickets here.
These are our top picks for the week, but it’s just a drop in the water of the incredible array of events, workshops and talks happening across the country – not just in Dublin. So head to the website to check it all out.
