Our Top Picks For Dublin Independent Fashion Week
Words: Izzy Copestake
Header Image Credit: Cian Mac Collie
All other images via DIFW official webpage
The most exciting week in Irish fashion is just days away, and with so many events on offer this year, we’ve put together a list of some of our must-see shows, talks and workshops to check out throughout the week.
AISLING DUFFY / SEEKING JUDY / THE ZERO WASTER
When: Wednesday, 18:30 Doors open, 20:00 – 23:00 Runway & After Party
Where: The Complex
This is the DIFW Headliner Fashion Show: an all-female lineup featuring anticipated new work from Megan McGuigan (Seeking Judy), Aisling Duffy, and Sarah O’Neill (The Zero Waster). Each designer brings you into their own world across three back-to-back runway shows, produced by Zeda The Architect and in collaboration with accessory label 5178. With surprise live performances (Vatican Jail TBC) and an after party by Aoife O’Neill, this isn’t one you want to miss.
Lilagh
When: Tuesday, 18:00 – 21:00
Where: Fíon Eile
Lilagh is the debut collaboration between emerging designers Lily Breslin and Alexandra O’Donovan. The collection will be revealed through a performance-led runway show that explores contemporary feminine identity and textile storytelling in an intimate setting.
Hard Shoulder – Pellador AW25
When: Thursday, 19:30 – 21:00 (Runway – Invite only), 21:00 till late (After Party – Ticketed)
Where: The Complex
Anyone who was in Fade Street Studios for the debut last year knows this is going to be big. Pellador returns to the DIFW runway with their biggest project yet, premiering their AW25 collection in a highly anticipated show. Invites will be sent out later this week; press, industry friends, and models are encouraged to DM Pellador directly. There are very limited tickets will be available to the public, so keep an eye out.
FROM ARAN TO THE ATELIER: Discussing fashion in Ireland’s past, present and future
When: Thursday, 19:00 (Panel begins at 19:30)
Where: Bewley’s Café, Grafton Street
From Aran to the Atelier is a free panel discussion delving into the evolution of Irish fashion: where it’s been, where it is now, and where it’s heading. Moderated by Victoria Brunton, the talk features insights from leading voices Ciara Byrne, Deirdre McQuillan, and Natalie B. Coleman. Expect a rich conversation exploring Irish fashion through historical, cultural, and economic lenses.
Aisling Annamh
When: Tuesday 18.30 – 21.00, Wednesday, 11:00 – 18:00,
Where: Kirkos Ensemble
Aisling Annamh is a group exhibition featuring work from Alana Conlon (sculpture, jewellery), Megan McGuigan (textiles), Juno (sculpture), Luke Brosnahan (sound design), Molly May O’Leary (poetry), and Pippa (performance). The event includes a full-day exhibition alongside a live sound performance and poetry reading by Molly O’Leary. Free entry.
Tógála: A Collection of Ireland’s Emerging Designers
When: Wednesday, 18:00 doors open, 19:30 – 23:00 show starts
Where: The Chocolate Factory
Tógála is a runway show spotlighting 14 of Ireland’s most exciting emerging designers as they debut their latest collections. It’s the perfect chance to discover fresh talent and future favourites. Tickets are €15 and include one free drink.
Mar Knitwear presents Merits Over Mischief: A Life Drawing Presentation
When: Thursday, 10:30 – 11:30
Where: Outhouse
Mar Knitwear presents Merits Over Mischief: A Life Drawing Presentation, a reimagined fashion experience where performance, music, and drawing collide. This intimate, interactive event brings the story of the new collection to life through movement and emotional connection. Ticketed.
WAHALA Presents: Peace & Problems
When: Thursday, 18:30 – 22:00
Where: Round Rabbit Studios
WAHALA is back for its second year with Peace & Problems. Centred on community and sustainability, this runway show blends fashion, performance, visual art, and music to showcase their new streetwear collection.
POVVUK X MARMAR: ECCLESIA
When: Friday, 19:00 – 20:00
Where: Fade Street Studios
POVVUK x MARMAR present ECCLESIA, an immersive fashion show that dives into the apocalypse through themes of religion, darkness, and fragile hope. Blending fashion, art, and storytelling, the designers create a powerful space where destruction meets renewal.
Phantom Thread – Conor O’Brien Show 2025
When: Saturday, 20:00 – 22:00
Where: Royal Society of Antiquaries Ireland (RSAI)
Phantom Thread by Conor O’Brien is an exciting runway show celebrating slow design and mindful garment creation. Made almost entirely from remnants and dead-stock fabric, it pushes the boundaries of what can be crafted from limited materials. This collection invites you to follow the mysterious “phantom thread” weaving together fabric, craft, and maker in a poetic way.
Closing Ceremony
This is what we’re most excited for: the Closing Ceremony of Dublin Independent Fashion Week’s third year, presented with IMMA. Experience Ireland’s biggest fashion show through the DIFW lens, a breathtaking multi-sensory event that blends fashion, art, and performance. It’s the ultimate showcase of the best of Ireland’s talent.
Official DIFW After-Party
When: Sunday, 22:00 – 03:00 (late)
Where: Curve Ball
You can’t have a week like this without a party. The Official DIFW After-Party closes things out in style at Curve Ball. Expect music from Ahmed, With Love, Too Much Booty in the Booth, DJs, and more. It’s a celebration of everything and everyone that made the week what it was, bringing together designers, artists, and guests for one final blowout. This one is worth being sleepy on Monday morning for.
This only scratches the surface of the 60+ events on throughout the week. To secure tickets, and check out more events go to DIFW’s website.
