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Coco Rocha Wows Ireland's Emerging Fashion Scene
10 Oct
Summary
- Coco Rocha praises Ireland's fashion talent, calling it "amazing".
- The event is in its second year, showcasing over 80 Irish designers.
- Rocha sees the fashion week as a crucial platform for local creatives.
Canadian supermodel Coco Rocha has described Ireland's fashion scene as "amazing," emphasizing the need for a national fashion week, which she believes should have been established years ago. Rocha's comments came during her inaugural visit to Ireland for the second annual Ireland Fashion Week, held at Slane Castle. The event, now featuring over 80 designers, aims to showcase Irish fashion, culture, and creativity through various shows, talks, and exhibitions across the island.
Rocha, who was discovered at an Irish dancing competition, found participating in the event a "full circle moment," connecting her heritage to her career. She expressed her pride in her Irish roots and her excitement about visiting the country for the first time. The model was particularly impressed by the quality of homegrown design talent and hopes the fashion week will enable creatives to establish successful careers within Ireland.
The second-year festival has expanded significantly since its 2025 launch, serving as a vital platform for designers. Ashley McDonnell, founder of Ireland Fashion Week, highlighted the event's focus on "building on the momentum" and viewing Irish fashion as an industry. This year's program includes runway shows, industry discussions, and networking events designed to connect designers with buyers and investors, fostering an ecosystem of support and opportunities.
Several designers from Northern Ireland are participating, reflecting the all-island nature of the event. This initiative coincides with a significant breakthrough for Irish fashion, with internationally recognized designers like Simone Rocha and Jonathan Anderson increasingly referencing their heritage. The event also provided a milestone for emerging designers like County Tyrone's Sarah Jayne Lavery, whose collection featured traditional Irish materials. Emerging talent, such as Belfast knitwear designer Grace Bowman, is also being showcased, with a focus on integrating traditional techniques with contemporary design.
