‘I want Irish designers to be known, the way we know Gucci or Chanel’ – why Ireland is getting its own fashion week this year

Entrepreneur Ashley McDonnell built her career working with the world’s biggest fashion and luxury brands – now, she wants to bring it all back to Ireland

Ashley McDonnell has worked with some of the biggest high-end brands. Photo: David Carson

Imagine Irish designers being a household name in Italy or France, the way we know Gucci or Chanel. Imagine people around the world proudly owning at least one piece of Irish design. That’s a dream I’ve been chasing, and this year, I’m closer than ever to making it happen with Irish Fashion Week.

I knew at the age of 16 that I would move to Paris and work in fashion – now that I’m exactly where I wanted to be, I want to bring the fashion world to Ireland.

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