Donegal Designers Dazzle at Inaugural Ireland Fashion Week

Three talented graduates from ATU Donegal showcased their innovative designs at the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week, held on March 15, 2024, at the Anantara The Marker Hotel in Dublin. The event featured 39 emerging designers selected from hundreds of applicants, highlighting the burgeoning fashion scene in Ireland. Among these designers were Bray Zhang, Emma McKinney, and Hollie Marie Gallagher, who each drew inspiration from the stunning coastal landscapes of Donegal.

Hollie Marie Gallagher, the founder of her brand Dare to Howl, presented a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Irish Brat cloak. Her designs emphasized structural shapes and fabrics, paying homage to two iconic Irish figures: the pirate queen Grace O’Malley and marine biologist Maud Delap. Based in Killygordon, Gallagher’s work encapsulates emotional depth and avant-garde aesthetics, utilizing rich heritage textiles like Magee of Donegal herringbone tweed and exclusive crinkled taffeta sourced from Last Yarn.

Bray Zhang, at just 20 years old, stood out as the youngest graduate in his program. His label, BRAY ZHANG, focuses on redefining luxury for contemporary individuals. Zhang unveiled a waterproof womenswear collection that included a trench coat and pleated trousers, alongside his first limited fine fragrance, Lost at Sea. The collection is a tribute to the unpredictable weather of Ireland’s northwest, featuring buttons and buckles crafted from driftwood collected from local shores.

Emma McKinney, the creative force behind the MANIAC label, presented a unique collection that draws from the natural beauty of Donegal. Using remnants from McNutts, end-of-line leather from Orla Vera Accessories, and mussel shells from her job at The Harbour Inn, McKinney’s designs reflect the rich textures of her homeland. “I let the natural beauty of Donegal guide me, the rich greens of the fields and the earthy tones of the mountains,” she said.

The Irish Sea Graduate Show, curated by industry veterans Anne O’Shea and Jess Colivet, showcased the creativity and talent of Ireland’s emerging designers. Supported by Specsavers, the duo worked closely with each designer to ensure their collections were presented flawlessly.

The BA Fashion Design with Promotion programme at ATU Donegal continues to empower students, fostering the next generation of creative leaders in the dynamic fashion industry. For more information about the program, visit their official website.

The success of these designers at Ireland Fashion Week marks a significant milestone for Donegal’s fashion community, emphasizing the region’s potential in contributing to the global fashion landscape.