Understand
Supermodel Coco Rocha praises Ireland Fashion Week as a 'full circle moment'
Overview
Canadian supermodel Coco Rocha has praised Ireland's growing fashion scene during her first visit to the country for Ireland Fashion Week at Slane Castle in County Meath. Now in its second year, the six-day event features over 80 designers and aims to build a commercial ecosystem and platform for homegrown talent, with support from industry figures and international names.
Key points
- Canadian supermodel Coco Rocha described modelling at Ireland Fashion Week as a 'full circle moment' after being discovered at an Irish dancing competition as a teenager.
- The six-day event, now in its second year, features more than 80 designers across multiple venues in Ireland, including Slane Castle.
- Rocha praised the scale and quality of Irish design talent, stating that the event helps support local creatives to build careers at home.
- Founder Ashley McDonnell highlighted the goal of developing an industry ecosystem with investment, international exposure, and stronger support structures.
- Local designers such as Sarah Jayne Lavery and graduate Grace Bowman showcased collections incorporating traditional Irish materials like Donegal tweed, Aran wool, and linen.