Dublin Fashion Week, now in its fourth year, opens today at the Fitzwilliam Hotel in Dublin, with some 35 participants including well-known and upcoming Irish designers showcasing their autumn/winter collections.
Initiated by former model and events manager Sonia Reynolds, Dublin Fashion Week was inaugurated in October 2005. Last year, it reported sales of €1 million.
"It is building momentum," Ms Reynolds said. "People are more aware of it and we have more sponsorship to build the show." The three-day trade event is supported by Dublin City Enterprise, and the highlight will be Matthew Williamson's fashion show at the Mansion House on Wednesday night, the British-based designer's first visit to Ireland and Dublin Fashion Week's first official catwalk show.
Irish designer Joanne Hynes will also preview her autumn/winter collection at a fashion show at the Mansion House on Wednesday at lunchtime. Both are open to the public with prepaid tickets.
Also open to the public are talks by management consultant Eddie Shanahan on creativity in the marketplace and Motorola designer Ignacio Germade on design - from conception to product - which will take place on Monday and Tuesday at 6.30pm at the Fitzwilliam Hotel.
Brown Thomas has also launched an initiative, "Design Mentor", to provide commercial, design and career advice to young designers. For further information and tickets for catwalk shows, see www.dublinfashionweek.com