Visa Announced As The Title Sponsor Of Ireland Fashion Week
Ireland Fashion Week is proud to announce Visa as its official Title Sponsor, a partnership that aims to bring global recognition, industry expertise, and elevated opportunity to Ireland’s most anticipated cultural event.
As a global leader in digital payments, Visa empowers small businesses to get online, accept and send digital payments and attract a nationwide or even international customer base – all important components to help designers grow and prosper. Visa’s commitment to innovation, and its alignment with Ireland Fashion Week signals a shared commitment to progress, and the celebration of Irish creative talents.
Under the new title, Ireland Fashion Week powered by Visa, the showcase will help to empower the next generation of Irish designers, entrepreneurs, and creatives, assisting them to reach new audiences. Visa’s sponsorship reflects its ongoing support for Irish businesses, enabling them to pay suppliers and be paid by customers around the world with ease, so they can focus on growing their business.
This significant sponsorship also reinforces Ireland Fashion Week’s role in promoting a cultural and commercial movement, spotlighting homegrown talent and working to build an eco-system to elevate young talent on a global stage. Visa aims to support this vision by championing everyday progress, to uplift Irish talent to be the creative force they want to be.
As part of the partnership, Visa will sponsor the grants for Emerging and Graduate designers participating in the Ireland Fashion Week, as well as contribute expertise and resources through the upcoming Brand Bootcamps, which aim to help the designers to develop their skills and thrive in the industry.
When reflecting on the partnership Ashley McDonnell, the visionary behind Ireland Fashion Week, said: “We see Visa as a brand that connects people to possibility – and that’s exactly what Ireland Fashion Week is here to do. We’re not just hosting runway shows. We’re creating a movement that champions Irish design, entrepreneurship, and cultural storytelling. Having Visa as our Title Sponsor is a powerful statement about where Irish fashion is headed – bold, global, and ready for the world.”
Conor Langford, Ireland Country Manager at Visa said: “Visa is committed to supporting Irish small businesses by equipping them with the tools, resources and confidence to succeed in a digital world, and connecting them with customers across Ireland and beyond. We’re proud to support the very first Ireland Fashion Week, a platform that champions local talent and highlights the fashion industry’s potential to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth throughout Ireland.”
From October 6th-10th, Ireland Fashion Week powered by Visa, will bring together some of the country’s leading designers, international industry figures, fashion-forward audiences and global media for a spectacular showcase.
What to Expect:
– 7 shows featuring Ireland’s established names, emerging designers and thriving graduates across the Emerald Isle.
– 3 flagship shows at heritage locations.
– 2 spotlight shows featuring Ireland’s sporting success and rich culture through fashion.
– A graduate show celebrating students of design.
– Independent and emerging designers show spotlighting Irish roots.
– 5 events, including fashion dinners, a month-long exhibition, community events and an afterparty.
– 1 million euros in industry support, fuelling the next generation of Irish fashion talent.
– 1000+ attendees, from industry experts and press to fashion lovers and cultural icons.
Ashley McDonnell, the visionary behind Ireland Fashion Week brings extensive experience in connecting Irish talent with the international fashion industry. With a deep-rooted passion for Irish design, Ashley has spent years building bridges between Ireland’s creative talent and the world’s biggest fashion players. Her global network and industry expertise are set to make Ireland Fashion Week a major force in the international fashion calendar.
Ashley continues: “Ireland Fashion Week is a testament to the incredible creativity of the Irish people – both at home and abroad. We will see the best of Irish talent across fashion, design, music, film and beyond all coming together for the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week.”
With an electric mix of runway showcases, cultural experiences, and industry conversations, Ireland Fashion Week is set to be an exciting event in the 2025 fashion calendar.
