Fabric of the Future Event for Copenhagen Fashion Week SS25
The Embassy held an event entitled 'Fabric of the Future' during Copenhagen Fashion Week SS25 in August 2024.
The Embassy of Ireland to Denmark hosted an event entitled ‘The Fabric of the Future’ on Wednesday 7 August during Copenhagen Fashion Week SS25. The event was centred around the quality, sustainability and circularity of Irish design and textiles and the talented young Irish designers who are putting the future of the planet at the centre of their work.
Podcaster and presenter PJ Kirby led a lively panel discussion with Deirdre McQuillan, Fashion Editor of the Irish Times; and two young Irish designers, Aoife McNamara and Megan McGuigan. Aoife and Megan also showcased their collections in the Embassy, alongside designers Megan Nolan Walsh and Ríon Hannora. As a quick-witted Corkonian, PJ made quips about his first time in Copenhagen and his relationship with fashion that had guests chuckling.
Panellists shed light on a wide range of topics such as the growing profile of Irish fashion design within and outside of Ireland and its strong focus on sustainability as well as the significance of mythology, folklore and landscape in Irish design and art. Panellists also discussed the recent global shift towards textile circularity and sustainability within the fashion industry, fast versus slow fashion including regulation and certification in the industry, and greenwashing. Some speakers also highlighted the importance of government support for young up-and-coming designers as they start out in the industry.
The following evening, Irish Ambassador to Denmark Elizabeth McCullough moderated a panel discussion with Chris Weiniger of Donegal Yarns and young Irish designer Caoimhe Dowling. This event was called ‘Wool Gathering’ and the speakers shared their insights with the audience on textile manufacturing in Ireland and the collaborations between Donegal Yarns and newly-established Irish Designers.
All in all, Ireland was very well-represented at this summer’s fashion week in Copenhagen, with the winner of the 2024 Zalando Visionary Award Irish Sinéad O’Dwyer also showcasing her latest collection to much acclaim.