Dublin Independent Fashion Week (DIFW) has announced its transition from a volunteer-led collective into a registered nonprofit organisation.
This comes as a huge milestone for the organisation as it marks a new phase in its mission to support Irish fashion talent: built by designers, for designers.
Their aim is to enable creatives to grow sustainable businesses on their own terms, something that’s hugely important for Irish talent as we see our design and creative industry soar.
Founded by a community of Irish designers, DIFW has spent the past four years building a platform for emerging and established fashion talent through sold-out events and grassroots collaboration.
For new and emerging designers interested in the project, DIFW has assured that the organisation is actively developing partnerships and securing funding to scale its impact, elevating Irish designers with it.
This transition marks a shift towards long-term sustainability, positioning DIFW as a central platform for the growth of Ireland’s fashion industry. Speaking about the news, Mihai Mar, Chair of the Board said:
“DIFW has rapidly grown into a recognised platform, cherished by designers, industry professionals, and the general public alike. Due to the overwhelming amount of love and support received we’re so proud to share we’ve officially incorporated as a non-profit and have grown our ambitious team. This is a big step in expanding the creative potential of DIFW, and we can’t wait to share what we have in store for 2026 and beyond”.
Paving the way for future Irish designers, DIFW is turning their attention to policy and advocacy in 2026. They are working towards creating a fashion industry and community here in Ireland that nurtures talent, and doesn’t just act as a launchpad to other European capitals – as many Irish designers have felt the need to move abroad to build a career in fashion.
To do this, the organisation is calling for greater recognition of fashion as a cultural and artistic discipline, and crucially, as a fundable art form within Ireland’s public funding landscape.
The oragnisation has announced its 2026 shows, which will take place from 10-16 September 2026, showcasing the future of Irish fashion.
