Three ATU Donegal Fashion graduates are set to make waves at Ireland’s first ever official Fashion Week.
The graduates, Emma McKinney, Bray Zhang and Hollie Marie Gallagher (pictured above L-R) have been selected for a landmark graduate show on Friday 10th October.
On the catwalk will be 40 emerging designers from leading design institutions, each presenting works themed on the Irish Sea.
For the Donegal trio, the Wild Atlantic coastline provides endless energy and inspiration.
As Emma, Bray and Hollie Marie prepare their distinctive looks for the show, Donegal Woman caught up with them to discuss their creative journeys so far.
Emma McKinney from Buncrana will present a deeply personal look where the design and fabrics carry the story of her homeland.
“I let the natural beauty of Donegal guide me, the rich greens of the fields and the earthy tones of the mountains, the rugged cliffs meeting the Atlantic and the captivating colours of the sunset,” Emma said.
Designer Emma McKinney
Sustainability is at the heart of the ATU Fashion Design with Promotion degree, and Emma has woven this into her look. Elements include remnant tweed from McNutts and end of line leather from Orla Vera Accessories, and mussel shells from her part-time job at The Harbour Inn.
“I am proud of where I come from and I wanted to create something that doesn’t just represent it visually, but feels like it, textured, grounded and full of story,” she said.
Emma, who is working towards starting up her own business, says that being part of Ireland Fashion Week offers a space where her values and thoughtful design practices can be recognised and uplifted.
“More than just showcasing garments, I see this as an opportunity to contribute to the future of fashion. One that is slower, more mindful and one that is representative of the world we live in,” she said.
A tweed design by Emma McKinney’s ‘Maniac’ brand. Photo by Alan Mc Laughlin
While Emma channels her homeland’s natural beauty, fellow graduate Bray Zhang takes inspiration from the region’s wild weather.
Bray, now based in Derry, has been working on a waterproof womenswear look consisting of a trench coat and pleated trousers as well as his first limited fine fragrance, Lost at Sea.
A classic yet practical ensemble, the collection pays homage to the wild weather of the northwest. The buttons and buckles that feature on Bray’s fully-lined cotton cambric trench are all handmade from driftwood hand collected off shore.
Having previously spent time in Paris refining his eye for tailoring and detail, Bray combines practicality with refined elegance, creating garments that are both functional and elevated.
Bray Zhang models his Distant Echoes collection at the ATU Fashion Design with Promotion end of year graduate show in May. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
“It’s an honour and a milestone for me and my brand to participate in Ireland’s first ever Fashion Week,” Bray said.
“My designs will most likely differ from the experimental designs commonly seen at fashion shows as I have a deep passion for real craftsmanship built over hours and hours of practice. I am confident the construction and attention to detail of my garments will be on a different level compared to the rest of the competition and I am looking forward to the show!”
Hollie Marie Gallagher from Dromore in Killygordan was the winner of the Innovation Award at the ATU Donegal end of year fashion show in May.
Her Irish Sea graduate piece may be her most dramatic design yet, she hints.
Dare to Howl by Hollie Marie Gallagher at Dublin Independent Fashion Week
Fresh from Dublin Independent Fashion week, Hollie Marie continues to grow her Dare to Howl brand with a fearless design inspired by Irish pirate queen Grace O’Malley and marine biologist Maud Delap.
Hollie Marie will be revealing her modern edition of the Irish Brat cloak, focusing on structural shapes and fabrics to celebrate the legacy of these two powerful Irish women and their deep connection to the Irish Sea.
In line with her sustainability values, Hollie Marie’s design merges heritage and futurism by combining Magee of Donegal authentic herringbone tweed and designer deadstock crinkled taffeta sourced from Last Yarn.
Last week, Hollie Marie and twelve other designers formed a group called Tógála and planned an all day exhibition for DIFW at the Chocolate Factory, ending with a fashion show.
Ireland Fashion Week marks another exciting step forward as she and her fellow ATU graduates receive funding, advice, and mentorship through a professional bootcamp.
The showcase, to be staged at The Marker Hotel in Dublin, is about fuelling the next generation of Irish fashion talent, along with connection, collaboration and inspiration.
“The experience has been amazing and I’ve really felt that the process has given me the foundation to transition from education to industry,” adds Hollie Marie.
With the Atlantic as muse and ATU Donegal as the foundation, the emerging designers represent the evolving face of Irish fashion.
Stay tuned for images of the trio’s Irish Sea looks following the showcase.
Emerging Donegal designers presenting at Ireland Fashion Week was last modified: October 4th, 2025 by Rachel McLaughlin
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