[JUDGE ANNNOUNCEMENT] ⭐️ Meet Two of Our Judges, Lorraine Keane and Evan Doherty
Introducing Lorraine Keane and Evan Doherty: Two incredible judges championing the next generation of Irish fashion talent at Ireland Fashion Week.
Hello and welcome to Ireland Fashion Week,
We're thrilled to give you an exclusive glimpse into the remarkable process behind Ireland's inaugural Fashion Week. Our distinguished panel of judges has meticulously reviewed the countless applications we've received to curate a week of fashion shows that will represent Ireland across diverse themes and distinctive collection styles. From contemporary womenswear to cutting-edge menswear, showcasing Ireland's rich textile heritage alongside breakthrough designers working in streetwear, sportswear, and modern design; each of the seven fashion shows taking place across Ireland will deliver something truly extraordinary. ✨
Today, we’re delighted to spotlight two of our exceptional judges: Lorraine Keane and Evan Doherty. Our judging panel combines profound industry knowledge with an exceptional ability to identify emerging talent, thoughtfully selecting the designers who will define this historic first Ireland Fashion Week. With these two judges bringing extensive experience across global media campaigns, creative direction, talent management, photography, and brand storytelling - we are proud to present a team that bridges international fashion leadership with a deep connection to Ireland’s creative community.
💫 Lorraine Keane: TV & Radio Presenter
Lorraine Keane is an Irish broadcaster, journalist, businesswoman and passionate philanthropist. Best known for her years on TV3’s Xposé, Lorraine built her career interviewing A-list celebrities and covering global red carpets, from the Oscars to exclusive backstage moments with music legends like Bono and Paul Young.
After stepping away from the high-paced world of daily broadcasting, Lorraine carved out a path that combines her love for fashion with social impact. In 2018, she founded Fashion Relief, a charitable initiative that has since raised over €250,000 to support vital causes like Breast Cancer Ireland, while championing sustainable fashion and circular consumption long before it became a mainstream movement.
Lorraine’s influence doesn’t stop there. She was one of the first public figures in Ireland, the UK and the US to speak openly about perimenopause and menopause, driving national conversations, education and support for women’s health at a time when the topic was still widely silenced. Her advocacy has made her a leading voice for women across generations.
Today, Lorraine continues to balance her on-screen presence with entrepreneurial ventures, including her own beauty line with Irish, female-led BeautiEdit Cosmetics, where she has launched a signature gradual tanning cream and a candle range.
What drives you?
“Approach everything with a smile and good manners. Be kind. Support others and work hard.”
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career?
“If you are passionate, focused, and have a strong work ethic, you can achieve anything.”
What’s your first fashion memory?
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The moment Audrey Hepburn stops to look in the window of Tiffany’s in that black dress, tiara, and pearls. Eating a croissant, drinking a takeaway coffee. Iconic. That was it for me.”
What excites you most about Ireland Fashion Week?
“As a broadcaster working in the fashion industry for three decades, I have seen how Irish creatives are amongst the most talented in the world. I have had the pleasure of wearing Irish design and promoting Irish designers throughout my career. IFW will give Irish design the spotlight it deserves at home and abroad.”
✨ Evan Doherty: Photographer
Evan Doherty is an acclaimed Irish photographer whose lens captures both commercial excellence and meaningful social narratives. His journey began at 14 when he launched a website documenting Ireland's street art scene, sparking a passion for photography that would evolve into a 15-year career spanning fashion and commercial work with some of the world's most recognisable brands.
From Netflix to Reebok, Arnotts to Brown Thomas, Jameson to H&M, Evan has built lasting partnerships with both Irish and international brands, while also photographing cultural icons like Post Malone and Bono. His portfolio spans major retailers including Debenhams, Dunnes Stores, and Ryanair, alongside collaborations with Lucozade, Eir, Bulmers, RTE, and Littlewoods.
Beyond commercial success, Evan's commitment to storytelling through social impact sets him apart. His documentary projects have tackled critical issues including race and immigration in Ireland, with particular focus on the direct provision system. His work has graced magazine covers while consistently seeking to tell real, meaningful stories through photography.
What drives you?
“What drives me is the opportunity to create great work alongside other talented and passionate creatives. Collaborating with people who inspire me is incredibly fulfilling. I also feel very lucky that photography has allowed me to travel and experience different places through my work. At the end of the day, there’s real joy in being proud of the images I’ve created and being able to share and showcase them. That sense of accomplishment and connection through the work keeps me motivated and grateful every day.”
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career?
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned in my career so far is the value of confidence, passion, and reliability. You don’t always need to be the most technically perfect photographer, but you do need to believe in your work and stand behind it. Passion for what you do shows through, and being reliable builds trust with clients and collaborators. If I were to give advice to someone starting out, it would be to focus on consistency, be passionate about your craft, and always show up. At the end of the day, hard work outperforms talent when talent doesn’t put the work in.”
What’s your first fashion memory?
“Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you see it, my first real fashion memory is rooted in 90s basketball culture. I grew up in Bayside, and from the age of five or six, I was on the local basketball court daily. Basketball was everything, and so was the style that came with it. We were all influenced by 90s hip-hop and U.S. streetwear, which at the time felt completely out of place in Ireland but now feels ahead of its time. Air Jordans were the ultimate symbol of cool, and I still remember using my communion money to buy my first pair. That was probably the first time I saw fashion as something you could truly desire and work for.
Even now, my style leans toward comfort, functionality, and form, exactly what made those early basketball fits so perfect. What we wore back then was not just practical, it was full of cultural identity. It is amazing to see how that same aesthetic is now a global fashion staple, woven into luxury, streetwear, and everything in between.”
What excites you most about Ireland Fashion Week?
“What excites me most about Ireland Fashion Week is the momentum and ambition behind it. We were just in Abu Dhabi back in February, where the whole team came together to stage a fashion show that showcased the best of Irish talent on an international stage. I was genuinely blown away by the scale of the production and how seamlessly it all came together. It reminded me of how powerful Ireland’s influence can be in the global fashion space.
We have an incredible roster of designers on board. When you add up all of the emerging and established names, you begin to see just how deep the well of creativity and innovation runs here. For a small country, Ireland continues to punch well above its weight culturally and stylistically.
And with Ash McDonnell leading the charge, there really isn’t a better person for the job. Her passion and drive to elevate Irish fashion are inspiring. I’m excited not just for this year’s event, but to see how she and her team continue to grow and shape Ireland Fashion Week into something that reflects the full scope of what we have to offer. It’s an exciting time for Irish fashion, and I feel lucky to be part of it.”
Thank you for joining us on this exciting behind-the-scenes look at Ireland Fashion Week. With passionate judges like Lorraine Keane and Evan Donnelly guiding the way, we’re confident this inaugural event will showcase the best of Irish fashion talent and put Ireland firmly on the global fashion map. ❤️
Stay tuned as we celebrate creativity, innovation and the vibrant future of Irish fashion - we’re just getting started! ☘️
The Ireland Fashion Week Team
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