Move Over Milan, Dublin Fashion Festival Launches. And What Defines Our Irish Style?

Ireland may not have it's own fashion week, but the Dublin Fashion Festival is just as good, if not a better, alternative.

From September 4th to 7th, Dublin's city centre will see every fashionista, designer, fashion blogger and photographer celebrate all that is stylish about our city. I've been involved in the festival since its inception five years ago, and I've seen it evolve from a boutique showcase from retailers, both high street and independent, into a platform for emerging talent and a talking point of fashion professionals and shoppers alike.

We may not be a fashion capital, but we can more than compete with other international cities for our indigenous talent from our world class design schools, modelling agencies and independent retailers. I reckon, we are allowed to be proud of the achievements of our fashionable exports.

The festival this year will be hosted by Irish style icon Angela Scanlon who follows in the footsteps of Laura Whitmore and Amanda Byram. And she says of hew new role:

I'm delighted to be working with Dublin Fashion Festival this year. I have always championed Irish style and anything that throws a spotlight on that is a positive thing. The charm and energy of Dublin makes it utterly unique, whether it’s the characters or the pop-ups or the old independents that have been here for decades, there's always something different to see and experience. I’m really looking forward to seeing what the festival has in store.

So what can we expect from the festival this year?

Well, notably, the Young Designer of the Year awards returns following its great success last year, as well as the fashion bus (which you might have seen rambling the streets last year) and a host of on-street fashion shows on the city's main thoroughfares.

The launch night itself was a fashion delight from our well known department stores and high street favourites showing off their wares for Autumn Winter 2014. Brown Thomas, Arnotts, Penneys, Kilkenny and Clerys were just some of the names on show, with the Osman gold and black dress being my personal favourite (how amazing is this gown, I almost tried to sneak it home. Almost, I tell you).

So will you be looking out for the activities and shows in the Dublin Fashion Festival this year? Have we got what it takes to be a fashion city? Is there such a thing as a specific Irish style? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!