Louth-based designer to take centre stage at this year’s ARC Fashion Show

Louth-based designer Caroline Duffy will take centre stage at this year’s ARC Fashion Show, as the much-loved event enters its second decade and returns to the RDS Concert Hall on Thursday 23 April.

A long-standing supporter of the ARC Fashion Show, Louth artist and fashion designer Caroline Duffy will create one of the most emotional and defining moments of the night — a powerful runway sequence featuring four ARC Angels, women who have experienced cancer or are currently undergoing treatment.

Renowned for her distinctive design language, sculptural silhouettes and thoughtful storytelling, Caroline Duffy has built a reputation as one of Ireland’s most respected designers, with her work regularly showcased on national stages.

A Drogheda native now based in Dundalk, Caroline is an NCAD graduate who spent two decades working internationally before returning to Ireland, where she developed a fashion business rooted in sustainable, hand-painted textile design.

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Her work has been featured in Brown Thomas Create, showcased in Paris during Irish Fashion Week. Caroline was also named as the winner of the coveted winner of the Irish Fashion and Accessories Designer category at the Guaranteed Irish Business Awards 2025.

Now firmly established as Ireland’s most spectacular fashion event, the ARC Fashion Show will present collections from 30 Irish fashion and accessories designers, while raising vital funds for ARC Cancer Support Centres.

The event is proudly supported by Main Sponsor Davy for the second year running, with all funds raised going directly to ARC’s free psychological, emotional, educational, and practical support services for men, women and children affected by cancer.

Produced and directed by Eddie Shanahan, the show will be staged on a giant catwalk with a dramatic electronic backdrop, lighting by internationally acclaimed designer Kevin Saunders and special effects by Visual X.

The line-up includes AndTate by Sharon Hoey, August Night, Caroline Duffy, Celtic Tweed, Éadach by Sara O’Neill, Emerald & Wax, Fauna with Capulet & Montague, FéRí, Sarah Foy, Helen Hayes, Noema James, Kindred of Ireland, Orla Langan, Magee 1866, Miss She’s Got Knits, Caroline Mitchell, Hazel Greene, Mona Swims, Monessa Joan, Moon+Mellow, Jack Murphy, Original Ireland, Silvia Ortega, Pearl Reddington, Jennifer Slattery, The Linen Shirt Company, Triona, Linda Wilson and Urban Aran.

Collections will span daywear, leisurewear, and after-dark looks, with a strong emphasis on Irish craftsmanship — from fine linens and luxurious tweeds to merino wool, alpaca, cashmere, organic cottons, and silks. The show will close with a spectacular finale by internationally acclaimed brand Kindred of Ireland.

Speaking ahead of the event, Deirdre Grant, CEO of ARC Cancer Support Centres, said: “We are delighted to partner once again with Davy to bring audiences the 11th edition of our ARC Fashion Show. It is a night of extraordinary Irish talent, generosity and compassion — all in aid of our clients and their loved ones who rely on ARC when they need us most.”

The ARC Fashion Show takes place on Thursday, 23rd April at the RDS Concert Hall, Dublin 4. Doors open at 7pm, with the show starting at 8pm sharp. Tickets cost €70 (including ticket agent’s fees) and are on sale now.