Exhibitors and visitors to the opening day of Showcase 2025 were treated to a dynamic show celebrating the energy created at Showcase through storytelling, craft, innovation and design.
The Circle - a contemporary fashion and design presentation from Creative Director Aisling Farinella - was shown on the Inspiration Stage forming a trilogy with The Dancehall (Showcase 2023) and The Table, The Tree (Showcase 2024).
Displaying Showcase exhibitors in a specially curated performance of fashion, design, dance, music and visuals, Creative Director Aisling Farinella continued to build on the synergy of the format which has been seen at shows over the past two years.
The Circle, which debuted at the opening day of Showcase 2025, brought Movement Director Robyn Byrne back to the stage, together with professional dancers Rosie Stebbing and Emily Kilkenny Roddy. Music and visuals were woven across traditional and contemporary forms, creating an emotive and energetic backdrop to the show. We were proud to collaborate with the National Folklore Collection to bring unique archive film and audio footage to our local and international audience at the RDS.
The Circle is an elevated performance piece reflecting the joy, vibrancy and community created at Showcase over the past 50 years - connecting makers and brands, buyers and press. With the perspective of this milestone we can see how much has been achieved by building on a past rich in craft, artisan skill and heritage textiles, while looking to a future enhanced by innovation, diversity and entrepreneurial energy.
All of the garments seen in The Circle are available at Showcase 2025. Please click the link at the bottom of this article to discover each of the looks featured in the performance.
CREDITS:
Creative Direction & Styling: Aisling Farinella
Photographer: Kyle Sven
Set & Titles Design: Dee Morgan
Smyth Styling Assistants: Rion Hannora, Julie Gavin, Lauren Fitzpatrick
Makeup : Sarah Langan, Lisa Redmond
Hair: Jake Ryan
Kris Hand Models: Brian, Emma-Rose, Lehanna, Nicci, Ola, Renz, Shane, Timothy from Not Another INTL
Dancers: Robyn Byrne, Emily Kilkenny Roddy and Rosie Stebbing.
DISCOVER THE CIRCLE LOOKBOOK HERE
