Limerick students shine as fashion show enjoys triumphant return after nine years
Students from the Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD) fashion course showcased their work in the fashion show at TUS LSAD
THE HISTORIC church gallery at Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD) was transformed into a hub of fashion of the future for the student fashion showcase.
The LSAD fashion runway show 2026 made a spectacular return to the catwalk for the first time in nine years.
More than 300 people were there on Thursday last, with guests including Mayor John Moran, LSAD alumna and Irish designer Marion Murphy Cooney, and renowned fashion journalist Bairbre Power.
The evening served as a showcase for 30 graduating designers, whose work commanded the runway with innovation, intricate craftsmanship, and vibrant storytelling.
This year’s showcase featured designs from the evolved BA in Fashion Design.
The collections were developed through four distinct specialist pathways: collection design, applied textiles, technology for fashion, and sustainability for fashion, reflecting the shifting landscape of the fashion industry.
Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS, said: “Nine years is a long time to wait for anything - but seeing the collections, it has been worth it. The LSAD Fashion Show is back and in this building, where so much of Limerick’s creative story has been written.
“To our students, their families, our industry friends, colleagues, and everyone who has crossed the threshold of the historic doors of the LSAD gallery - thank you for being part of this comeback.”
Mayor of Limerick John Moran told the students: “Now, I know that some of you may leave Limerick for a while and honestly, that is okay.
“You should go, explore, and travel. Work in different cities and build your confidence.
“Learn from the world. But know this: We are working to build a Limerick ambitious enough to welcome you back.
“A city increasingly connected internationally, a city beginning to believe in itself again and a city where creativity is no longer treated as secondary - but recognised as central to our future.
“Because the next great chapter of Limerick’s story will not only be built in steel, concrete and infrastructure, but also in creativity, culture and design."
The show came together through the collaborative efforts of students from business studies with beauty and spa management, who worked backstage managing the makeup artistry, the LSAD Filmcel team captured the evening, while professional models from the renowned Holman Lee Agency brought the collections to life.
The evening finished up with the announcement of a new award by Cyril Morgan Hair, owned by award-winning Limerick stylist Cyril Morgan. The prize was given to Alicia Eugenia Castro Gonzalez, (pathway Technology for Fashion).
Her collection “Akelarre, Season of the Witch” is inspired by the cultural associations with witchcraft.
Professor Anthony Caleshu, Dean of LSAD and director of creative arts at TUS, said: “The enormous interest in fashion in the city was clearly reinforced.”