What a year for rising star Sasha

Emerging Irish designer Sasha Donnellan made her highly anticipated red-carpet debut this month at the 2025 British Fashion Awards.

The Mayo native created a bespoke one-of-a-kind piece for Irish presenting powerhouse Laura Whitmore for the event.

The hand-draped off-white silk creation from the rising star’s atelier featured an intricate boned bodice handstitched onto an exaggerated bustle skirt, featuring an elegant thigh-high slit, suiting Laura perfectly.

Combining French craftsmanship with modern Irish storytelling, Sasha’s design brought a new wave of contemporary Irish luxury to one of the world’s most influential fashion stages. The moment marked not only a personal triumph for the young designer but a significant spotlight for Ireland’s next generation of talent.

Speaking afterwards about having the opportunity to dress Laura, Sasha said: “Creating a custom piece for someone so inspiring felt both surreal and deeply meaningful, as it allowed me to share my creative process with her and craft something that encapsulates both her style and my own.”

This month’s red carpet appearance follows on from Sasha’s appearance as this year’s One-To-Watch during Ireland Fashion Week in October. Sasha’s Ireland Fashion Week debut, Lupus et Agnus, showcased her unique design niche which blended bridal codes symbolising feminine experiences with military references as metaphors for resilience, creating a distinctive position within the luxury fashion market.

“For my brand to have its first red-carpet appearance within just two months of my debut is a milestone I will always cherish. I’m truly grateful for this moment and for Laura’s trust in my vision,” she said.

Sasha’s work draws inspiration from the resilience found in Mayo and Connemara's tales of survival and the navigation of female social challenges throughout history. Each piece functions as a visual narrative, celebrating overlooked histories and cultural stories while honouring the strength of women past and present.

A graduate of ESMOD Paris, Sasha honed her craft working under leading fashion houses Vivienne Westwood and Dilara Findikoglu, gaining extensive experience and exquisite techniques which can be seen in each garment created.

Visit sashadonnellan.com to shop Sasha’s collection or to enquire about bespoke pieces.