With emerging fashion markets, in-house labels and designers competing to extend globally and meet the growing demands of consumers, law firms have been stepping in to provide help for young designers looking to extend their brands.  Irish law firm Arthur Cox has taken the initiative to help Irish fashion and its lawyers have been using their influence in London and New York to showcase the increasingly global Irish fashion industry. London managing partner Kathleen Garrett has played a key role in  organising  fashion shows in  Dublin, London and New York City to offer highlight Irish fashion designers and businessess, not only dealing with the catwalk but introducing the designers to potential buyers of their wares. Ms Garrett says the annual fashion event serves as a stepping stone between designers and potential new clientele. 'We firmly believe that with a little collaboration there’s a lot that industry can do for itself - by running these events around the individual country’s fashion weeks, we’re aiming to drive greater interest in Irish fashion internationally,' Ms Garrett added.

Ireland's most creative designers

The Fashion Showcase 2013 featured a collection of Ireland’s most creative designers including Pauric Sweeney, Dubarry, Niamh O’Neill, Jen Kelly, Joanne Hynes, Electronic Sheep, Lennon Courtney, Roisin Linnane, Natalie B Coleman, Melissa Curry, Mark T Burke and Polly McGettigan amongst others – all of whom introduced their own designs in an unusual twist on the traditional format of fashion showcase events. Irish designer Niamh O’Neill, a first time participant in the initiative, explained the event as 'exactly [the] type of support that the fashion industry needs at the moment and these events will act as a springboard for heightening awareness of Irish handcrafted designs amongst key target audiences.' The event is evidence of collaborations between law firms and designers, a theme at the Luxury Law Summit 2014 when young designers will have the opportunity to meet global brands.