The Key Looks From THE GLOSS GALA Fashion Show
By The Gloss
There were 70 chic fashion looks expertly styled by Catherine Condell with fashion from Louise Kennedy, Guaranteed Irish, Avoca, Magee 1866, Khan, AndTate and Elää …
At this year’s fashion show at THE GLOSS GALA 2026, sponsored by Hyundai, 70 chic fashion looks were expertly styled by Catherine Condell with fashion from Louise Kennedy, Guaranteed Irish, Avoca, Magee 1866, Khan, AndTate and Elää boutique. The 20 gorgeous models who marched down the runway with sleek bobs and highly polished chignons, glossy skin and perfect make-up (hair was led by Stephen Kelly of L’Oreal Professionnel and make-up by POCO Beauty) gave the show a truly elevated feel.
How would we describe the looks? Elegant and high-functioning. Just like the women in the audience. Scroll below to see the highlights.
Louise Kennedy’s gold Adele lurex coat was a scene-stealing opening to an evening of fabulous fashion. As ever, her elegant silhouettes and embellished silks combined in coats, blazers, lace skirts and cashmere knits. The dazzling Blaine crepe dress fused elegance with contemporary craftsmanship; a navy Jolie crepe feathered jacket and black and brown Rowan lurex jacket nailed festive chic.
Both work and weekend dressing looks must hit the sweet spot between contemporary style and timeless appeal. This was the case with the edit of Guaranteed Irish womenswear collections. This show displayed the depth and breadth of Irish fashion, from cheerful, colourful everyday knits by URBAN ARAN created by Christine Murphy (which were teamed with great denims from Avoca) to CAROLINE DUFFY’s unmistakable bold hand-painted floral kaftan dresses and separates with her signature stripe detail. All made in organic silk, Duffy’s pieces showed how to bring dopamine dressing to winter.
Then there was the sophisticated tailoring by Helen McAlinden, who is celebrating 25 years in business this year. Her beautiful Scarlett black fit and flare coat is particularly stylish, worn with a pretty leopard print tie-bow blouse. We’ll also be adopting her informal take on eveningwear – an oversized dove grey cashmere sweater, worn with a silver tassel skirt.
Magee 1866 showed clothes to cherish – both this winter and for seasons to come, with traditional fabrics providing practical solutions for your wardrobe. Opening the show was an oatmeal Field coat, followed by various herringbone and houndstooth check tweeds in warm autumnal earthy shades – all examples of timeless investment dressing. Magee also showed coats in newer colours of bright teals, hot pinks and reds.
Avoca is continuing to develop fabrics woven at its 300-year-old Mill. Take the opening look: a coat in an oversized houndstooth check in surprising vibrant neon tones. Other tweed combinations were in vibrant oranges and pinks, purples and royal blues. The brand also showed its stylish wrap wool coat in a fiery red and a tan check combo. In addition to all the newness, there is plenty to love from Avoca’s stable of established – and voguish – brands. Rino & Pelle and Munthe led the way, with faux ponyskin jackets, and extravagantly embellished jeans shirts and fair isle sweaters.
If you’re wondering how to do all-out dressing up this party season, look no further than AndTate, as worn by MC Ciara Doherty. The brainchild of celebrated Irish fashion designer Sharon Hoey and Richard Tate, AndTate has fast become a go-to for the discerning woman craving hard-working wardrobe solutions that spell timeless elegance. Puff sleeves, nipped-in waists, lustrous satins, organzas and decadent brocade combine for AW26; it’s a look that hinges on quality, craftsmanship and conscious dressing. One piece which will never date is the gorgeous Harmony ecru grosgrain blouse, shown at THE GLOSS GALA with a black wrap skirt.
Elää is a new boutique to THE GLOSS GALA fashion show. Based in Hillsborough, Co Down, it’s a destination boutique for savvy shoppers and its forte is in the refined edit of ultra feminine looks from considered collections such as Tara Jarmon, Lunatica, Linen Shirt Company and Sara Roka. We particularly loved the mix of coordinated pieces in rich chocolate, burgundy, gold and bronze tones. Stylist Catherine Condell’s favourite was a printed organza full length shirtdress gown by Sara Roka, worn with knee-high boots.
Khan boutique recently celebrated 25 years in business; it’s an integral part of Blackrock’s thriving village culture. Its loyal cohort of clients return each season to update their wardrobes with its focused edit of brands which includes Essentiel Antwerp, Irish designer Róisín Linnane, Max Mara, Paul Smith, Fabiana Filippi, Annette Gortz and Dorothee Schumacher. Lasercut detailing, sumptuous outerwear, sleek suiting and the return of the LBD (long black dress) were key looks, with accessories by August Night and Gráinne Maher. The final exit – a black guipure lace halter-neck top and rhinestone embellished skirt, both by Essentiel Antwerp, are staples that will take the wearer through the party season with compliments guaranteed!
All the catwalk looks were finished with shoes and boots from Penneys, particularly strong this season with boots, loafers, kitten heels and pretty sparkle stilettos designed to impress at affordable prices.
See more details from THE GLOSS GALA and learn how to recreate the hair and make-up look here …
Photography by Conor Healy / Picture It Photography
