
Crash Course on Ireland
Date: Every Thursday, until 29 Oct 2026
Location: Turks Head, Temple Bar

What happens when Gothic literature meets the runway? Historian and fashion expert Laura Fitzachary reveals the dark and surprising connections between Irish fashion, Bram Stoker and contemporary designers.
From JW Anderson to Alexander McQueen, Dilara Findikoglu, Rick Owens and Simone Rocha, designers have drawn on Gothic literature, Victorian mourning dress and the darker side of history to create some of fashion’s most striking looks. This illustrated talk will explore how the worlds of Dracula, Gothic fiction and Victorian dress continue to inspire fashion designers today, while considering Ireland’s place in this rich and often overlooked fashion history.
Laura Fitzachary is a historian and historical consultant based in Dublin. A former museum professional who has also worked in Paris across the art market and luxury fashion, she now consults on exhibitions internationally and contributes to publications as a fashion historian. She is co-founder of the Fashion History Society of Ireland and, as @seekthehistoric, shares her research into the history of art, beauty and fashion with a wide audience.
Good to know