Future of Fashion: 1. Jenny McDermott & Ciaran Sweeney; 2. Michelle McGrath & Courtney O'Hara; 3. Barry & Aileen Dempsey. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)
The fashion forward were out to support the future of Irish design at the annual Peter Mark NCAD Graduate Fashion Show, which took place in the beautiful surrounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham on Saturday night.
The sell out show attracted over 800 guests and was attended by some of Ireland’s most influential fashion media. High profile guests included Irish fashion designer Ciaran Sweeney (who produced and styled the show for NCAD), stylist Catherine Condell, IMAGE editrix Melanie Morris and Off The Rails host Sonya Lennon. Irish fashion designers Peter O’Brien, Mairead Whisker and Joanne Hynes also showed their support.
The epic show featured over 200 creations on the catwalk. Fairytales, the circus and even construction were among the many sources of inspirations for the 15 final year students who showcased their graduate collections on the night.
The sleek and simple hair creations were put together by the talented team at Peter Mark with chief stylist Michael Doyle. Peter Mark has supported the show and NCAD’s emerging talent for the past 13 years, and indeed this is a very special year for them as they celebrate their 50th anniversary in business.
Final year graduate student Clarisse Walsh from Letterkenny was delighted to be announced as the winner of the 2011 River Island Bursary. She’s in good company; NCAD has produced some of the world’s finest designers including international milliner Philip Treacy, NY based designer Darrel K and the eponymous Orla Kiely, while other successful former students are now employed with the likes of Armani, Diane Von Furstenburg, Vivienne Westwood, Valentino and Diesel.
