At the showcase, fifteen graduating designers presented collections that transcend fashion seasons, using sustainably manufactured, organic fabrics to create high quality garments made to last a lifetime.
For the second year running, NCAD revealed the innovative designs in an edgy high-end fashion film, shot in catwalk style to expose the raw detail of tailoring, stitching and embellishment.
Members of the public will be able to view the students’ collections and fashion film at the NCAD Graduate Exhibition 2018, which will run from Saturday, 9th June to Sunday, 17 June 2018.

WATCH: Our director, Sarah Glennie introduces the NCAD 2018 Season of Exhibitions, running from 11 May to 5 July. First up is our First Year Exhibition, which opens tomorrow. Keep an eye out as we share details of our graduates' work over the next weeks. #NCAD2018 pic.twitter.com/1l0kaZjjo1

— NCAD (@NCAD_Dublin) May 10, 2018

The event afforded students the opportunity to meet with fashion industry experts, present their lookbooks, and discuss their garments, which were produced with longevity and multi-functionality in mind.
The graduate designers’ sustainable approaches and inspirations have resulted in dynamic designs that can be reconditioned and repurposed.
Speaking at today’s event, Angela O’Kelly, Head of Design for Body and Environment at NCAD, commented: “The collections presented here celebrate and promote the long lifecycle of high-quality garments and reaffirm their value as investment buys, which can be passed on to future generations.
"Our graduates have incorporated a socially-conscious approach to the development of their collections, an ethos which is strongly reflected throughout NCAD’s curriculum."

NCAD are delighted to announce the winner of the 2018 @brownthomas ‘Designer to Watch’ bursary, Ala Sinkevich. Ala will receive a €4,000 bursary, an installation at CREATE in Brown Thomas, and mentoring. #NCADFashion #NCAD2018 @WestburyDublin pic.twitter.com/SRx9F79gDr

— NCAD (@NCAD_Dublin) May 28, 2018

She added: “At the college, we emphasise the importance of sustainably sourced materials and encourage students to reconnect with natural fabrics such as quality felts, wool, cottons and silk.
"Students are introduced to Irish-based mills and international suppliers of hand-produced, organic, biodegradable fabrics which retain their quality over time, and need less washing than lower grade alternatives.
"Production techniques also demonstrate environmental awareness, with students developing zero-waste patterns, where the cut and alignment of fabric ensures there is virtually no waste.”

NCAD Fashion student Ciara Masterson's collection titled 'Rougham' will feature in NCAD's graduate fashion film, and in the graduate exhibition, which will run from Saturday, 9th June until Sunday, 17th June. #NCAD2018 #NCADFashion pic.twitter.com/JfUmHoIfMg

— NCAD (@NCAD_Dublin) May 25, 2018

Socially-conscious fashion is a hot topic, with cheap, mass-produced clothing becoming unpopular with ethically-minded consumers. At the same time, the trend towards durable, long-life garments has steadily been gathering pace.
O’Kelly also added: “Many adults in Ireland grew up in an age of hand-me-downs and repurposed clothing.
"Everyone knew how to slip-stitch a hem or top-stitch a patch, but these skills have become neglected.
"We are now entering an era where people in the public eye are being applauded for getting many wears out of a single item of clothing, signalling that the door is firmly closing on disposable fashion.”
As well as giving a nod to the sustainable fashion revolution that is sweeping the industry, the 2018 NCAD fashion showcase demonstrates strong multicultural influences.
Graduates from mixed heritage backgrounds are fusing traditional fabrics from across the globe to enhance quality, durability and design, adding to the development of collections which transcend both seasons and culture.
The students’ work features a range of items from conceptual garments to ready-to-wear, high street designs.

'Significant Erasure', by Joint Honours Media and Education student Glenn Mallon, tells the story of two drawing tools and their responsibilities and significance to paper. His work will feature in the NCAD Graduate Exhibition, opening Sat 9th June. #NCAD2018 pic.twitter.com/dc0YbeXmBS

— NCAD (@NCAD_Dublin) May 28, 2018

This is the fourth year that the event was supported by The Westbury, a Doyle Collection Hotel, which hosted the event and sponsored the production of NCAD’s fashion film, and by Brown Thomas, which offered a bursary and mentorship to one student, chosen by Brown Thomas Fashion Director, Shelly Corkery as the ‘Designer to Watch’.
This year’s winner of the Brown Thomas ‘Designer to Watch’ bursary is Ala Sinkevich, who was chosen for her collection ‘Existential Nomad’.
The prize consists of a €4,000 bursary, an installation of designs in CREATE at Brown Thomas in July 2018 and a mentoring programme with the management team.

WATCH: We are delighted to unveil the 2018 NCAD Fashion Film, featuring the work of 15 students graduating from our Fashion Design degree this year. Watch it here: https://t.co/bI4pUuW1sH #NCADFashion #NCAD2018 @WestburyDublin @brownthomas @mcodublin @ToniandGuyIE @mufeireland

— NCAD (@NCAD_Dublin) May 28, 2018

Brown Thomas Fashion Director, Shelly Corkery commented: “Brown Thomas is delighted to support the NCAD graduates for a fourth year.
"Meeting new up-and-coming designers who are creating modern collections is always exciting and keeps us evolving and moving forward.
“Searching for new design talent is a huge part of our business and the NCAD students have, once again, proven beyond talented.
"I was particularly struck by the strong focus on responsible design and sustainable production methods, which are becoming increasingly important features in fashion houses the world over. I look forward to working with Ala in the run up to CREATE 2018, which kicks off in July.”

MFA Fine Art student, Rebecca Reilly explores how we repress our discarded items into the shadows in her work titled 'A-tonement in life and death.' You can see Rebecca's work at the NCAD Graduate Exhibition, opening Sat, 9th June. #NCAD2018 pic.twitter.com/0dSnlgdvah

— NCAD (@NCAD_Dublin) May 25, 2018

The NCAD fashion show 2018 was hosted by The Westbury, a Doyle Collection Hotel, which also sponsored the fashion film.
Pat King, CEO of The Doyle Collection, commented: “At The Doyle Collection, we are committed to supporting NCAD and its young emerging Irish talent and are delighted to host this fantastic event today.
"We partnered with NCAD four years ago and 2018 marks our second year as sponsors of the college’s impressive fashion film.
"The collections shown today are testament to the bright future of Irish design and we wish all graduates the very best for their careers.”
The NCAD Fashion Design class of 2018 is kindly supported by Brown Thomas; The Westbury, a Doyle Collection hotel; Toni&Guy; and Makeup Forever.
Further information about NCAD’s BA (Hons) Degree in Fashion Design is available at: http://www.ncad.ie/undergraduate/school-of-design/fashion-design/.

WATCH: We are thrilled to share a SNEAK PREVIEW of the 2018 NCAD fashion film. This is the second year we are producing a high-end fashion film to showcase our graduates' collections. #NCADFashion #NCAD2018 @WestburyDublin @brownthomas @mcodublin @ToniandGuyIE @mufeireland pic.twitter.com/Z8nGIcXF2V

— NCAD (@NCAD_Dublin) May 27, 2018