In a break with the traditional catwalk show, the students’ work will be showcased with the exclusive screening of a high-end fashion film, featuring the creations of 18 students graduating from The National College of Art and Design's (NCAD) Fashion Design degree.
The public can view the collection online as it will made available through NCAD’s YouTube channel. And the students’ collections will also be displayed to members of the public during the NCAD 2017 Show, which will take place from 9 to 19 June at NCAD’s Harry Clarke Theatre, 100 Thomas Street, Dublin 8.
The graduating students will stage an exhibition of their collections and lookbooks in a pop-up showroom in the adjoining NCAD Gallery, allowing guests to peruse the garments and talk to the students about their approaches and inspirations.
For the third year running, the event is supported by Brown Thomas, who offers a bursary and mentorship worth €4,000 to one student. The winner is chosen by Brown Thomas Fashion Director, Shelly Corkery as the ‘Designer to Watch’. The winner will be announced at the event. The film is sponsored by The Westbury, A Doyle Collection hotel.

For this year’s body of work, students have drawn inspiration from the Irish vernacular, designing their collections with a focus on Irish handcraft and heritage embellishments. The showcase will feature a range of collections, from highly conceptual garments to ready-to-wear, high-street designs. Highlights of this year’s event include the work of the following three:
* Rachel Blanckensee, whose gender neutral collection is driven by the concept of solving creative problems with logical solutions. Mathematics and geometry inspired the garment engineering and allowed for a multifunctional approach. The focus of this collection is on construction by breaking social construct, and pushing what clothes can be.
* Colin Burke, whose directional, contemporary collection is fed by an emotional charge expressed through the close bond shared with his Granny, Maureen. Using her cherished possessions as a starting point, crocheted broached daffodils are layered with print. Silhouette considers the re-invention of a Connemara shawl through the deconstruction of a farmer’s jacket.
* And Sive Mishka Rooney, whose unisex collection of leisurewear has been inspired by treasured memories of horse riding as a child. Cut and construction elements from equestrian sources combined with references to vintage sportswear are the main drivers underpinning Sive’s work.

Speaking ahead of the showcase event, Angela O’Kelly, Head of Design for Body and Environment at NCAD, commented: “We are very excited about this year’s move away from the concept of a traditional catwalk show in favour of a more innovative approach that entails the screening of a professional, high-end fashion film and a pop-up fashion showroom. This move is a reflection of what is happening at international fashion events around the world, and enables industry to take a closer look at the quality and finish of the garments, and to speak to the students about their inspirations.
“Making our fashion students ‘fit for business’ is a big focus of NCAD’s Fashion Design degree, and we place significant emphasis on developing collaborations with industry partners and exposing our students to the realities of the fashion business. This year’s format of the graduate showcase is a further reflection of this and an excellent opportunity for our students to show their talents, skills and creativity.”

The Annual NCAD fashion showcase is one aspect of NCAD’s Season of Exhibitions, which runs from May until July. Further information about NCAD’s BA (Hons) Degree in Fashion Design is available at: http://www.ncad.ie/undergraduate/school-of-design/fashion-design/.