Meet the Young Designer of the Year Finalists

One of Irelands most highly anticipated fashion events of the year is right around the corner!

On Wednesday the 7th of September the winner of the Young Designer of the Year will be announced.

In light of this special night, Dublin Fashion Festival in association with Galaxy would like to introduce you to the 12 Young Designer of the Year 2016 finalists.

The lucky finalists where chosen by a select judging panel including Irish Independents fashion editor Bairbre Power, renowned fashion photographer Barry McCall, TV3 Xposé producer Debbie O’Donnell, owner of The Design Centre, Ashling Kilduff, head of personal and private shopping at Brown Thomas, Caroline Hanratty, and head of personal and private shopping at Arnotts, Clara Halpin.

The 12 finalists and their designs will take part in a spectacular catwalk show outside the Bank of Ireland College Green on Wednesday 7th September.  The designers pieces will be showcased in front of key fashion influencers including some of Irelands established designers and fashion buyers.

Along with the coveted title prize, the winner will also get the invaluable opportunity to shoot a fashion portfolio with fashion photographer Barry McCall and a €2,000 bursary from West Coast Cooler, one of the events sponsors.

The 12 finalist designs are now on display in the Powerscourt Centre and will remain their until the 5th of September. The photographs of each design displayed below where beautifully captured by the well renowned photographer Emily Quinn and will be published on the 3rd of September by the Daily Mail in the festival lookbook. Be sure to get your copy!

The 2016 Young Designer of the Year finalists are: 

Nino Sanaia – NCAD

Jack Roche – Limerick School of Art and Design

Grainne Walley – NCAD

Sarah Murphy – Griffith College

Jordan Robinson – Ulster University

Karla Bowden – NCAD

Aishling Duff – NCAD

Naoimi Ajetunmobi – Grafton Academy of Dress Design

Hannah Vail – Ulster University

JJ Donnelly – NCAD

Laura Ward – Ulster University

Ailbhe Griffin –NCAD

For all things Fashion in Dublin, follow us on social media and make sure to use #DublinFashion on Instagram for your chance to be featured.

Credits:

Photography by Emily Quinn, Distinct Model Management

Styling by Paloma Feijoo, Distinct Model Management

Hair by Joe Hayes, Toni & Guy Clarendon Street

Makeup by Judy Wong using Boots No.7 Cosmetics

Model Joanne Northey, 1st Option