The Grafton Academy of Dress Designing was the first Fashion Design College in Ireland, founded in 1938 by Pauline Clotworthy, a pioneer in the Irish Fashion Industry. It is a private college offering a 3-year full time professional Fashion Design course for the Irish and International Clothing trade. The approach to teaching continues to be a non academic, very practical experience with development of Design and Portfolio, Fashion Forecasting, Pattern Making and Garment Assembly. The training equips the graduates with excellent skills and techniques that are essential for working in the Clothing Trade and Associated Industries, worldwide.

Design by Louise Brennan 2010, Model: Assets Model Agency Photog: Tim McDonnell  Location: Lighthouse Cinema	Design by Niamh Rafferty 2010 Model: Assets Model Agency Photog: Tim McDonnell Location: Lighthouse Cinema

This is a full Professional training for the Irish and International Dress Trade. In this course, the accent is on Fashion Design, but special attention is given to the practical application of design to the garment industry.

Design, Fashion, Fashion Drawing, Pattern Drafting, Cutting, Laying, Sizing, Grading, Garment Assembly, Experimenting with Fabrics, Proving Patterns on the Dress Stand, and with "toiles".

Part One

There are two sections to part one, and assessment of students is made each term.

• Section A
  Skirt cutting, tops, trousers, blouses and dresses. Basic principles of grading
  (2 exams - one in garment assembly and one in drafting plus a design assessment).

Design by Ciara O'Dwyer 2010 Model: Assets Model Agency Photog: Tim McDonnell	Design by Amanda Eustace 2010 Model: Assets Model Agency Photog: Michael Conlon Location: Lighthouse Cinema

• Section B
  Tailored and soft jackets, coats, suits and grading
  (2 exams - one in garment assembly and one in drafting, plus a design assessment)

Part Two

Students must choose a minimum of two sections from part two. These courses are advanced project designing in which the student plans, draws and makes up a collection of garments according to the course section.

• Sportswear with grading
• Separates with grading
• Bridal and Evening with grading
• Children's Wear with grading
• "All Wool" courses with grading
• Lingerie with grading

Design by Orla Lee 2009 Model: Assets Model Agency Photog: Michael Conlon	Design by Amy Cowley 2009 Model: Assets Model Agency Photog: Michael Conlon

Early application is advisable for September, January or Easter. No particular Pass standards from the Leaving Certificate are required to enter, but a portfolio of good art work is necessary to bring to an interview.

Design by Jean Melia 2009
Model: Assets Model Agency
Photog: Michael Conlon

Intensive Fashion Diploma

1 or 3 month Trial & Introductory Intensive Fashion Design courses for Career Breaks, Transition year or to make your own clothes from design to made up garment.  All ages welcome.  Months of your choice, September - May.  Limited availability!

Click here to contact our staff for further information on this course, along with details of Attendance and information for Overseas Students.

Design by Fiona Nunan, graduate 2010 Model: Assets Model Agency	Avril Smyth, finalist Nokia Fashion Awards 2006

Upcycle and Restyle your Old Wardrobe Summer Course: Week 25th-29th June 2012 & Week 13-17th August 2012

ALTERATIONS & UPSTYLING GARMENTS SEW, SAVE & HAVE FUN: The courses starts 5th November 2011 for 6 lessons.