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. Located in a Georgian building, overlooking the Grand Canal, near Baggot Street Bridge, Dublin 2, the college is within easy reach of the city centres' main shopping areas, Temple Bar, Theatres and Art Galleries.

In April 2008, The Grafton Academy celebrated its' 70th Anniversary with a fashion Show of Grafton Academy Alumni and current students.

The Grafton Academy is a small private and vibrant 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.

Through the years, students have won many awards in both National and International competitions.

Successful graduates, of whom there are many, continue to make a major contribution to the Irish economy, both in terms of job creation and exports. Many students are from Europe, The USA, Africa and The Far East. Numerous graduates have set up companies, some now operating with off-shore facilities.

To maintain the highest of standards, the Grafton Academy has continuous examinations and assessments throughout the Diploma course.

Siobhan Glynn (Graduated 2008), winner of Grafton Academy Challenge Cup 2008 Model: Assets Model Agency Photog: Mark McCall	Evelyn Rouiller (Graduated 2008), runner up of Grafton Academy Challenge Cup 2008 Model: Assets Model Agency  Photog: Mark McCall

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 Carolina Cortez (1st year student, 2008) Model: Assets Model Agency Photog: Mark McCall	Tailoring by Eve Power Model: Assets Model Agency Photog: Mark McCall

• 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 Deirdre Boyle (Graduated 2007) Model: Morgan, The Agency Photog: Stephen Nestor	Tailoring Design by Yvonne Flemming Model: Assets Model Agency Photog: Mark McCall

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.

EU Full -Time Annual Fee: €5370
EU Half-time Annual Fee (attendance mornings or afternoons Mon-Friday): €3990
Non EU fee: €9000

Deposit and instalment payments by arrangement

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.

Tailoring Design by Sara-Kate Swan Model: Assets Model Agency Photog: Mark McCall	Avril Smyth, finalist Nokia Fashion Awards 2006