Ireland's newest tailors measure up

Four of Ireland’s newest tailors exhibited their work earlier today at the National Tailoring Academy’s graduate show. The show, with Sinéad Burke as host, displayed just how entrenched the values of tailoring still are to Irish design. Traditional skills such as hand-stitching, garment construction and pattern cutting were showcased by students, Jennifer Young, Jan Joe Gino Dubria, Stiofán Dennehy and Blathnáid McClean, all of whom have just finished the year-long course.

Su Thomas presented the award for Excellence in Craftsmanship to student Jennifer Young. Young’s winning bridal gown (right. Photograph: Kieran Harnett) was modelled by Madeline Mulqueen, financée of Hollywood actor, Jack Raynor.

Course director at the National Tailoring Academy, Sinéad Doyle, said "Ireland has a long-standing tradition in high-quality tailoring and now we’re seeing a revival in interest around those traditions. At the National Tailoring Academy, master tailors teach the skills, while the students learn through using state-of-the art machinery and tools."

Studying under head master tailor, Sandor Enyedi, and womenswear master tailor, Andrea Boyle, students have an opportunity to launch their fashion careers from a base of knowledge. Doyle said "On-the-job experience and business know-how are also very important to a successful career, so international placements and study visits are another key part of the programme.”

The next DIT-accredited Continuous Professional Development Diploma in Bespoke Fashion Tailoring begins in October and students can choose to specialise in either menswear or womenswear pathways. Further information can be found at www.nationaltailoringacademy.ie or by e-mailing info@nationaltailoringacademy.ie