Dublin Fashion Fest – Young Designer of the Year Award Who took the prize?

Ireland joined in on September’s world-wide fashion celebrations as Dublin hosted its eighth annual Dublin Fashion Festival. Running over two days, from Friday 22nd to Saturday 23rd, the schedule saw a number of events and workshops held across the city to help promote and encourage Dublin’s fashion scene. Most anticipated of all, however, was Friday’s highlight event, the Young Designer of the Year award. Each year, high-street meets high-end as brands gather to display their latest autumn-winter collections and crown an emerging Irish designer. Hosted by Xposé’s Glenda Gilson, the runway show took place at The Room of The Mansion House, with a sponsored drinks reception by Tullamore-born gin company Mór.

Last year’s winner, JJ Donnelly, seamlessly opened the show, showcasing the collection which nabbed her the prestigious 2016 title. The designer drew inspiration from hunting, which she explains is at the heart of Irish culture. Equestrian equipment, particularly the horsebit, were essential to the designs, adding a striking glint of silver to the muted colour palette. The show reached its pinnacle as the twelve finalists each presented a single design before a panel of judges to display both their skill and design aesthetic. The panel was comprised of some of Ireland’s leading names in fashion, including fashion editor of Irish Independent, Bairbre Power.

After tough deliberation, Grafton Academy graduate, Naomi Ajetunmobi was crowned the Young Designer of the Year. A worthy winner, the soft, summery design consisted of a structured yellow bodice with sheer sleeves over a flowing skirt covered in appliqué flowers. As part of the prize, Ajetunmobi will have the opportunity to shoot a fashion portfolio with renowned fashion photographer Barry McCall. To close the evening, a mix of international brands and Irish designers took to the catwalk to display their latest collections. With separate sections dedicated to the high-street, menswear, the Creative Quarter and luxury fashion, this second half was a mixed-bag and took away from the authenticity of a catwalk dedicated to homegrown talent.

Although a small contender compared to international fashion weeks, the Dublin fashion scene continues to grow and the success of JJ Donnelly is a clear marker of how impactful the festival can be. While more attention should be given to Irish brands, it’s undeniable that the event remains an important platform to our native designers.

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