Established in 1938, we are celebrating our 80th year of creativity. With a long tradition of design and tailoring, we specialise in the teaching of design, pattern drafting and garment construction. We offer a 3 year, full-time professional Fashion Design Diploma course to enable you to work within the fashion industry or if you simply want to follow your creative passion as a pastime we have flexible courses to suit you. Our practical and hands-on approach to learning encourages talent, but also provides order and structure enabling the students to learn the essential skills of design development, portfolio presentation, pattern cutting, prototyping and garment construction. The Grafton Academy is unique in that students may start the Diploma course at any time of the year as teaching is by individual attention within a classroom setting. The Diploma course is also available to be taken on a part-time basis, attending either mornings or afternoons to fit in with part-time work and other commitments. In addition to the Diploma course, there are a variety of part-time short courses during the evenings, Saturdays and throughout the summer for students of all ages and requirements. The Short, Intensive and Trial Fashion Design 1 or 3 months course is an ideal opportunity to try out the course before making a bigger commitment to the Diploma. A diverse range of people apply to the Grafton Academy, school leavers and mature applicants who may want a career and educational break or to gain insight into a career in fashion design. Our students come to us in Dublin from all over the world. Many of our students win awards in National and International competitions. Our students go on to achieve lasting careers in the fashion industry built on the skills they have acquired at the college. You will learn how to design and make any garment from start to finish and travel the world with the skills you have gained. We have strong links with the fashion industry and our graduates go on to become designers, assistant designers and pattern cutters with major design studios and manufacturers. They work in all areas of fashion ranging from high street brands, evening, bridal, couture, lingerie, children’s, corporate, performance sports and menswear. Other career opportunities include fashion writing, stylist, buyer, designing and making costumes for wardrobe, theatre, film, television and dance. Many of our graduates are currently working in design houses in Dublin, London, Paris, NY and Milan. Numerous graduates have set up companies within Ireland and abroad and continue to make a major contribution to the Irish economy, both in terms of job creation and exports. Situated in the heart of Dublin, we occupy a lovely Georgian building overlooking the Grand Canal and close to all city centre amenities; shopping, culture, entertainment and easy transport links. Students are welcome to discuss their requirements before making bookings and may join at any time depending on availability.
