Wilde's Night at the DIT Fashion Show 2011!

A dramatic Oscar Wilde inspired creation by Grafton Academy student Umit Kutluk from Glenealy, Co. Wicklow, has scooped the student design award at the DIT Alfa Romeo Fashion Show 2011. Capturing this year's Fashion Show theme of 'Romeo and "Romeo & Giulietta - A Bad Romance", Umit used red beading “to evoke the image of connecting blood veins to the heart and the fabric is natural silk chiffon, so connects with nature which is a string theme in the Oscar Wilde poem We are made one withwhat we touch and see.’”

Umit Kutlik's winning design modeled by modelled by Anna Flynn from Clontarf, Dublin 3 who studies tourism marketing at DIT

Runner-up was Aoife Conroy from Breaffy, Co. Mayo (NCAD) whose creation was inspired by the Lady Gaga music video 'Bad Romance' . Aoife wanted “a design that mirrored the music video and contrasted the feminine silhouette with sharp, structured details, but had a quirky twist.” 

Aoife Conroy's design modelled  below by Vita Shevnyuk from Drumcondra, Dublin who is studying tourism management in DIT

 Third place went to Amy McAlinden from Blackrock, Co. Dublin (Grafton Academy) for a design called "For the birds" . "The silhouette of the dress imitates that of a bird, my chosen theme" said Amy.

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"For the Birds" by Amy McAlinden, modelled by Jessica Pritzel from Stillorgan, Co. Dublin who is studying drama and music performance in DIT

The judging panel for the student Design Award included stylist Maria Fusco, broadcaster Brendan Courtney, fashion editor at the Weekend Magazine Bairbre Power, stylist and writer Angela Scanlon and designer Sian Jacobs.

The winner of last year's Student Award, Emmy Slattery, has enjoyed tremendous success over the past twelve months. Now based in London, she has assisted stylist Nova Dando, making one off pieces for musicians such as La Roux and the Klaxons, along with assisting with various music videos. She has most recently completed a placement with designer Gareth Pugh and worked on his Autumn/Winter 11 collection, accompanying the team to Paris Fashion Week. Emmy was listed as one of Ireland's new designer's to watch in 'Image' magazine, along with this collection previously receiving coverage in 'Tatler' and 'U' magazines along with the ‘Irish Times’ and ‘Independent’ publications.

The DIT Fashion Show 2011 took place in front of a sold-out audience in Vicar Street, Dublin. This is the eight year of the annual show which has grown into one of the most popular events in the student calendar. Proceeds from the show will be directed to the Foundation to fund student scholarships at DIT.