Young Designer Of The Year Awards 2025
A SHOW TO CELEBRATE OUR STUDENTS’ WORK
17/01/2026
Young Designer
Of The Year Awards 2025
A SHOW TO CELEBRATE OUR STUDENTS’ WORK
Croke Park Becomes the Catwalk
Join Us for This Year’s Fashion Show in Dublin’s Legendary Stadium
We’re thrilled to announce that this year’s Fashion Show will take place at Croke Park, right in the heart of Dublin. Known for its rich history and electric atmosphere, Croke Park will set the stage for an unforgettable evening of style, creativity, and community. Mark your calendars, this is where fashion meets legacy.
Meet our host for 2025 Show
Lorraine Keane is one of Ireland’s most recognisable and respected broadcasters, journalists, and event hosts. With a career spanning over two decades in television, radio, and print, she has established herself as a trusted voice in lifestyle, entertainment, and current affairs. Best known as the former anchor of Xposé on TV3, Lorraine has interviewed some of the world’s biggest stars and continues to be a sought-after presenter and media personality.
Beyond her broadcasting career, Lorraine is also a highly engaging keynote speaker and event MC, renowned for her warm personality, professionalism, and ability to connect with any audience. Her strong reputation and loyal following make her an ideal brand ambassador and media partner, bringing both credibility and influence to any project she’s involved in.
Meet our Partners
Mattress Mick’s
Known across Ireland for his bold personality, creativity, and unforgettable campaigns, Michael “Mattress Mick” Flynn has turned a family business into an iconic Irish brand. From high-quality mattresses to stylish bedroom furniture, beds and bed frames. He’s all about comfort, design, and making a big impact!
This year, Mick has also released his new book “Bouncing Back,” sharing his remarkable story of resilience, reinvention, and success, a true inspiration to anyone chasing their dreams.
Having Mattress Mick as one of our PARTNERS adds fun, energy, and heart to the show. It’s because of the generosity of people like Mick that allows us to run this event in a place as prestigious as Croke park in Dublin.
Shanley Interiors
Based in Navan, Co Meath, Shanley Interiors is renowned for elevating spaces with warmth, elegance, and curated sophistication. Their expertise spans full-service interior design, bespoke furniture, luxurious lighting, and thoughtfully chosen décor pieces, creating interiors that are both inspiring and inviting. Their unwavering commitment to craft, attention to detail, and passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces is something we deeply admire, and it perfectly complements the creativity we celebrate in our emerging designers. Shanley Interiors also offers collaborations.
Their support is absolutely fundamental in helping bring this awards show to life, making it a celebration of talent and creativity we could only dream of.
Meet our Business Stand Partners
Sweet Cicely
Known for their deliciously handcrafted cakes, pastries and treats, Sweet Cicely brings a touch of magic and indulgence to every bite.
Checkout their website: www.sweetcicely.ie
Lara Fashion
Known for offering on-trend, carefully curated womenswear, Lara Fashions Online brings together contemporary style and accessibility through their online platform.
Checkout their website: www.larasfashiononline.com
Meet our Judges
Helen Steele
Award-winning Irish fashion designer Helen Steele will be joining our judging panel at this year’s Project Fashion Show at Croke Park!
Helen’s work is a masterclass in bold prints, vibrant colour and fearless creativity. From her studio in Dublin and Monaghan , she creates wearable art using signature prints and luxurious fabrics.
While her high-end ready-to-wear label is produced locally in Ireland, she also brings her signature aesthetic to a wider audience through her collection with Dunnes Stores – where she’s blended performance, function and colour into active and leisure wear. Not only is Helen a Fashion Designer but the creator of amazing Art that can be viewed on her website.
Ella de Guzman
Founder of Siopaella, Ireland’s most trusted pre-loved designer reseller, Ella has built far more than a store on Wicklow Street in the heart of Dublin, she’s created a community. Rooted in authenticity, sustainability and connection, Winner an Eir VIP Publishing, Power of Women Sustainability Award, Siopaella brings together people who share a love for fashion that respects both craft and planet.
For Ella, sustainable designer isn’t a trend; it’s a way of life, a mission she’s championed since day one.
Her journey from a vintage-loving creator to leading Ireland’s most beloved resale brand is a powerful reminder that staying true to your values can transform an industry.
Ruth O’Connor
One of Ireland’s leading fashion and design journalists (and mum of two) Ruth O’Connor specialises in design, craft, trends and business. She has brought her insight and experience to events such as The Festival of Curiosity, Fashion Revolution and Showcase as well as to judging panels at the IDI Irish Design Awards and Irish Country Magazine’s Irish Made Awards. Ruth has worked with NCAD, Griffith College and Design & Crafts Council Ireland, among many others, and is a passionate advocate for sustainability, heritage skills, innovation and Irish design. Instagram: @ruthoconnorsays.
Meet our Singers
Isla McManus
At just 12, Isla has already made her mark in Ireland’s music scene, from winning Lisburn’s Got Talent to coming second in Ireland’s Junior Eurovision competition. With her incredible voice and heartfelt performances, she’s a true rising star, and we can’t wait to see her light up the stage at Croke Park this January.
Sponsors 2025
Fashion with Purpose
€25,000 Raised for Ronald McDonald House Ireland
In our most recent Fashion Show, style met compassion. Thanks to the incredible support of our guests, partners, and community, we proudly raised €25,000 for Ronald McDonald House Ireland, helping families stay close to their children during hospital stays. This event wasn’t just about fashion; it was about making a meaningful difference. Together, we turned the runway into a path of hope.
Fashion with Heart
Supporting Barnardos Ireland
At Project Fashion, we create after school workshops and classes for aspiring young designers all over Ireland. Each year we host our annual fashion show, the Young Designer of the Year Awards, to showcase our students’ amazing creations and fundraise for charity.
The Young Designer of the Year Awards 2025 will be supporting the work of Barnardos, one of Ireland’s leading children’s charity working to give vulnerable children a better chance – because childhood lasts a lifetime. Barnardos’ vision is to ensure all vulnerable children and families in Ireland get the support they need to overcome adversity such as consistent poverty; domestic violence, abuse or neglect; parental mental health issues; addiction; separation or bereavement.
25/26 Collection Theme
Neon Jungle Fashion
Neon Jungle Fashion Style is a bold mix of urban streetwear and tropical elements, designed to stand out. Bright neon colours like hot pink, lime green, and electric blue are paired with wild animal prints such as leopard and zebra. The look features oversized silhouettes, edgy accessories like chunky sneakers, and textures like mesh, nylon, and faux leather. Reflective surfaces, metallic accents, and street art-inspired graphics add a futuristic touch. This energetic style blends vibrant colours with urban grit, celebrating individuality and confidence in a fashion-forward, rebellious way.
Lookbook 2024
Empower Irish Creativity
Support Irish talent, inspire innovation, and showcase your brand as a leader in creativity. Join us as a sponsor of the Young Designer of the Year Awards and make a lasting impact!
