NCAD fashion design graduate, Claire Lynam from Ratoath, Co. Meath, has won the coveted River Island NCAD Bursary, securing a three month paid placement with the high street retailer’s design team in London in addition to a €3,500 prize fund.

Claire’s design featured a bronze lamb nappa spider web vest worn over a black structured crepe top, teamed with sheer black deconstructed shorts, which was modelled at the announcement by top model, Daniella Moyles.

Now in its 10^th year, the River Island NCAD Bursary offers NCAD graduates the opportunity to join an exciting and diverse design team with which to kick start their career in fashion. There are currently five previous NACD Bursary winners in full time employment with the design team in River Island’s London head office, making their mark on many of the garments that make it into stores and online internationally.

Lucy Moller, 2006 winner and senior designer with River Island, attended the event to present the award to Claire. Commenting on the competition Lucy said; “I know from my own personal experience what a great opportunity winning the River Island NCAD Bursary is. Claire has a really exciting few months ahead of her as she joins our team and judging by her winning outfit, she will bring a lot to the table as well”.

Claire will join the team in London in September. The River Island NCAD Bursary is open to all Fashion Design graduates.