RTE Archives offers a fascinating glimpse back to 1995 with a feature on the Mallow College of Design and Tailoring, broadcast as part of Head To Toe.
The college, founded in 1988 by Mary Cashman, was already establishing a reputation for excellence in fashion education.
Starting small and working long hours, Mary built the college from the ground up. By 1995, her students were competing in prestigious competitions such as the Smirnoff Design Awards, showcasing the high standard of training on offer.
Mary emphasises mastering the basics: pattern drafting, designing, and tailoring. “They want to go out and make a living, and to make that living they have to have the skills,” she explains.
Her connections within the fashion industry ensure that students are up-to-date with what designers seek in new graduates, while public exposure of their work boosts confidence and ambition.
Student Margaret Ryan reflected on her experience at the Smirnoff Design Awards: “It made me feel like I was Armani… being just as good.” Michelle Keane, known for her experimental and imaginative designs, described the event as “a great buzz; you’re up there with the top 20 students in Ireland , just brilliant.”
Teacher Maria Sheehan, who specialises in hand knitting and has been with the college since its opening, adds that the courses help uncover talents students may not even realize they have. “All the students are talented in their own way,” she notes.
Mary Cashman believes the college consistently produces graduates of the highest calibre. “They’re used to the hard work, the dedication, and they’re very versatile,” she says, explaining why her students rarely spend long searching for work.
This report for Head To Toe aired on 26 September 1995, with Ronan Kelly reporting. It remains a testament to the enduring quality and ambition of Mallow College of Design and Tailoring.
