We have had some fantastic feedback from our recent fashion graduates this week.  Caroline Punch completed our part-time Fashion Buying & Merchandising course last year.  After some time spend in London working in a high end fashion boutique she is now back in Dublin and ready to embark on her fashion here in.  We put her in touch with Arnotts who were offering internship programmes for the summer and we are delighted to say that Caroline starts with Arnotts next week.  Over the course of the 6 week intern programme Caroline will get to work with the Fashion team in preparing for Pennys Seasonal Press Day.  She will also get to work within the Homeware department allowing Caroline to gain experience in both buying and merchandising strategies.

Fran & Jane,  an Irish fashion brand which is going from strength to strength are great supporters of the growing fashion and retail sector in Ireland. Portobello Institute were delighted to partner with the brand last year whereby they offered our Fashion Buying and Merchandising students the opportunity to design a window display for their Dublin store windows.  Last years winner Aifric Dunne says winning the competition gave her a real taster of what it would be like to work in the fashion industry.  Subsequently Aifric was successful on completing an internship programme with Arnotts and is now a full time employee of the Irish owned department store, a role she relished having gained the confidence from winning the Fran & Jane competition last year.

Have you ever thought about a career in Fashion Styling or Make up but simply don't have the time to commit to a long study period?  Then we have the perfect solution for you this Spring.  With the introduction of our new intensive courses which allow you to complete a creative course in a shorter period of time you can get that step closer to your dream job.

One mans Trash is another mans Treasure........ and this is the joy of charity shopping.  Rummaging through a local charity shop you might happen to come across the best worn in denim jacket, a silk print scarf to jazz up an outfit or a one off find of a leather handbag.  To ease the chore of having to dig deep among the latest pieces in Enable Ireland, Capel Street our Year 2 Fashion Buying & Merchandising students put her Visual Display skills to good use and designed the window in this store this week.  Our students cherry picked some key pieces from the Capel street store and produced a window display based on Independence Day.

As our Fashion students come to the end of their Fashion Buying & Merchandising course they are starting to reflect on the year, their experiences to date and what area of the industry they would like to progress on to so it was with great pleasure we welcomes iconic fashion stylist Constance Harris at the college today to speak with our students about her journey through competitive yet rewarding fast paced industry.

Irish brand Fran & Jane are leaders in the fashion sector.  The Mother & Daughter team have firmly established the brand as the go to store for luxurious fashion pieces with an edge.

We are delighted to have Irish millinery Aoife Kirwan on board to deliver our new millinery course starting in April.  To have someone of Aoife's calibre delivering this course will add to the students learning experience as Aoife is extremely passionate about Millinery and design.  We managed to grab 5 minutes with Aoife this week to chat about her love for millinery and to get an insight into her work.

Our full time makeup students got a real taste of what its like to work backstage at a fashion show when they took park in the Cirque Du Style recently - a charity fashion show organised by DBS students.  The fashion show was run in aid of the Irish Hospice Association and raised a considerable amount on the night.

The age old craft of millinery is a true art form.  Hat and head pieces can completely transform an outfit or make a statement, and they have been a staple accessory in fashion throughout the ages.

Enrolling on a make up course can open many doors.  Once trained our students have many options to explore, from fashion editorial, bridal, TV, theatre and much more.  Any opportunities we can get for our students to gain some experience we jump at, so when we got a call from the Mill Theatre, Dundrum to ask if any of our students could offer their services back stage for their upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz we were only to happy to put a team together.

Now that our full time make up students are more than half way through their course they are really starting to come in their own.  Their individual creative flair is now being showcased an a daily basis and they are well on their way to branding themselves as professional make up artists. Here are just a few images that some of the students have created for their portfolio.

The best and most rewarding part about training people in something that they really love is when they go out there and start up their own business having completed a course with us.  Our latest success story is Catriona McMorris who completed our Portobello Makeup Artistry course in 2011.

Portobello Institute were delighted to be asked to partake in a live TV show for Sky TV recently.  The Peoples Rainforest presented by Richard Bacon took a look into the Rainforest and its many properties to the human race.  Our makeup and beauty therapy students worked behind and in front of the cameras throughout the show.  This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain hands on experience on what it is like to be part of a live working TV show.

We love to hear about success stories from past students who have landed their dream job in their chosen industry.  It takes dedication and passion to complete a course and secure your dream job after graduating but that's exactly what happend to Fashion Buying and Merchandising student Aifric Dunne.  Aifric was a star pupil throughout her 1 year Certificate course.  She was the winner of the Fran & Jane window display competition which saw her winning "Carousel" design displayed in the Claridon Street store.  Here Aifric talks about her experience at Portobello and her new role at Arnotts as a buying and merchandising assistant.

We have a great opportunity for those thinking of enroling on a make up course this spring.

Have you ever thought about Training in a new sector or upskilling but money has been your one hurdle?  Then we have the perfect solution for you that could get you one step closer to your dream job.

Reports in todays Irish Times state that the points system for entry into 3rd Level programmes is to raise yet again this year, meaning the competition for places is extremely fierce.  Each year the points requirement for the more popular courses soars and last year the points for Sciene in UCD rocketed to over 500, leaving many students devasted as their dreams slipped away from them with a matter of points.

The Fashion industry is thriving in Ireland right now with numerous roles recruiting in Buying, Retailing, Visual Disiplay and much more.  With this in mind its been a great year for our Fashion Buying and Merchandising students.  After completing a full or part-time course with us recently some of our students have gone on to secure roles with Irish own brands Dunnes, Arnotts and Awear to name a few. 

Starting off the student year you want to look your best, but with new over heads such as accommodation, fees, books etc, funds can be tight.  Well hot foot it down to Jervis Shopping Centre tonight.  The centre has a Student Lock In for 1 night only from 6.30 to 9.30pm.  Lots of special discounts available from key stores in the Centre from New Look, Forever 21 and Topshop to name a few.  Get a hot new look at a fraction of the price -what's not to love?!

With Halloween just around the corner our new full time Makeup students put their new skills to the test - Only two weeks into their course and the new students look extremely promising. 

Great news for recent graduates in Fashion Buying and Merchandising - the market seems to be thriving at the moment.  There are some great Assistant Buying and Trainee Buying roles cropping up.  Teamworx Recruitment have a number of roles available so if you are looking kick start your career in Fashion you should contact Denise Brady at Teamworx Recruitment She would love to hear from you and see if she has a role that suits your skils

The high street can get a bit dull after a while with everyone wearing the same thing so its nice to hit the Vintage stores to find a one off piece.  As part of their event management module in Fashion Buying and Merchandising students are organizing a pop-up store for 1 night only at the Grand Social, Temple Bar, Dublin ,sourcing clothing from key Vintage stores from around Dublin including Oxfam and Caroseul. So if Vintage is your thing then make sure you head down to Grand Social on 12th April to their newly renovated loft space and find a piece of Vintage fashion to rock your summer look.  From 7pm onwards.

Our full time students have really come into their own, now into the 6 month of their course.  Their tutors set them a real challenge last week as part of thier special effects model.  Each student had to create a zombie character - think Michael Jackson Thriller.  The results were fanastic.  See here for yourself.

Running your own business, whatever the industry takes great precision and organisational skills, whether its a start up business in the Beauty or Childcare industry or a growing business in Marketing or Finance.  Many students who pass through our doors ready to kick start their careers chose to go it alone.   While you may opt to employ someone to do your accounts or marketing for you while you concentrate on your own skill set it is strongly advisible to have general knowledge in definitive areas, allowing you to manage your business successfully and profitably.

Choices the Education, Skills and Careers fair is back again.  This year the exhibition takes place at the RDS and will showcase the best in Educational providers and potential employers.  Over the course of the 3 days Portobello Institute will be exhibitiing (stand no 82) at Choices.  Our course advisors will be on hand to guide you through the range of programes the College has to offer for 2012 from Sports Therpay and Personal Trainer through to Fashion and Beauty Therapy.  The Choices exhibition is the ideal opportunity for those looking to seek out a new career or upskill in their chosen area.  The exhibition is perfect for school leavers, Third level students and graduates looking to further their knowlege in specific target sectors.  In addition to the many exhibitors taking part, there will also be  numerous seminars taking place delivered by industry experts. The career clinic is a definite visit where you can get all manner of adivise on your next career move and how to be successful in gaining your next big role. 

Gemma Faus, freelance make up artist and tutor at Portobello Institute hand picks her top make up products and what she can't live without.

After all the hard work and hours of study and dedication our full and part-time students from 2010 graduated at the Concert Hall, RDS.  Over 200 students attended on the day to receive their well deserved Diplomas which will lead them onto the first step of their career ladders in their chosen sectors.

If you are thinking of upskilling or changing your career then Which Course at the RDS next weekend, 27th + 28th August is the ideal starting point in your search for a new you.  Portobello Institute will be exhibiting over the course of the weekend and our expert course advisors will be on hand to answer all your questions about our part-time and full time programmes.  We offer courses in Fashion, Makeup and Beauty to name a few.  A one year Fetac or Itec certificate or Diploma will provide you with a solid foundation on which to start a career in a new sector.  In association with Which Course Portobello Institute will be offering the chance to win a place on our popular Facial Makeup course which starts in October. The course is a great introduction to makeup and skin care, teaching you the techniques required to be a successful makeup artist. To be in with a chance to win and start an exciting career in makeup simply register with Which Course at www.whichcourse.ie

Are you looking to do a bit of shopping this weekend but not break the bank.  The "Big Top" pop up rail sale in association with The Bubblegum Club takes place this weekend at Airfield in Dundrum.  A big top marquee sponsored by Royal Sun and Alliance will be erected in Airfield on Saturday 2nd June and will house rails of second hand clothes, bags, shoes and accessories - a shopping mecca for any bargain hunter fashionista who loves to rummage through second hand clothes and accessories as new.  And not only that, Designers will be offering fabrics at cut down prices while milliners will showcase their new latest designs.   Fashion expert Liza Fitzpatrick will be on hand to answer any styling tips for the season while DJ Mo Kelly will spin some tunes to set the tone for a fun and relaxed shopping day.  

We've all been there.  You walk up to a make up counter unsure of what you are looking for and ten minutes later you leave the store with a lipstick in a shade you will never wear and some expensive brushes that you don't know how to use. 

We are always delighted to hear our students have been successful in securing jobs in their chosen sector.  Three of our Fashion Buying and Merchandising students have recently landed their dream job with highstreet retailers Pennys and Elvery Sports.

On May 21st at St Marys Church, Dawson Street Portobello Institute held their summer 2011 Graduation Ceremony.  The church is the ideal venue with its beautiful interior and furnishings.  On the day the college were extremely proud of its graduates which were a mix of Montessori, Fashion Buying and Merchandising, Make-up and Beauty students who were all there to proudly receive their hard earned Diplomas.  The ceremony began with an opening speech from the college director Rebakah Lyons who congratulated the students on their achievements to date and wished them the very best in their chosen career paths. Once the students had all received their Diplomas the ceremony continued with additional awards for Student of the Year from each sector.

Ireland best known tailor and Mens retailer Louis Copeland met with the Fashion Buying and Merchandising students last month and delivered a fantasic lecture on the art of mens tailoring and retailing in Ireland.  Impressed by the students enthusiasm he asked the students to get involved in designing a set of window displays for his infamous Capel Street store in Dublin 1.  Fashion Course Director Caroline kilkenny and Catherine Green met with Louis and the brands Visual Manager John O' Donohoe to discuss the project.  The students were briefed on the label and customer profile and were asked to submit mood boards based on their visual display ideas for the Louis Copeland customer.  Louis and his team were impressed with the calibre of work submitted and selected Jonathan Cushens designs to apprear in the window.  Jonathan based his ideas on the 'Canali' brand which is an Italian brand retailing through Louis Copeland for the past 20 years.  Drawing inspiration from the Summer photo shoot campaign Jonathan created a sleek, stylish display which echoes the brand ethos.  This is an amazing opportunity for Jonathan and the college to work with a leading name in the Irish Fashion industry.  Portobello Institute will continue the working relationship with Louis Copeland with possible further window display by our students later in the year.

Designer department store Harvey Nichols joined our Fashion Buying and Merchandising students this week to judge an Accessories competition set by their tutor as part of the course content.  The students were set a brief to design and product an accessory for Autumn/Winter 2011 for the Harvey Nichols customer.  The brief was to "Keep it simple by following Harvey Nichols brand values.  To create a product that is exclusive but accessible, that offers fashion leadership and enables the customer to have a feel good experience once it is purchased."  The students were told to explore shape, colour, texture, surface detail, scale and form.  Harvey Nichols were really impressed by the standard of work and the time and effort the students had put into design and production.  The winner Crystal Garza was selected by Harvey Nichols for its elegance and style.  Crystal designed and produced a gorgeous floral embossed garment bag.  With its simple lace triming the bag is exactly what the brief required and is the ideal accompaniment for any Harvey Nichols customer.

Summer is officially over (well it never really began) but the good news is that the shops are now fully stocked with the all the new Autumn/Winter collections.  To help you decide on what key trends to work this season the Dublin Festival of Fashion is back once more this weekend. The first DFF took place last year and was a roaring success.  This year the DFF HQ on Dawson Street will play host to catwalk shows previewing the collections from all the favourite high street stores from around the city. Thursday kicks off with 'Street Style/Urban Chic', while the theme for Saturday is 'Fast Fashion.  Don't forget to grab the lookbook on the day which features all the looks shown on the catwalk.

Are you looking to upskill, learn something completely new or simply trial a new area?  With our new Summer schedule there is something for everyone.  In addition to our part-time courses in areas such as Fashion, Beauty, Sports, Business and Childcare Portobello have devised a comprehensive portfolio of short courses and workshops across all sectors.  These workshops are the ideal addition to working professionals, or those who are thinking of moving into a new area and want to trial  it with shorter/taster programmes.

Do you want to learn what suits your shape best but hate shopping?  Do you have lots of makeup product but dont' really know how to apply it?  This is the case with many of us, so in response to this Portobello Institute set about offering 3 hour workshops in Personal Styling and Makeup and the feedback has been great.

Have you ever sat down to watch the Apprentice and feel yourself screaming at the TV in frustration thinking you could do a better job than the latest contestants.  Do you think you have what it takes to make your stance in the board room in front of Bill Cullen and his side kicks Jackie and Brian and be the next big thing?  Well this is your chance to make a change in your ilfe as series Four is looking for contestants to take part in the Apprentice 2011.  This year there is a twist with Bill offering the winner a fantastic opportunity to launch thier own business under the mentorship of Bill and his team.  The winner receives the extremely enticing and rewarding six figure sum of €100,000 in additin to another €100,000 cash prize to kick start your business plan.  Bill is looking for enthusiastic, passionate individuals who have excellent Business acumen and skill to ensure thier business performs and is a success, be it a catering company, a marketing company or a digital online firm.  So if you think you have a staminer, attidue and business mindset to outshine the rest then get ready to set into Bills boardroom.

Our Fashion tutors work tirelessy to develop strong industry contacts so we can offer our students added value to their coure.  At the beginning of the year the Fashion Buying and Merchandising students were set a brief to design a t-shirt for the Topshop customer and then create a window display round their design.  The students produced some fantastic work and were fortunate to have a past graduate of Portobello, now creative director for Topshop come into the college and judge the competition.  Kim Smith took time out to talk to the students about their work and how they can relate this in today Retail market.  Opportunities and competitions like these are an invaluable learning experience for our students.  It gives them the chance to showcase their skills and talent to potential future employers while learning the process of merchandising for a real high street brand.

Learn how to apply your make up perfectly and look your best for the Spring/Summer months. This 3 hour masterclass gives you a real insight into make up application and shows you how to make the most of your features.  It is suitable for anyone looking to improve their personal make-up techniques or for those looking to get a "taste" of the industry.

 The first of our Spring Styling workshops took place at the weekend.  Hosted by Sarah Rickard, chief fashion stylist for Irish Tatler the workshop was a fantastic insight into spring/summer looks and where to get it on the high street so you don't have to break the bank to look your best this season.  To open Sarah talked to the group about the key looks for summer including the day dress, seventies, nudes and bright colours, showing how you can adapt current trends to your own style and body shape.  The group then had the opportunity to chat to Sarah on a more personal basis and ask her any questions about their own personal style and how to dress.  The workshop finished off wtih a Spring/Summer makeup demo led by Makeup artist for top brand Inglot Audrey O'Brien.  If you fancy Spring cleaning your warbrobe and learing some tips from the experts there are still some places left on our April and May workshops http://www.portobelloinstitute.ie/creative-studies/fashion-courses/spring-styling-masterclass-make-up-demo

There is so much more to the skill of Make-up Artistry then just a few brushes and lip glosses.  Gemma Faus, a leading Make-up artist and tutor with the college specialises in special effects and has honed her skills over the years in this area.  Gemma who originates from Barcelona started her career in her home city working on numberous Film and TV productions before moving to Dublin to continue her career in Make-up Artistry.  Portobello Institute recently exhibited at Choices 2011 at the Aviva statium.  This 4 day event was a careers lead event and Gemma was on hand to demonstrate some amazing body art inspired by recent box office smash hit BURLESQUE.

Thank you so much to all of you who took the time and effort to enter our design competition in conjunction with U Magazine to win a place on our prestigious Fashion Buying and Merchandising course.

TV3's infamous style show xpose hold a shopping Christmas experience at the RDS each year. This year our students were part of the team who helped dress the models backstage and assist the fashion stylists with prepping for the runway shows that took place over the weekend - an invaluable experience which they thoroughly enjoyed.

It's all happening in Fashion – two past students have landed their dream jobs in this tough industry.

If you haven't heard of hip Swedish brand Make Up Store then your missing out. Make Up Store is one of the leading cosmetics franchises in Scandinavia. Founder, owner and front man Mika Liias has come a long way since opening his first store in Stockholm in 1996. The concept hasn't changed from the start; the idea is still to provide the customer with personal service, competent advice and top quality products at affordable prices.

This year U Magazine, Ireland's fortnightly fashion and celebrity magazine hosted their first High Street Awards at the Mansion House. Our fashion students were a part of the creative team working back stage making sure all ran smoothly. The catwalk played host to the best high street brands from both Ireland and the UK showcasing their latest collections.

October 2010 saw the first ever Dublin Festival of Fashion take place in the capital. Students from the Fashion Buying and Merchandising course played an integral part in this fashion extravaganza around the city centre. Catwalk shows took place on Henry Street and Grafton Street were students worked behind the scenes tirelessly assisting the stylists and production team, ensuring the catwalk shows went off without a hitch. Students also helped Una Gibney the main stylist prep for the shows in the lead up to the events.

Both our fashion and make up students took part in a very cool charity fashion show in September. 3M organised a fashion show in aid of the Children's Sunshine Home, Lara Lynn foundation. Aspiring fashion designers had to design and create an outfit from 3M products. The creative team was led by our very own make up course director Niamh Martin who put together strong make up looks, while the fashion students ensured all the models were dressed correctly and the outfits looked immaculate before they went on stage.

Each year Harmonia, publishers of Irish Tatler and U Magazine, hold a fashion experience at the RDS which includes fashion shows from Irish and International designers and retailers, exhibitors from leading brands and fashion and make up tips from the experts. Our fashion students were fortunate enough to work back stage and be part of this exciting event.