Dublin student Una King is the winner of the 2019 River Island National College of Art and Design (N.C.A.D) fashion design bursary.

The news was announced today and Una will soon commence a three-month internship with River Island in addition to receiving a €3,500 bursary which will help to kickstart her fashion career. What sets Una's entry apart is the fact that it caters for the always unpredictable Irish climate so while it's a spring summer range, the clothes work for any season. Ideal in a country where it could rain in the morning and by noon, the sun is splitting the rocks. The line includes delicate pieces, designed to be worn with statement outerwear and although the neutral shades fit in perfectly with this season's trends, the pop of fiery orange adds some colour in keeping with summer. Lucy Moller, who won the 2006 bursary, commended the high standard of entries this year.

"The River Island N.C.A.D bursary launched my fashion career 13 years ago, and we’re proud to be amongst the first to champion some of Ireland’s brightest new design talent. Our industry thrives on fresh ideas, and it’s fantastic to give N.C.A.D graduates the chance to come to our London design studio to develop their careers".

Angela O’Kelly, Head of Design for Body and Environment, N.C.A.D. also commented on the news:

"The ongoing support of River Island is central to the activities of our fashion division. Through N.C.A.D, each year the project advances skill set in the students, developing knowledge and expertise in key areas of innovative high street fashion design. The bursary and placement at the River Island design studio in London offer invaluable experience for our graduates and a superb launch pad into the fashion industry".

The bursary first launched in 2004 and has been a huge success with many of the bursary winners going on to work permanently with the in-house River Island design team.