It was at the Grafton Academy that he entered the coveted student design competition, the Nokia Young Fashion Designer Award in 2005 and won with his capsule collection, which was inspired by the Guggenheim museum building in Bilbao.

The Sunday Times commented on his win: "McCormack's inspiration in architecture and urban life of modern Europe shows another way forward".

Leaving the Grafton Academy, John gained a position as a designer in a design company, Styletex, supplying the likes of Dunnes Stores, A-wear, Topshop, Oasis and George @ ASDA. Within a relatively short space of time and after several promotions McCormack became a senior designer within the company.

In September 2005, McCormack debuted his first ready to wear collection in the Design Centre, Dublin, under the name John McCormack. His ready to wear collection, is now entering its sixth season and his designs are coveted pieces among the fashion conscious women of Dublin and throughout the entire country.

The John McCormack label is fast becoming synonymous with exquisite tailoring which is both creative and commercial, offering strong but feminine pieces. It was in April 2006, in their annual 'Ireland's Most Stylish' feature', that the Sunday Independent Life Magazine labeled John McCormack as "Ireland's answer to Roland Mouret: clean cuts with a sophisticated edge".

Apart from his ready to wear collection, McCormack has built up a list of private clients, offering a bespoke service in tailoring, eveningwear and Bridal.

Appointments can be made directly through his studio in Ballsbridge, through the Design Centre or Tempted boutique in Kilkenny. High profile clients include model Andrea Roche, former You're a Star judge, Linda Martin, TV presenters Lorraine Keane and Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh, and newsreader Collette Fitzpatrick.