Fashion students get off to a flying start with Singapore Airlines

The Manchester College media and visual arts department has teamed up with Singapore Airlines with the students taking part in a design competition.  

The airline has challenged 28 fashion students at the college to create a bespoke garment that celebrates the launch of new non-stop routes to Houston and Singapore from Manchester Airport. 

The students have taken inspiration from the cultures of Houston, Singapore and Manchester as well as Singapore Airlines. They were asked to design a unique garment that utilised as many as possible of these cultures to represent the destinations and Manchester. The 28 designs have been whittled down to five by a panel of judges from Singapore Airlines, Manchester Airport and The Manchester College. The top five are now busy bringing their sketches to life.  

The top five designs have been released on the Singapore Airlines Facebook page where the public can vote for their favourite designs. The design that receives the most public support and the most support from the judges will win the competition.

The finalists will model their creations at a catwalk show at an event at the Radisson Hotel on Monday 31 October, where the winning design will also be selected by the judges. The winning garment will then be on display for a week at Manchester Airport for travellers to see.

Sheldon Hee, Singapore Airlines, General Manager of UK & Ireland said: “Having flown to Manchester for over 30 years, we’re continually impressed by the creativity, talent and industry of the people of the North West region. Our partnership with The Manchester College is the perfect collaboration to celebrate our new services from Manchester, and will allow us to showcase both the creativity of its youth and the unique themes of Asia and Texas. I am looking forward to seeing the students’ designs and the final outfits on display at Manchester Airport.”

Stephen Turner, Commercial Director for Manchester Airport, said: “It’s great to see Singapore Airlines strengthening ties with our local community ahead of the launch of their new service to Houston and the return of direct flights to Singapore.  I’m looking forward to playing my part in judging what the students from The Manchester College come up with and seeing the winning outfit on display in the airport.”

Andrew Piper, Head of Department, Media and Visual Arts at The Manchester College said: “We are delighted to be working with Singapore Airlines to celebrate and showcase the fantastic young talent that the city of Manchester and The Manchester College have. The talent of all of the designers taking part in this competition should help in establishing Manchester on the fashion map.”