Teenage winner of airline outfits competition is Cathryn-Jane

FASHION student Cathryn-Jane Shires has been unveiled as the winner of a competition to design outfits to commemorate Singapore Airlines’ new non-stop routes from Manchester Airport to Houston and Singapore.

As part of the partnership between The Manchester College and the airline, 28 students were challenged to take inspiration from the cultures of Manchester, Houston and Singapore, as well as the company.

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 were whittled down to five by a panel of judges from Singapore Airlines, Manchester Airport and The Manchester College.
 
The top five designs were then posted on the Singapore Airlines Facebook page for the public to vote for their favourite designs. The top five designers were also invited to bring their sketches to life and have the garments modelled on a catwalk at the official launch event of the new routes held at the Raddison Blu Hotel, Manchester Airport.

The red-carpet catwalk was observed by an array of dignitaries, media and partners of both Manchester Airport and Singapore Airlines, with judges scoring the five garments and, in combination with the public vote, deciding on the winner.
 
After being announced as the winner, 18-year-old Cathryn-Jane was presented with flowers, gift vouchers and a model aeroplane by Sheldon Hee, general manager of the UK & Ireland.

She will also have her winning garment on display for a week at Manchester Airport.  Elizabeth Duyilemi from Fairfield was voted as runner up in the competition and was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

Hee said: “All five students did an excellent job and it was a very tough decision for the judges. Cathryn-Jane’s garment really stood out for us because of its elegance and style and overall appeal to the business traveller.

“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 has allowed us to celebrate our new services from Manchester, and showcase both the creativity of its youth and the unique themes of Asia and Texas. I am looking forward to seeing the winning garment on display at Manchester Airport.”

Cathryn-Jane said: “This has been a fantastic experience and I wanted to thank Singapore Airlines for allowing this dream to come true. I am delighted to win and am determined to continue with my studies in fashion. Winning this competition has made me more determined than ever to become a fashion designer.”