Letterkenny Institute of Technology’s (LYIT) Marguerite Cowburn from Bruckless, a second year student of the Bachelor of Arts in Fashion with Promotion, has been highly commended at the 10th annual PCA awards which took place on 19 June in London.
The award was established to recognise the international uniform supply chain, and rewards exceptional workwear, corporate clothing and PPE (personal protective equipment) from around the world. In her entry, Marguerite was required to share her vision of stylish, functional professional clothing that can be worn for a specific job role in a sector of her choice. Marguerite chose to re-design cabin crew uniforms for Aer Lingus.
Marguerite was inspired by the textures and colours of our Donegal landscape. Magee’s kindly sponsored her with their green salt and pepper tweed for the tunic, which she balanced with dark green Irish linen trousers piped with green velvet, a winter white Irish linen fitted shirt and dark green velvet hat. Marguerite’s design was modelled in front of 300 guests in the grand surroundings of the Montcalm Marble Arch Hotel in London. The event was hosted by Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke.
Speaking about her experience Marguerite commented, “I’ve really enjoyed the project and I’ve learned so much from it. The competition has given me confidence and reassured me that fashion is the right area for me to pursue. I’m particularly pleased that I was able to make the garments to closely match the illustrated concepts that I had entered the competition with”.
Sharon Maxwell (LYIT Fashion Lecturer) who proudly accompanied Marguerite, acknowledges, “It’s fantastic that Marguerite’s talent and hard work has been recognised and has been showcased at one of the most important events in the professional clothing calendar. She is a great designer with fantastic skills. Her Aer Lingus uniform solution is constructed perfectly and the design aligns perfectly with Aer Lingus brand values”.
Congratulations to Marguerite and Sharon on this fantastic achievement.