The Results are in: Thomas Davidson, Student at Manchester Fashion Institute wins CORDURA® Durable Design Award at PCA Vision 2018.

 

“I was ecstatic to find that CORDURA® had created a denim especially for workwear.”

Well, thank you Thomas. And thank you to all the other very talented young people who entered the PCA Vision 2018 awards, sponsored by ourselves and other industry leaders. There were far too many to name check here, but every single one of them came up with awesome ideas that really knocked us out.
This international competition was open to students from selected universities and colleges across Europe. And their brief was to express their vision of stylish, functional professional clothing for a specific role – either in corporatewear, workwear or PPE.
Quite a challenge – and singling out the winners was an equally daunting task for the industry experts who made up the judging panel. The response was amazing, with innovative designs to meet the needs workers and help them to perform their jobs in their standard working environment. 
Thomas Davidson certainly did this to win the CORDURA® Durable Design Award. He integrated durable fabric functionality and commercial viability into his striking workwear design for tradesmen on the theme of Vintage vs. Modern. And, being a self-confessed ‘denim head’ he was more than delighted to create his design in CORDURA® denim -  as we can see from his quote above. Along with his trophy, Thomas picked up a £1,000 cash prize . . . and the acclaim of the judges.

 

 

So, what about the other winners? What was their inspiration . . . and what did they feel they got from this opportunity to demonstrate their talents? Let’s hear what they had to say.

“For my Airport Ground Staff garment, I was inspired by streetwear fashion and wanted to create a garment that was both practical for work and fashionable enough to wear off duty.  The detailed shapes on the outer jacket and trousers were inspired by airport runway markings, making a direct link to the job role.”

- Summer Gill,  University of Bedfordshire, Overall Winner of PCA VISION 2018 

“Entering this contest meant being able to have a close and direct relationship with the industry and international brands, and have an experience that could be unique in my life.” 

In that one sentence, Filipe nails our intentions exactly. The reason we sponsor awards such as PCA Vision has always been to encourage and stimulate young talent – and ensure a vibrant future for the industry. Judging by the look of Filipe’s Sports Instructor garment, that future looks in great shape. And with a £1,000 prize, so does his. 

“My inspiration came from the volunteers who crew the RNLI’s lifeboats. I created more functional garments to help them through their challenges.”

-Jacob Williamson. A finalist from Manchester Fashion Institute (MMU) - winner of the GERBER Best University Design Award 

This special award – including a £500 prize – was for the university or college with the best overall student design submissions. It was accepted by Jacob on behalf of MMU, the Manchester Metropolitan University. 

“It was a real pleasure – and a great privilege – for me to present these awards personally on behalf of the CORDURA® brand and other sponsors. 

-Cindy McNaull, global CORDURA® brand and marketing director

The awards ceremony, including a fashion show of all student finalists’ finished work, formed an important element of this year’s PCA Awards night. This is one of the worldwide industry’s most anticipated annual events – attended by major names and personalities in the business. 

The perfect setting to launch the exciting ideas of the people who are going to help shape the industry over the years to come. 

 To learn more about PCA Vision sponsored by CORDURA® brand, watch the video below.