Manchester Fashion Institute student wins Belstaff design prize

Thilagameenal Ramanan, a student from Manchester Fashion Institute, won the Belstaff Cloudmaster Prize Fund with a functional and utilitarian design inspired by her grandmother.

The competition, now in its second year, is a partnership between Manchester Fashion Institute and luxury clothing brand Belstaff.

Ramanan, who studies BA (Hons) fashion design and technology, received her award at Belstaff’s Manchester store on 21st May.

Ramanan’s design took inspiration from her grandmother’s experience working in rubber plantations in Malaysia after Britain’s invasion.

At the time, labourers wore minimal clothing, so Ramanan created an alternative with her modular design.

Ramanan said: “Winning the Belstaff Cloudmaster competition is a pivotal moment in my journey as a designer.

“This opportunity marks the beginning of my professional career, and I am deeply grateful for the chance to contribute to Belstaff’s legacy of innovation.

“I look forward to learning extensively during my internship and to growing as a designer within such an esteemed brand.”

Ramanan will complete a three-month internship at Belstaff’s London headquarters and received £3,000.

Runners up Ellie Mae Webster and Olivia McIntyre each received £1,000.

Prototype designs from all three finalists will be displayed at the Manchester Belstaff store until 30th May.

The prize invited final year students from BA (Hons) design and technology, BA (Hons) international fashion design and BA (Hons) fashion at Manchester Fashion Institute to respond to a brief exploring ‘Disrupting Heritage’.

Students worked with the Belstaff team through workshops and tutorials to develop their designs.

The judging panel, made up of founder and creative director Priya Ahluwalia, senior collaborations manager at END Clothing Callum Hill, cultural curator Harris Elliott, Belstaff design director Peter Perrett and deputy head at Manchester Fashion Institute Jo Jenkinson, selected three finalists at a visit to Manchester Fashion Institute.

Jo Jenkinson, deputy head of Manchester Fashion Institute, said: “The collaboration with Belstaff has been a great success and we’re very proud of all the students who took part in the initiative and everything they have achieved.

“We’re extremely grateful to Belstaff for providing our students with this fantastic opportunity and for working so closely with them throughout the process.

“The students have learned about the brand and gained invaluable industry insight, skills and advice that will no doubt help them to develop as designers in their studies and future careers.”