Talented Leeds students of Leeds College of Art; John Westwood-Hill from York, Tessa Qizilbash from Leeds, and Amy Woollard from Ramsbottom, have been given a flying start thanks to Ryanair and Leeds Bradford International Airport (LBA).
 
The students entered a competition to create Ryanair’s signature hat, based upon the destinations Ryanair fly to from LBA. The first round consisted of sketches; the three finalists were funded to make their design come to life.
 
The innovative and inspired hats were modelled at The Ebor Festival, by Jordann Robson and hat creator; Tessa Qizilbash, where many a hat lover can be found. The girls wore hand-made bespoke dresses designer by last year’s ‘dress’ competition winner, Mandy Hudson.
 
Tessa Qizilbash, one of the finalists who made, then modelled her work at The Ebor Festival said, “The chance to make a hat for real clients like LBA and Ryanair is really useful, it stands me in good stead for my final year of my millinery course. I took the inspiration for my design from Venice; using a mask style base and the venetian blind.”

Tony Hallwood of LBIA said “As Yorkshire’s Gateway airport we are excited to celebrate these talented students work at such a prestigious Yorkshire event as the Ebor races. The finalists have done an excellent job and it’s difficult to tell who the winner will be.”

Macken of Ryanair said; “The Ebor Festival is one of the highlights of the fashion calendar in the region, with designers competing to create the most eye-catching Ryanair destination inspired outfit and we are confident that these designs got everyone’s attention.”

This year’s competition winner will be chosen by September.

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