Fife designer wins prestigious fashion award

Rosie Baird, who studied at the Edinburgh College of Art, was chosen as the joint winner of the International Talent Support (ITS) Fashion@Work by illy Award 2020, which celebrates the best young talents in fashion design.

The competition, which is now in its 19th year, aims to find the strongest young designers across the globe and provide them with support and space to showcase their creativity. The challenge for this year’s Fashion@Work by illy award was to re-invent, sustainably and in accordance with their own vision, the classic barista apron. Rosie’s design took inspiration from the traditional Scottish kilt but gave it a modern and sustainable update with a completely waste free pattern.

In the final phase of the competition, illycaffe’s artistic director, Carlo Bach, examined the projects of ten finalists which were showcased during a virtual event attended by leading fashion journalists, designers, and experts in international trends. Rosie was selected as the joint winner and praised for her attention to detail and how the design bought the coffee journey to life.

Rosie said: “Being a part of the competition was an amazing experience. It challenged me to design with a focus on sustainability in a practical and beautiful way, at the same time connecting with the deep roots of the illy brand, and layering it with elements from my own Scottish heritage. Being able to present my ideas to Carlo was so exciting, and the whole process was a true pleasure to be a part of.”

Rosie won a cash prize of £4500.