Hadisa Ahmad Tabussam impresses judges with innovative climbing gear

A fashion student from Manchester Met’s Manchester Fashion Institute (MFI) has won Belstaff’s Cloudmaster Prize Fund for her performance menswear concept, specifically designed for climbing.

The inaugural Cloudmaster Prize Fund is an innovative collaboration between MFI, luxury British clothing brand Belstaff, and media partner Hypebeast, which aims to support and spotlight the next generation of design talent.

Hadisa Ahmad Tabussam from the BA (Hons) Fashion programme, impressed a judging panel of industry experts from design, academia, publishing and retail, with her menswear concept, and was presented with the award during a prize giving ceremony at Belstaff’s Centenary Event on May 24 in Stoke-on-Trent.

Hadisa said: “My collection focussed on climbing wear or performance wear that is specifically designed for climbing purposes. I used to be a climber, not anymore, but I always felt like there was a lack of clothing designed for the purpose of full body movement, allowing that performance wear to really approach the limits where you have form and ability over the body.

“I feel very honoured to have won the award and it has given me the opportunity to explore fashion further, working with an industry brand and expanding my skills and knowledge. I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to work with the Belstaff team on the internship and learn as much as I can from them for the future.”

Hadisa will undertake a three-month internship with the brand, receive £3,000, and prototypes of her winning designs were displayed at Gladstone Pottery Museum, as part of Belstaff’s archive exhibition to celebrate their 100^th anniversary this year.

In September 2023, Belstaff invited final year MFI students from BA Fashion Design, BA Fashion Design and Technology, and BA International Fashion, to create a new menswear outerwear concept inspired by the brand’s 100 year heritage as part of their inaugural Cloudmaster incubator project and prize fund. 

The Belstaff centenary also coincided with Manchester Met’s 200 year anniversary, which this, month is celebrating how it champions creative excellence.

Through tutorials and workshops with the Belstaff team, students developed innovative mens outerwear concepts and development work which were assessed by a panel of judges; including menswear designer, Saul Nash, and journalist Charlie Porter. The panel visited Manchester Fashion Institute back in January to select four finalists to progress into the next stage of the Cloudmaster Prize Fund.

Winner, Hadisa Ahmad Tabussam, alongside runners up Eloise Ford, Freya Lucas, and Ari Nendran, were all praised for their impressive menswear designs.

Jo Jenkinson, Deputy Head of Manchester Fashion Institute, said: “This collaboration has been such a success because of the generosity of the Belstaff team who have worked so closely with the students throughout the process.

The students have learnt so much about the brand, the business and themselves as designers. They were encouraged to explore and innovate, and they certainly rose to the challenge, but they have also impressed everyone with their professionalism and quiet confidence. We are so proud of everyone who took part.”