BRISBANE: Two Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE (MSIT) fashion students are to study at the Polimoda Institute in Florence, Italy, after receiving scholarships at MSIT's ModaItalia event.
Maricel Cabig of Sunnybank Hills, Brisbane, was awarded the six month MSIT Italian Scholarship for career focus and a standout fashion range, while Megan Todd of Cornubia, Brisbane, collected the 2007 ModaItalia Scholarship after presenting a collection described by the judges as “outstanding”.
The awards were presented at an evening showcasing the work of MSIT fashion students on October 10.
Presented with her award by Andrew Kalinowski of the Colorado Group – a major sponsor of the MSIT Italian Scholarship - Cabig said she was "shocked" to have won.
"Studying in Italy will be a dream come true for me. As a fashion student, Italy is such an inspirational country and truly is the world centre of style. So few people ever get an opportunity as fantastic as this and I intend to learn everything I can from it," she said.
Meanwhile Todd – whose award was presented by Dr Francesco Capecchi, the Italian Consul for Queensland and the Northern Territory - attributed her success to her fellow students at Metropolitan South.
“They supported me every inch of the way," she said.
Hosted at the Old Museum Building in Brisbane by MSIT and the Queensland branch of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ModaItalia was a sell-out boasting over 350 attendees, confirmed Metropolitan South TAFE Institute director Linda Brown, adding the students’ success was a reflection of the institute's commitment to practical training.
"While all students demonstrate a passion for their craft, their training at MSIT provides a further edge with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the practical elements of fashion design such as pattern making, production and design."