Capel Manor College Saddlery graduate turned fashion designer Mary Wing To, has been awarded with a distinguished City & Guilds Medal of Excellence for outstanding performance in the Landbased Industries sector.  Medals of Excellence recognise and reward exceptional people whose work makes them really stand out.  The judges made the following comments of her “Outstanding entry, pleasure to judge.  Well deserved medal.” 

Capel Manor is extremely proud of Mary.  She will be invited to attend a presentation to receive her medal and certificate.  As her nominator Mary’s beaming tutor, Line Hansen, will also be invited to receive a certificate in recognition of the high standards of teaching and training at Capel Manor College. 

Mary decided to train full-time as a saddler because of her passion and natural flair for leatherwork.  Presenting her final graduate collection for her master degree in Fashion and Technology, was when she was first introduced to the skills of a saddler, drawing heavily on influences from the equine scene for her designs.  She has gained many awards in competitions since enrolling on her City & Guilds Cordwainers Diploma at Capel.  Recent examples include the section prize ‘Soaked in Luxury’ and the overall Grand Prize at the Wearable Art Show competition in Holland. 

Mary plans eventually to launch herself into the industry and inspire others with her unique eye for leather.