Dame Chi Onwurah received her Damehood at Windsor Castle last week, proudly donning a bespoke investiture outfit designed and created by a team at Newcastle College.
Lamin Gibba, currently studying for a Master’s in Creative and Professional Practice at Newcastle College University Centre, designed the fabric, and worked alongside Art and Design Resource Coordinator Lynne Purvis and Specialist Technician Jordan Bagnall, who constructed the outfit.
The talented team worked with Chi for eight months to design and create a bespoke outfit for the ceremony. Inspired by Chi’s Geordie, Irish and Nigerian heritage, the design reflects culture, storytelling and craftsmanship at the highest level.
Chi attended the launch of Lamin’s fashion brand, Jerry J Clothing, at the Boiler Shop, Newcastle, in June 2024 and was blown away by his “Born to Elevate” fashion collection.
Lamin, from Heaton, is a North East Enterprise Award winner with The Prince’s Trust and graduated with a First Class BA (Hons) Degree in Design and Visual Communications from Newcastle College University Centre earlier this year before embarking on his MA.
With no prior experience in the fashion sector, Lamin secured work at London Fashion Week with rising designer Tolu Coker, and his Born to Elevate launch drew crowds of people, including the High Commissioner for Gambia, Chi Onwurah and former footballer Bruno Pilatos.
Lamin said: “I moved from my native Gambia to Newcastle to better my chances in life. I’ve always had an interest in fashion ever since I spent time in my aunt’s fashion and tailoring shop back home.
“Since studying fashion design at Newcastle College University Centre, my interest has only grown and I launched my brand aimed at ‘elevated people’ who are always aiming higher and striving hard to achieve their personal goals in life.
“That very much reflects my passion and work ethic, and I am always pushing to do more. To be asked to design Chi’s outfit for her ceremony is both an honour and a highlight of my career.
“It’s been a real pleasure to work with Chi and the wider team on this special outfit, and I am really excited to see my work featured at such a high-profile Royal occasion.”
Dame Chi said: “When I attended Lamin’s launch, I was really inspired by the style and creativity of his designs. When I was named in the King’s Birthday Honours, I thought how wonderful it would be if Lamin and the team at Newcastle College could design my outfit for the ceremony.
“I accepted the Damehood on behalf of the city and region I am so proud to represent. And I wanted my journey to be reflected in the design. So, I gave the team a really challenging brief - incorporate my Geordie, Irish and Nigerian background in a timeless and stylish outfit. I am over the moon with the finished piece - it’s truly one in a million.
“It’s great to have worked with Lamin and the whole team at Newcastle College, and I am immensely grateful to them for giving me the outfit of my dreams. It showcases the talent, technical ability and creative skills we have right here in the North East.”
Libby Lagun, Head of Art and Design at Newcastle College, said: “Lamin has exceptional talent and it’s amazing for him and the fashion technicians who collaborated on this special commission to design and construct an outfit for such a wonderful celebratory and high-profile occasion. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed working and collaborating on this together.”
Watch a video behind the scenes of Dame Chi's final fitting ahead of the investiture ceeremony.