More than fifty contestants were in the running.

But it was Cork designer Rosemary O’Connor who pipped the rest at the post to take home the 2022 Longines Designer Award yesterday.

The Longines Designer Award was announced as part of the Longines Irish Champions Weekend racing event, which took place at Leopardstown and The Curragh.

The Mallow-based designer took inspiration from a recent trip to Seville and the haute couture matador costumes synonymous with the area.

Her look, worn by model Sarah Kennedy, was the top pick among judges including fashion stylist Courtney Smith, who commented on the tailoring and level of intricate detail featured as part of Rosemary’s two-piece outfit and matching headpiece.

As part of the overall prize Rosemary, a recent graduate of Mallow College of Design and Tailoring, received a €10,000 prize package – a Longines timepiece, media profiling, and a €1,000 cash prize.