Gabriella Candelieri, the writer of this piece, is one of BC’s two Barbour Brand Ambassadors. HCBC thanks Gabriella and Barbour for their amazing partnership with us this academic year!
As one of Boston College’s Barbour Brand Ambassadors, on Saturday, April 9th , I had the unique opportunity of walking in NYC’s Tartan Day Parade.
National Tartan Day, which recognizes the contributions made by Scottish-Americans to the United States, celebrates anything and everything representative of Scottish pride—from traditional kilts to bagpipes to Westie and Scottie terriers.
Since John Barbour, the founder of J. Barbour and Sons Ltd., is a native of Galloway, Scotland, Barbour acted as the platinum sponsor of this annual event.
I began my day with brunch at the Warwick Hotel accompanied by Helen Barbour herself, the daughter Dame Margaret Barbour and Vice Chair of Barbour. Tom Hooven, General Manager of Barbour and Elissa Millican, Barbour’s Director of U.S. Marketing, were also in attendance.
While Helen enjoyed her favorite meal of French toast and strawberries, I was able to chat with her about the college ambassador program and how preppy BC students in particular have a true affinity for the Barbour brand.
When asked what her favorite part of the parade was, Helen exclaimed excitedly, “The dogs!”. An extremely down-to-earth, chic, and professional woman, Helen expressed how attending events like the Tartan Day Parade, and especially spending quality time with the Barbour team, are her favorite responsibilities within her role as the Vice Chair of Barbour.
After brunch, the Barbour team walked to the Algonquin Hotel where we handed out branded Barbour flags to the parade’s audience and outfitted Scottish Terriers in Barbour’s infamous tartan doggie coats.
Dressed in head-to-toe Barbour Tartan print ourselves, members of the Barbour team began to march down 6th avenue behind a procession of traditional bagpipe players. Flanked by meticulously dressed Barbour models, professional photographers, and little Scotties that excitedly scampered along, I felt extremely honored to represent such a time-honored, esteemed brand.
Finally, the Barbour team hosted a post-parade reception in the Barbour Showroom, where we were able to applaud the success of the event. One of my favorite moments of the day was meeting Sam Heughan, a Scottish actor most widely known for his role in Outlander, who acted as the Grand Marshal of the parade.
Ultimately, I am extremely appreciative that I was able to share in this charming, fun experience. If you are someone interested in brand marketing, event planning, and/ or public relations I would highly recommend applying for Barbour’s Brand Ambassador Program position beginning in the fall of 2016-spring 2017. Check out Eagle Link to find the application and apply by May 4th, 2016 to be considered for the role!