So what is the Supima Design Competition? It’s a competition between 8 emerging designers who were provided fabric from Supima’s brand partners-AG Adriano Goldschmeid, Agave, Bloomingdale’s, Brooks Brothers and Kurabo. The designers were asked to create a capsule collection of women’s eveningwear and were to highlight the unique characteristics of Supima cotton. The designs were judged on originality, execution and the ability to showcase Supima. The winner received a $10,000 cash prize. The following are the leading design schools that participated: FIT, Kent State University, RI School of Design and The Savannah College of Art & Design. Each school nominated 2 of its top graduating seniors to participate. The competition was hosted by the infamous Rachel Zoe. The winner was Morgan Selin from the RI School of Design, but here is my ranking of the designer contestants. What are your thoughts? I’m sure we will see more from these designers in the future, regardless of the results!
Each designer created 5 looks, but below are just some of the pieces in each designer’s capsule collections.
1) Will Riddle, Kent State University
Purple & black strapless gown, hand-painted laser cut bodice
Purple and black mermaid gown with laser cut floral and shoulder fringe detailing
Black knit gown with laser cut hand-painted belt and knit strips
2) Morgan Selin, RI School of Design
Midnight blue floor-length gown with woven bodice
Twill dress in an ombre of slate to midnight blue with dyed bias strips
3) Hannah Soukoup, RI School of Design
Green open-backed evening cape and dress with pulled-thread fabric manipulations and felted details
Green shirting dress with 3D printed collar and felted textures
4) Sylvia Bukowski, Kent State University
Grey mermaid style backless gown with pin tucks at the bodice
Red & purple shirted bodice dress with pin tucks details
Grey & purple hand knit jersey dress with side slit
5) Bradley Mounce, FIT
Red asymmetrical dress with tacking details
Cream shirting dress, a-line skirt, triangle detailed waistband
Red denim vest with lapel collar and column skirt
6) Michelle Leal, Savannah College of Art & Design
Sleeveless mermaid gown in white & blue with digitally printed ruffles
7) Rachel Buske, Savannah College of Art & Design
Orange twill dress high hi-lo bubble hem and hand-painted star print bodice
Orange bubble hem dress with hand-dyed sun & star print bodice
Aurora shirting dress with twisted hem and pleated waist
8) Carly Rosenbrook, FIT
Pink twill dress with side flare, patent laminate finish and textural print
Pink full-length knit dress with patent laminate finish & textural print
Special Credits
- Hair-Jon Reyman for Aveda
- Makeup-Chantel Miller and the MAC pro team
- Nails-Pattie Yankee
- Shoes-CC Corso Como
