The seven designers at the 2017 Supima Design Competition (now in its 10th year), all brought unique and inspiring collections composed of cotton.
If you’ve ever shopped at Brooks Brothers, you know the pleasure of Supima- Brooks Brothers heavily markets its Supima products for a good reason— the non-profit organization promotes the use of American grown cotton. The cotton used in the garments is of the best quality, soft and well made. During fashion week, Supima hosted its 10th annual design competition. Competitors from seven universities present at New York Fashion Week and for the chance to win $10,000.
Costume designer and television personality June Ambrose hosted the competition before guests at Pier 59.
Elizabeth Nancy Hennessey, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
It was a sophisticated and graceful collection of draping and sculptural detailing, including an enormous rose appliqué. Otherwise, it was a civil affair featuring black cocktail dresses and sateen suits. It was a front-facing obsession was courtesy and a sexy gracefulness.
Alyssa Wardrop, Fashion Institute of Technology
This high-concept collection was the most avant garde of the lot- a collection that paid homage to the heavy brushed paintings of modern artists. It featured structural, boxy silhouettes and large-scale appliqués; enormous strips of fabric composed against the bodies of models. Hand painted, Wardrop’s collection took cotton to a unique new place.
Lela Thompson, Drexel University
Thompson offered a high-technology approach to cotton, revealing its versatile quality as she sent it under the laser to create thesedresses. Don’t let the severe language concern you: the collection was civil and gentle, using Supima Cottons, there were no questions about comfort.
Abigail Griswold, Rhode Island School of Design
A black, white and nude color palette with blue statement pieces ranging from powder blue to cobalt blue set this former gymnast’s designs in the right direction. She competed a perfect 180 with offering dresses with her “athletic luxury”
Sarah Johnson, Kent State University
Johnson’s heavy-looking yacht-curtain floor-length coat was the single finest garment at the competition. It looked to weigh a million pounds, with heavy grommets and eyelet details offering the nautical influence. The colors, a pastel blue interior and dark-blue shell offered a durable and beach-y feel. The white rope details was downright seafaring.
Alexandra Pijut, Savannah College of Art and Design
Homey and comforting, Pijut’s collection evoked images of the south, of the countryside, of a vintage awareness. Her garments were generously assemble pieces of yesteryear, a different America. Itemized and overt, these dresses made iconic use of ideas involving innocence and fairness. Blues, reds, and dusty yields offered this collection a rawness.
Margaret Kwon, Parsons School of Design
Kwon’s collection offered a healthy dose of seawater and tropical lushness. It was a spring-time affair with late-night crystals and flora-inventing palettes. It seems this crowd takes no offense to a floral in spring. Waterfall qualities make the Supima cotton one of the most versatile in the industry.
A panel of judges, including Zach Weiss, chose the winner of the competition and ultimately selected Alyssa Wardrop from FIT.
