Get Ready for the 13th Annual Supima Design Competition on Instagram Live

[x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/4″ style=”padding: 10px 10px 10px 10px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 1px; “][x_text class=”center-text “]by Danny de la Cruz

Photo credit: Courtesy of Supima Design Competition[/x_text][/x_column][x_column bg_color=”” type=”3/4″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_text]Here at VRAI Magazine, we’ve been covering the annual Supima Design Competition as shown during New York Fashion Week since the fall of 2017, and with each season, I look forward to seeing the work of the talented finalists. These young designers, from the leading fashion schools around the country, represent the future and evolution of fashion.

Given the global pandemic, the upcoming 13th Annual Supima Design Competition will be held virtually on Thursday, September 10, 2020 at 3 pm ET ahead of New York Fashion Week. The virtual presentation will be hosted by renowned celebrity image architect, Law Roach and will be streamed on @Supima and @LuxuryLaw through Instagram Live and will consist of pre-recorded and live content. The six collections will be presented in a collective digital runway show and evaluated by a panel of judges which includes a mix of more than 20 industry tastemakers, editors, and stylists who will determine this year’s competition front-runner. The winner will be announced live during the presentation and will receive $10,000 to kick-off their career in the fashion business.

“I am so humbled to be part of such a wonderful program that continues to lend its platform and resources to emerging designers, especially given the impact this year has had on their education and graduation opportunities. Supporting emerging design talent is one of the most rewarding parts of my career, and I cannot wait to see how incredible the final collections will be,” said host Law Roach.

Bibhu Mohapatra, CFDA Award-winning evening wear designer, will be returning for the sixth time as mentor to the finalists, providing thoughtful feedback and insight throughout the design process. According to Mohapatra, “Supima is a legacy American brand that has always brought communities together and lifted them. From the day I met with Buxton Midyette, VP Marketing & Promotions at Supima, to discuss the Supima Design Competition, I knew that this would be a long-term relationship with the brand and the competition itself. Aside from the fact that the ethos of Supima as a brand aligns with my own, I was particularly excited about working with the finalists, who I believe are the future of our industry. The Supima Design Competition continues to provide an incredible opportunity and a solid platform for emerging designers. Being a part of this program is an incredibly fulfilling experience for me and I am appreciative of my small role in this great effort by Supima.”

Meet each of the finalists from six of our nation’s top fashion schools to discover their inspiration, and get a peek into their capsule collections. Congratulations to each of these talented individuals![/x_text][x_tab_nav type=”three-up” float=”top”][x_tab_nav_item title=”Amanda Forastieri, Drexel University” active=”true”][x_tab_nav_item title=”Sakura Mizutani, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising ” active=”false”][x_tab_nav_item title=”Jenny Feng, Fashion Institute of Technology” active=”false”][/x_tab_nav][x_tabs][x_tab active=”true”]

“Visually, I am inspired tremendously by the memories I have in some of my favorite places – from my garden to my grandmother’s house. Both have had a great impact on my designs and my life. Conceptually, I was inspired by what our ‘new normal’ looks like after the pandemic and ongoing social justice movements. Working toward designing and creating my Supima capsule collection, which I’m so honored to be doing, during this pandemic has made me challenge myself to think about how my role in fashion can impact long overdue change beyond the industry – after all, fashion has the power to spark hope for lasting change and I’m excited to be part of that.”

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“My Supima collection is inspired by a ‘Japanese four seasons.’ I draw a ton of inspiration from abstract items, such as seasons, inanimate objects and human emotions – they really impact the shapes and colors I use in my designs”

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“The inspiration for my designs usually come from a vulnerable side of me that I want to explore. This collection is an investigation of the dichotomy between protection and chaos. By manipulating and distorting fabrics and forms, I hope to create a landscape that is imperfect, yet expressive and sculptural.”

[/x_tab][/x_tabs][x_tab_nav type=”three-up” float=”top”][x_tab_nav_item title=”Jennie Nguyen, Kent State University  ” active=”true”][x_tab_nav_item title=”Terrence Zhou, Parsons School of Design” active=”false”][x_tab_nav_item title=”Kyra Buenviaje, Rhode Island School of Design” active=”false”][/x_tab_nav][x_tabs][x_tab active=”true”]

“My collection intends to raise awareness about global warming through the use of Supima cotton. Global warming has become one of the most profound problems in our world today, yet both the awareness of it and its solution seem to be quite far-fetched. My designs are mainly inspired by the beautiful shape of the iceberg and its texture. The iceberg, by itself, appears to be a beautiful work of nature. However, when put in the perspective of environmental influence, the iceberg carries a concealed hazard. What is underneath is the unknown. It can either be the act of preservation of mother Earth or the consequences of human’s destruction.”

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“For my collection, I was inspired by the idea that life is a performance. I drew upon my own personal experiences and chose mathematical elements and 3D objects to reimagine the body. With the final pieces, I’ll be able to exaggerate proportions and hide the identity of the wearer, emphasizing the performative nature of everyday life and fashion.”

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“For this collection, I was prompted by the feeling of loneliness of being stuck at home during this pandemic. I started to imagine an alternate world where we were stuck outside and what sort of freedom, density and massiveness we would be surrounded with. It was a really inspiring perspective for me and has led me to imagine endless possibilities for my Supima collection. While I’m excited by the process, I’m really looking forward to seeing my final pieces!”

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