Supima Design Competition: Spring 2013

The Supima Design Competition started four years ago when Supima, one of the world's largest cotton manufacturers in the United States, decided to partner up with prestigious design schools to select two graduating seniors to create capsule collections using their premium luxury cotton.

The challenge was to find a way to transform this material, generally used for high quality denim, shirts, and lingerie, into women's evening wear. Hosted by celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe and critiqued by a panel including designer Tadashi Shoji and the fashion director of InStyle, Cindy Weber-Cleary, this student show demonstrated fresh thinking and sent original ideas down the runway.

Rachel Zoe hosting.

I adored the the denim dresses. They were constructed beautifully and had a sculptural aspect that formed innovative and unique shapes. 

      

Another gown that topped my list was this gorgeous burgundy number. The layers flowed beautifully and bared just enough leg. The detail of a bird embellished almost like a belt and cinched the waist in a flattering way, adding texture to the dress. 

      

The pastel dresses below were gorgeous; the layers, the draping, the incorporation of sheer layers, and the colors worked in perfect harmony. Perhaps the only improvement needed would be re-thinking some of the almost awkward belts. 

      

The designer that stole the show for the judges was Kate Wilkoff from Pratt Institute. Kate's designs are unique and her collection was cohesive. She established her own style and signature within 5 looks. Well-constructed and contemporary, the gowns, while not appealing to my own taste, definitely stood out from the rest.

         

Congrats to all the participating designers for their impressive collections! 

All photos from mbfashionweek.com and zimbo.com