RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — June 5, 2012 — The winners of the 2012 AATCC Concept 2 Consumer®
(C2C) Design Competition for college students have been chosen. The first place winner is Leah
Becker, a junior at University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
Becker was awarded US$1,000 and a copy of Pantone’s Cotton Planner. She also won high marks
from the judges for selection of base and accent colors and for creating a design that addresses
consumer fit, comfort, and style preferences for the target audience specified in the 2012 contest
criteria.
To date, AATCC has awarded over US$12,000 to promising fashion and textile program students
participating in the association’s annual C2C design competition.
The 2012 contest was open to both graduate and undergraduate students. AATCC received 34
entries from 13 colleges and universities. The other winners are:
2nd Place:
Minerva by Elizabeth Keebler, Stephens College, in Columbia, Missouri, U.S.A.
Honorable Mentions:
Fine Feathers by Carrie Cook, Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, U.S.A., and
Madam Mallard by Wynn Farley, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
For this year’s competition, the contestants were challenged with creating original active
wear for a female customer, age 50-65, for her daily walking routine. The theme was “Birds of a
Feather Walk Together,” and students were asked to include a combination of nine colors and
incorporate a bird element in at least one design.
Becker said the contest gave her a new perspective on color and reaffirmed that she’s on the
right career track.
“The most important thing I learned from the contest was the use of color,” Becker said.
“Prior to the competition I used more neutral color schemes for my designs. By having color
requirements, I discovered my interest in combining color through designing patterns and
prints.”
The Concept 2 Consumer® Design Competition encourages students to design prints and products
to “real-world” specifications and is open to individuals or teams of up to four. Each year
students are given a design theme, and color and theme guidelines. Prizes include first place
cash award of US$1,000 along with a copy of Pantone’s Cotton Planner, a US$750 award for second
place, and two US$100 awards for honorable mentions.
AATCC would like to extend its appreciation to this year’s judging panel, which includes:
Carlos Vazquez, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM),
Instructor, Mentor for the
Debut 3rd, Designer.
Carrie Yates, Cotton Incorporated, Manager, Product Development.
Deborah Young, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM), Assistant
Chair, Textile Science.
Diana Wyman, Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), Product Research & Testing
Analyst.
Kristie Rhodes, Cotton Incorporated, Textile Designer.
Rachel Asimakopoulos, Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), Design Manager, Women’s
Sportswear/Women’s Yoga/Children’s Wear.
Posted on June 12, 2012
Source: AATCC
