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Five students from the nation’s top design schools were invited to participate in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market’s inaugural PROJECT OR design competition, in Salt Lake City Aug. 8 -11. Competitors were given 48 hours to design and produce an outdoor prototype garment constructed with fabrics supplied by show exhibitors.
Ryan Ocampo, a student from Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City, received top honors from the esteemed panel of judges for his army inspired jacket made with CORDURA® fabric.
“We are thrilled to have had the opportunity be a part of Project OR and are honored that CORDURA® brand fabrics were featured in the winning design,” said Cindy McNaull, Global CORDURA® brand manager. “It is important to bring today’s youth into the outdoors and Ryan did an excellent job of bringing fresh and innovative ideas to the industry.”
During the 48 hours, students collected all materials for their designs from fabric suppliers on the trade show floor. The contestants then conceptualized their individual designs for the final judging on Sunday, Aug. 10.
“The first Project OR design competition was such a great success -- due to the caliber of design talent that came from the design schools, along with the support of the supplier community at Outdoor Retailer who stepped forward to provide cutting-edge fabrics for the students to use in their prototypes,” said Kenji Haroutunian, show director for Outdoor Retailer. “Because of the program’s success, we look forward to bringing more young designers into the marketplace at Outdoor Retailer.”
Other participants in the project include: Kristen Jones from North Carolina State University, Aimee Morrow from Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, Casey Stannard from Washington State University in Pullman and Allison Stelyn from Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, California.
“In order to design a practical outdoor product, I needed a fabric that was made to last. I chose CORDURA® fabric because it is high performing and durable. My end-user will enjoy it because it is breathable and something they will be able to wear over and over again,” said Ryan Ocampo, winner of Project OR. “Being involved in Project OR gave me great insight into what outdoor enthusiasts need to succeed in their adventures. I feel honored to be recognized by Outdoor Retailer, and I look forward to continuing to design stylish and functional garments for the outdoor industry.”
Ryan, along with the other four participants, will be featured in the fall issue of Fabric Insight.
About CORDURA® Brand
CORDURA® brand is the registered trademark of INVISTA for durable fabrics. Known for its resistance to abrasions, tears and scuffs, CORDURA® fabric is used in a wide range of products, including luggage, backpacks, boots, military wear and performance apparel.
About INVISTA
INVISTA is an integrated fibers and polymers business with a global presence. It operates four major businesses: Apparel; Intermediates; Performance Surfaces and Materials; and Polymer and Resins. INVISTA delivers exceptional value for its customers through market insights and technology innovations, along with a powerful portfolio of some of the most recognized global brands and trademarks in their respective industries including: Adi-pure®, Antron®, Avora® FR, Invista® C12, Comforel®, Coolmax®, Cordura®, Corfree®, Dacron®, Invista® Dbe, Dytek®, Esp®, Freshflex™, Cordura® Nyco, Lycra®, Performa®, Polarguard®, Polyshield®, Polyclear®, Solarmax®, Stainmaster®, Supplex®, Supriva™, Tactel®, Tactesse®, Terate®, Terathane® and Thermolite®.
About Outdoor Retailer
Outdoor Retailer, produced by the Nielsen Sports Group division of Nielsen Business Media, is the leading outdoor industry business-to-business trade event, bringing together top manufacturers, retailers, industry advocates and media to conduct the business of the recreational outdoors. Currently in its 26th successful year, OR gathers approximately 40,000 attendees on a semi-annual basis for both Fall/Winter/Holiday and Spring/Summer markets. The Nielsen Sports Group, headquartered in San Juan Capistrano, Calif., and its predecessor companies have been in the exposition and conference business for over 35 years.
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