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Competitions

Hands-on learning, access to our labs and studios to create submissions, in-depth projects mirroring industry challenges, opportunities for portfolio development, and mentorship from professors are just a few of the ways students say our college helps them stand out in national and international competitions

Our students participate in competitions geared towards both the design and business side of fashion. 

Through design competitions, students push themselves to create advanced work and articulate their ideas with clarity and professionalism. Placing in competitions plays a crucial role in the success and reputation of fashion and textile designers early in their careers. 

Students in a fashion and textile management class had the opportunity to present their research to industry judges during an in-college competition.
Textile design student Brenna Buzzacco won first place in the Cotton in the Curriculum competition for her knit and woven collection “Active Rest.”
Four people stand in front of a PCIAW "step and repeat" backdrop. Daniel Weipsfenning stands center left holding the award plaque. Center right stands the model wearing the suit Daniel designed.
Graduate student Daniel Weispfenning placed third in an international competition for his design to reduce the drowning risk for commercial fishermen.

Recognition in competitions can help build your CV and reputation as a designer, it can also provide you with opportunities to explore some of the world’s fashion and design destinations. Competitions take our students to New York City, London, Milan and more. Our faculty also partner with industry leaders like Cotton Incorporated to provide design challenges on campus year round. 

Our students also participate in a number of research competitions where they tackle fashion and textile industry challenges related to business, management, sourcing and more. 

These competitions prove that students can address real-world problems and present their findings to industry professionals. In other words, they make a valuable addition to any resumé or portfolio.