The Winner of the Eastman Naia Design Challenge is . . .
The Eastman Naia Design Challenge has concluded and Sarah Stevenson, a sophomore from Colorado Springs, Colorado., was selected as the winner. With the win, Stevenson takes home a $2,500 scholarship toward her 2018-19 tuition. She prevailed over 12 other sophomore and junior fashion design students. Morgan Stengel, a junior from Brentwood, Tenn., was the runner-up.
Back to the Drawing Board: The Eastman Naia Challenge Returns
The Eastman Naia Design Challenge has returned! This marks the second year that Franklin’s O’More College of Design has collaborated with Kingsport-based Eastman to use Naia, the versatile cellulosic yarn made from wood pulp and derived exclusively from sustainably managed and certified forests. In the Eastman Naia challenge, students in O’More’s fashion program will create garments using fabric composed of Naia.
See the final results of the Eastman Naia Design Challenge
Ashleigh Cain’s winning design was inspired by the Chinese Dynasty, specifically the invention of paper lanterns, which influenced the dress’s silhouette and texture. Her slim-fitted dress is covered in pleated detailing, which she decided on because of Naia’s ability to hold press. She actually wishes she could have put more pleats on her design and extended them to the waistline. She spent 10 hours ironing each of the 4 pleated strips.
Students reflect on their experience in the Eastman Naia™ Challenge
Now that the Eastman Naia challenge has concluded, the students look back at their design process and discuss what role Naia had in shaping their design. They also walk us through what they would have changed now that they understand the material better than when they started.
Buttons, zippers, and embroidery in week 4!
Finishing touches are being made, and seams and zippers will soon be sewn into the gowns made with at least 75% Eastman Naia™ cellulosic yarn. The design students at O’More College have an incredible heart and mind for design, that is for certain. Their passion for the creative process comes through when these students talk about the feedback and encouragement they have received from their peers and teachers. We asked some of the students about the feedback they received last week as they approached the end of the design process.
One step closer to the O’More Fashion Show!
Instructors are continuing to visit each student in the studio to discuss their designs and progress for the Eastman Naia Design Challenge. All of the students are showing great signs of progress while creating the understructures of their gowns to realize the forms they envision that will be made with at least 75% Eastman Naia™ cellulosic yarn.
The Eastman Naia Challenge continues over spring break!
Most O’More students are always working to better themselves, even when given a break, and this is certainly the case for the fashion students involved with the Eastman Naia™ Design Challenge. Over spring break, students continued to work on their projects to stay as focused and driven as possible.
The Eastman Naia Challenge!
To celebrate the launch of Eastman’s newest material, Eastman Naia™ cellulosic yarn, we’ve partnered with O’More College of Design to challenge their fashion students to design and construct evening gowns with Naia. Naia from Eastman recently debuted in Paris at Interfilière, the leading international intimates, swimwear and activewear sourcing, and fabrics platform, and now we are bringing this innovative new fiber brand into the classroom!
