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RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., June 28, 2024 – ��ɫֱ��is excited to announce the winners of the 2024 Concept 2 Consumer (C2C) Student Merchandising Competition. This year’s theme, “Vibrant Vacation—Colorful Resort Wear,” asked students to merchandise a bright and colorful resort wear apparel line. The lines included the use of sustainable fibers, dyes, or printing technology. Students were also asked to research color trends and define the target market keeping in mind color quality and sustainability. To support their claims, students selected two to three ��ɫֱ��Test Methods that could be used to verify their product claims and ensure color quality of their lines.

Visit www.aatcc.org/c2cmerch/ for more information.

As part of AATCC’s commitment to supporting the education of future textile generations, the winning teams received a cash prize from AATCC, a cash prize from sponsor Farhan Patel, and a free 1-year Student Membership for every team member. Read about the winning groups and their collections below!

First Place: Maelyn

Maelyn C2C Merchandising Competition PDF

First place was awarded to “Maelyn” by Mariah Huglen and Emma Rood of North Dakota State University.

Team member Mariah Huglen on her experience: “I learned how important it is to communicate with your group partner to make sure we are on the same page. I also learned more about sustainable testing methods, and how they can greatly impact the fashion industry in a positive way! My plans are to finish my degree, and work in the industry after graduation!”

Team member Emma Rood on her experience: “Participating in this competition allowed me to apply skills I gained from college courses where I learned to analyze future trends effectively and turn this into a business concept. Looking ahead I am eager to explore more opportunities that utilize my virtual product design skills and see my ideas turned into real products.”

As first-place winners, the team members will receive US$1000 from ��ɫֱ��and US$300 from sponsor Farhan Patel, as well as a 1-Year Student Membership each.

Second Place: La Joie Soleil

La Joie Soleil C2C Merchandising Competition PDF

Second place was awarded to “La Joie Soleil” by Marisa Fisher, Mya Jacobsen, and Sophia Oster of Central Michigan University.

Team member Mya Jacobsen on her experience: “From this competition I learned a lot about ��ɫֱ��Testing methods and how to incorporate them into new garments. I also learned new skills and techniques on Adobe to enhance visual elements I have made. My plans for the future [include] taking on the role of a stylist and visual merchandiser for the Detroit K. Walker Collective store Daun Green Showroom. I am very excited to take on this role and represent both stores.”

Team member Sophia Oster on her experience: &/c2cmerchandise2024/8220;I learned how beneficial it is to be a part of and make use of national organizations such as AATCC, as they are extremely influential in learning about certain aspects of the industry. I plan on becoming a retail buyer.&/c2cmerchandise2024/8221;

Team Member Marisa Fisher (left) also participated in the competition.

As second place winners, the team members will receive US$750 from ��ɫֱ��and US$200 from sponsor Farhan Patel, along with a 1-Year Student Membership each.

Third Place: Halcyon Days

Halcyon Days C2C Merchandising Competition PDF

Third place was awarded to “Halcyon Days” by Jaden Brice, Jason Dolegowski, Jacob Frothingham, and Lauren VanDusen of Buffalo State University.

Team member Jason Dolegowski on his experience: “I learned how to work better in a group to make a concept into more of a polished idea. I am excited to see where my fashion career takes me.”

Team member Lauren VanDusen on her experience: “This competition taught me a lot of what it’s like to work in a team, and also how to lead other people. I got first-hand experience working with designers to put our mental ideas into something visual. My future plans are to get my graduate degree in management or a similar field and hopefully one day manage a team of people!”

Team member Jaden Brice on her experience: “This project has given me the opportunity to work with a great team and learn about what it truly takes to build a collection from scratch. It was amazing working with everyone, and I am so grateful for what this experience has taught me.”

Team Members Jacob Frothingham also participated.

As third place winners, the team will receive US$250 from ��ɫֱ��and US$100 from sponsor Farhan Patel, as well as a 1-Year Student Membership each.

Thanks to the Textile Professionals who contributed in 2024

��ɫֱ��would like to extend thanks and appreciation to the developers and judges. Without their expertise and assistance, the competition would not have been possible.

Sponsor:

Farhan Patel

Developers:

Sandra Johnson, Senior Account Manager at Color Solutions International

Kerry King, Vice President, R&D at Spoonflower Inc.

Muditha Senanayake, Professor at Cal Poly Pomona

Judges:

Farhan Patel

Lesley Roberts, Ocean State Innovations

Stephanie Rodgers, Textile Made Inc.

Scott Wagner, Textile & Apparel Consultant