UC Fashion Students Make the Cut in International Competition

As part of a fall 1999 tailoring studio led by Injoo Kim, assistant professor of fashion design, UC College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning seniors Anne Jasany and David Whitelaw created ensembles that are now entered in a worldwide competition sponsored by the International Textiles and Apparel Association.

It so happens that the competition will be held in Cincinnati this year as part of the annual meeting of the ITAA Nov. 8-10. Final judging in the competition, which is open to fashion design faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates around the world is Nov. 10. Jasany and Whitelaw are two of 143 finalists selected in the competition. A total of ten prizes, ranging from $500-$1,000, will be awarded.

Jasany, who is from Springfield Township and who graduated from Roger Bacon High School in 1995, chose to create the stretch top, leather skirt and wool coat at left because she enjoys simple, minimalistic pieces. The lining inside the coat is leopard-print silk so "while the outside is calm, the inside is bold and striking. Opposites are coming together," she explained. After graduation, Jasany hopes to move to New York City to pursue a career as a stylist (someone who organizes and arranges garments for photo shoots.)

Whitelaw, who is from the Cincinnati suburb of Wyoming and is a 1995 graduate of Cincinnati Christian High School in Fairfield, explained that his design, at right and below, was inspired by "sophistication, class and chic." The asymmetrical necklace is of sterling silver set off by a pear-shaped amber setting. The skirt and jacket, both of wool, continue the asymmetrical line.

After graduation this spring, Whitelaw hopes to continue his education and earn a master's in fashion design from the prestigious fashion design program at Central St. Martin's in London. He eventually wants to design women's wear.