[pageLogInLogOut]

#Associations

AATCC announces the 2022 Concept 2 Consumer® Student Design Competition winners

Every year, students from all over the world participate in AATCC’s Concept 2 Consumer® Student Design competition. This competition is a poster competition that allows students the opportunity to showcase their creative design and problem-solving skills in textile/apparel design. Each year there is a different theme, this year’s theme asked students to design a sustainable travel wear line that incorporated recycled materials, sustainable manufacturing, and antibacterial and/or odor-control properties.

First Place

This year’s first-place winner is Seasons of Citrus which is a sustainable reversible multi-season travel line made by fruit made by Mali Jean Borisch who attends Kendall College of Art and Design at Ferris State University. Borisch is a Fashion Studies major set to gradate in Fall 2023. She says, “Designing for this competition has helped me understand how in-depth design should be and taught me that I really like science. I plan to continue studying fashion with a strong emphasis on designing with sustainably and further learning about the textile sciences.” Borisch was awarded:

• US$1,000 from AATCC

• Pantone Cotton Passport and Color of the Year (COY) mug

• US$300 Spoonflower Gift Certificate and Spoonflower DIY Book Bundle

• US$200 Jacquard Inkjet Fabric Systems gift certificate to obtain prepared for dyeing (PFD) fabric

• Datacolor ColorReaderPRO

• One-year free AATCC Student Membership


Mali Jean Borisch © 2022 AATCC
Mali Jean Borisch © 2022 AATCC


Second place

This year’s second-place winner is Flow Adaptive which is designed for any person of any gender who is looking for wheelchair adaptive clothing that is comfortable enough for travel, has a modern style, and unique designs by Sofia Morin who is a student at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Morin says, “Through this competition, I learned about the importance of representation in fashion. Designing wheelchair adaptive clothing has given me a better perspective of the fashion industry as a whole and what changes need to be made to make it more inclusive.

I plan on graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with my BS in Apparel Design & Development and minor in Metals & Contemporary Art Jewelry. After graduation, I want to travel and continue my education in a fashion master’s program.” Morin was awarded:

• US$750 from AATCC

• Pantone Cotton Passport and COY mug

• US$150 Spoonflower Gift Certificate and Spoonflower DIY Book Bundle

• US$250 Jacquard Inkjet Fabric Systems gift certificate to obtain PFD fabric

• Datacolor ColorReaderPRO

• One-year free AATCC Student Membership


Sofia Morin © 2022 AATCC
Sofia Morin © 2022 AATCC





Third place

This year’s third-place winner is The Stories of Ooru which is a travel wear line designed with the intention that a person traveling to India is ready for every occasion by Nina Sajankila from Drexel University where she is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Fashion Design.

She says, “Participating in this competition made me think more about cultural differences while traveling and how I can mindfully invite the sharing and blending of cultures through design.

I plan to pursue sustainable and ethical design, while working internationally and learning from artisans who focus on the slow and thoughtful ways of exploring fashion for high-end design.” Sajankila was awarded:

• US$200 from AATCC

• US$75 Spoonflower Gift Certificate and Spoonflower DIY Book Bundle

• US$100 Jacquard Inkjet Fabric Systems gift certificate to obtain PFD fabric

• Datacolor

• One-year free AATCC Student Membership


Nina Sajankila © 2022 AATCC
Nina Sajankila © 2022 AATCC



Runway of Dreams Scholarship

This year Runway of Dreams Foundation provided students with the option to focus their design entry on adaptive fashion. One outstanding entry that incorporated designs for people with a disability was selected for US$2,500 scholarship award.

Lacertilia by Tiffany Liao, Thomas Jefferson University will be awarded this scholarship.

She says, “This competition has reinforced the phrase coined by Louis H. Sullivan, ‘form follows function.’ It was a fun challenge learning about adaptive fashion and determining the functionality of each item.

I hope to use my experience in design and engineering in the antidisciplinary world of “fashioneering” where human behavior, cultural advances, and societal needs influence wearable and functional design. (I basically want to be Edna Mode from “The Incredibles.”).”


Tiffany Liao © 2022 AATCC
Tiffany Liao © 2022 AATCC


Developers, Judges, and Sponsors

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

Developers

• Sandra Johnson, Senior Account Manager at Color Solutions International

• Nora Khanna, Product Development Manager at Pantone

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

• Muditha Senanayake, Professor at Cal Poly Pomona

• Alyssa McNamara, Project Manager at Spoonflower Inc.


Judges

• Lisa Beck, Product Manager at Datacolor

• Emily Coleman, Designer and Merchandise Manager at Jefferies Socks

• Josh Goldman, Technical Designer at Nike

• Yvonne Johnson, Senior Director: Product Development at Cotton Incorporated

• Riho Katagiri, Lead Technical Designer at Nike

• Lauren Koury, E-commerce Specialist at Carolina Hosiery Mills

• Aimee LaValley, Product Development Manager at Polartec

• Mindy Scheier, Runway of Dreams Foundation

• Carrie Yates, Associate Director, Knit Product Development at Cotton Incorporated



More News from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists

#Associations

AATCC announces 2025 Herman & Myrtle Goldstein Graduate Student Paper Competition winners

The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) recognized the winners of the 2025 Herman & Myrtle Goldstein Graduate Student Paper Competition. Founded in 1982 to give student members the chance to conduct and present original research, the competition was renamed in 1994 in honor of Herman and Myrtle Goldstein, following their US$60,000 endowment. Their gift is a lasting remembrance of their dedication to young people in the textile industry.

#Research & Development

New funding available for textile research

The AATCC Foundation Student Research Support Grant Program provides financial assistance for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing textile-related projects. Students may submit proposals now for funding to be awarded January 2026. Applications must be submitted by October 1, 2025, to be considered.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

AATCC’s Circularity Conference approaches as organization continues 2025 Sustainable Textile Event series

The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) announces that registration is closing soon for its highly anticipated Circularity Conference, continuing this year’s sustainability event series that has delivered significant value to industry professionals.

#Associations

AATCC Textile Standards adopted by Colombian and Sri Lankan Governments

AATCC test methods and procedures are international standards, meeting the criteria set forth by the World Trade Organization and used around the globe. The standards gain additional recognition through Memoranda of Understanding with Colombia and Sri Lanka.

More News on Associations

#Associations

Meadow Grove Research joins ITMF as Corporate Member

Meadow Grove Research is a commodity research firm specializing in supply, demand, and trade analysis in cotton and other soft commodities. Providing clarity to the complex nature of the global fiber supply chain is one of its most formidable services. The firm thrives on customer engagement and providing the best framework for critical decisions.

#Associations

Sustainability: European industry calls on EU to keep Single-Use Plastics Directive unchanged

A broad coalition of European industry associations, including EDANA, Euratex and Plastics Europe, has urged EU institutions to maintain the current legal framework of the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD). In a joint statement, the organisations argue that reopening the Directive at this stage would create legal uncertainty, increase regulatory complexity and undermine investment, while its implementation across the European Union is still incomplete.

#Associations

Textile machinery: Italian technology charts the course for revival

Operating in a scenario characterized by geopolitical instability, slowing industrial investments, and new protectionist pressures. This is the main challenge for the Italian textile machinery industry that emerged during the General Assembly of ACIMIT (Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers), held today in Milan at the Shareholders’ Hall of Palazzo Edison.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

New skills for a circular textile economy

Based on the results of a comprehensive analysis, the Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity is developing three practical training modules covering recycling technologies, eco-design for the circular economy and sustainable manufacturing. The content of the first module, Recycling Technologies, has now been developed and validated together with industry representatives. The module provides participants with knowledge of regulatory requirements, material sorting and the preparation of textile waste for recycling.

Latest News

#Spinning

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.

#Knitting & Hosiery

Groz-Beckert at Igatex 2026

From October 15 to 18, 2026, Groz-Beckert will present its latest innovations and solutions across the product areas of Knitting, Weaving, Sewing and Spinning at Igatex in Pakistan (Hall 1, Booth A-1-08).

#Natural Fibers

Better Cotton Initiative multistakeholder event in US unpacks regenerative agriculture potential

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), in collaboration with Texas-based partner, Quarterway Cotton Growers, will expand upon its annual US field event to relay the vast potential of regenerative agriculture through an immersive experience of tours and demonstrations.

#Sustainability

bluesign appoints Hanane Taidi as CEO to lead next phase of global impact

bluesign, which partners with the textile industry to reduce adverse impact across the value chain, appoints Hanane Taidi as Chief Executive Officer, marking a pivotal moment as the company builds on its leadership amid rapid industry change.

TOP