West's Siren Scuba Activewear Design Second in National Textile Competition

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Sarah West, a Bumpers College master's degree student in apparel merchandising and product development, finished second in a national activewear design contest sponsored by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Sarah West, a master's degree student in apparel merchandising and product development in the U of A's Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, finished second in a national competition to design indoor or outdoor activewear.

West competed in the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists "Concept 2 Consumer" student design contest. The theme, All Day Adventures in Activewear, challenged students to design a line for specific activities such as cycling, running, hiking, etc., that would also transition to everyday wear.

West placed second among 108 student competitors totaling 93 entries from 28 colleges and universities. Under the direction of apparel merchandising and product development assistant professor Mahendran Balasubramanian in Bumpers College's School of Human Environmental Sciences, she used 3D software to develop from scratch her Siren Scuba outfit.

"I feel validated as a designer," said West. "Receiving this award confirms for me that I'm on the right career path and that our AMPD program is very effectively preparing me for my future. I would like to think my advisor, Dr. Balasubramanian, for his guidance and encouragement."

The second-place finish includes $750 from AATCC, plus a paid internship with Browzwear, a one-year VStitcher software license, a Spoonflower gift certificate, six months of CLO 3D fashion design software and other prizes. Browzwear is a 3D fashion design software.

"Sarah West is a very dedicated student with great positive spirit and energy, and shows great passion toward her research," said Balasubramanian. "This award is a well-deserved recognition of her sincere academic career. I am very proud of her."

The internship gives West an opportunity to work closely with the 3D product specialist team and learn the most advanced 3D software for apparel. Interns use 3D in the design process and gain an understanding of how important 3D is in today's fashion industry. They work in offices in either New York City or Corvallis, Oregon.

About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.