Phillip Lim to Host Supima’s 17th Annual Design Competition

Phillip Lim, creative director and cofounder of 3.1 Phillip Lim , will host the Supima Design Competition runway show on Sept. 5 at 1 p.m.

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Supima is the nonprofit luxury brand dedicated to supporting the use of American grown Pima cotton worldwide. The show takes place at the Prince George Ballroom at 14 East 28th Street in New York.

The Supima Design Competition supports emerging talent by enlisting outstanding graduates from top design universities across the country. These finalists engage in a months-long mentorship program through Supima culminating in a showcase of eveningwear capsule collections crafted with Supima cotton fabrics. The 17th annual competition gives these students visibility and a chance to win a $10,000 prize, helping to kick-start their careers in the fashion industry.

Lim will emcee the runway show, accompanied by a panel of 15 judges, including industry veterans, tastemakers, editors, stylists and consultants.

Once again, CFDA award-winning designer Bibhu Mohapatra continues his role with the SDC program, marking his 10th anniversary as mentor to the finalists, providing insight, support and counsel to each contestant throughout the entire program.

“It is always so important to make sure the future of the fashion industry stays dynamic and nourishes up-and-coming talents. As someone who has been there before, I am forever inspired by the energy and creativity of young, emerging designers and it is a privilege for me to not only witness, but also play a small role in encouraging them to pursue their talents,” Lim told WWD.

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Asked what he hopes to impart to these students, Lim said, “I am approaching the 20th anniversary of 3.1 Phillip Lim. Time has flown by so quickly in this dream of a journey, so I hope I can share some of the wisdom I have learned along the way — take your time, believe in your instincts, find your community and most of all, find and cherish the moments of joy.”

Buxton Midyette, vice president of marketing and promotions at Supima, said, “Even after 17 years, every competition is like the first time and as such brings a new sense of excitement. We have an incredible group of finalists this year with their own unique vision. I can’t wait to share what they create. I am looking forward to having Phillip Lim join us as host. He is such a fashion icon and we’re thrilled to be celebrating his 20th anniversary with him as host of SDC. We are also excited to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of working with Bibhu Mohapatra as mentor to the competition. His involvement has had an incredible impact on our finalists and their collections.”

All six finalists will present their final design during the NYFW runway presentation. The jury will determine this year’s winner, who will be revealed live during the Supima Design Competition runway show. In addition, a video of the show will be available to stream on Supima’s website afterward.

This year’s finalists are Marina Lamphier, Drexel University; Mina Piao, Fashion Institute of Technology; Lizzy Truitt, Kent State University; Emma Joan Foley, Parsons School of Design; Henry Hawk, Rhode Island School of Design, and Jules Gourley, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

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