Apparel | Thursday, January 21, 2010

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SUPIMA IN THE NEWS: ‘Supima Supreme’ in Fashion Week Daily

By Greg Wang

NEW YORK—It doesn’t get much better than this.

In this morning’s Fashion Week Daily, in a story and slideshow headlined SUPIMA SUPREME, reporter Emily Popp wrote:

The competition may have been tough last night at the New York Times Center during the third annual Supima Design Competition, but the scene was actually quite soft. Cotton flanked the models as they sailed down the runway, displaying the designs of six hopefuls, including Nadia Ivanova, Robin Tomas, Michael Venker, Gina DeSilva, Heber Sanchez and the sister duo To-Tam and To-Nya Ton-Nu. Katrina Szish hosted the show, and the judging panel consisted of T’s Horacio Silva, Bloomingdale’s fashion director, Chris Frye, Wall Street Journal contributor, Teri Agis and Parsons dean of fashion, Simon Collins. While the designs varied, each look was undeniably soft and comfortable, all made in the spirit of Supima cotton.

Before the show, Rocha, the guest presenter for the evening, explained, “It’s exciting to be here, because there are so many people pumped up and ready to go. Something like this can really get you started.” Rocha, who also has aspirations of starting her own line, divulged that she plans on showing her upcoming collection this September. “It’s interesting to see; I’ve had my own way of starting in the industry, and so tonight is so exciting for these finalists.” Rocha donned a black frock designed by last year’s winner, Victor de Souza. Each contestant designed three women’s evening looks and one men’s t-shirt. At the show’s close, Rocha took to the stage to announce the evening’s winner, Gina DeSilva. The 30 year-old New York-based designer was cool and collected before she sent her looks down the runway. “I had more nerves in the days leading up than I did today. There’s always that nightmare like ‘Oh God. I’m going to take the dress in an inch too much.’ But now I see the models in their dresses and everything fits!”

Not only did DeSilva’s designs fit correctly, but they stood out above the rest for her keen eye and fine crafstmanship. DeSilva’s designs are self-described as “very clean—-nothing too silly or frou frou!” Contestant and Parsons graduate, Robin Tomas, also walked away with a title, winning the t-shirt design contest for most outstanding men’s t-shirt. As a prize, Tomas will have his design sold at Bloomingdales alongside the Supima Collection. Judge Silva noted, “The one who won tonight is very, very solid. I’m amazed at the youthful, sophistication that is present here today.”