Student designer D'Janau Morales wins Lectra contest

Three FIT students were honored for their designs—grand prize winner D’Janau Morales, first runner-up Michael Ross and second runner-up Wilton Gorske.

Students were asked to submit a collection that included a mood board, silhouettes, original prints, knits and weaves as well as flat mini-bodies showing the more technical aspects of the designs. The collections were reviewed by a judging panel, which included representatives from Lectra, FIT and two fashion brands. The three winning students each received a grant as well as Kaledo software licenses.

“It was really fun to be able to take part in the contest and challenge myself to use a new solution,” D’Janau Morales commented. “We are starting to apply for jobs and I know Lectra is definitely going to make its way into my portfolio.”

The contest was developed to support FIT in its mission to prepare students for both the business and creative aspects of the industry. “I believe the contest was a great experience for all the students involved because it provided a real-world application of classroom learning,” said Assistant Professor Mary Wilson, who helped coordinate the student submissions.

“Lectra’s Kaledo saves time, but it also gives an accurate visual representation of what a sample will look like without having to go to a manufacturing facility and wait for it to be shipped back,” explained Michael Ross.

FIT is a Lectra Privilege partner and has used Lectra’s solutions for fashion and textile design and development for more than 20 years. More than 500 FIT students are trained each year on Lectra’s Kaledo. Lectra is committed to nurturing future professionals in the fashion industry and FIT is one of more than 850 educational institutions that have integrated Lectra solutions into their curricula.

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