Winning professional spirit wear to be manufactured, sold

PULLMAN, Wash. – The winning design by students last semester for professional women’s Washington State University spirit wear is a Chanel-inspired jacket that will be manufactured and available at WSU retail outlets.

Juniors in Apparel Merchandising, Design and Textiles 492: Computer Aided Design were tasked with developing WSU professional clothing fashions for women over 30. The project was supported by WSU First Lady Noel Schulz (see an earlier article at https://archive.news.wsu.edu/2016/09/01/give-input-professional-coug-wear-sept-14/) and final designs were presented in December (see video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pe_onjesYFs&feature=youtu.be).

The winning design was developed by Leah Schwallie, Jenny Chan and Kaisha Bauer.

Runner up was the team of MaryAnne Gebhart and Kristina Mercado for their red sweater/tunic. It is under consideration for mass production as well.

Classwork during the semester included market research, data collection, design, product development, fabric sourcing, patterning and budget management.