DESIGN COMPETITION SPONSORED

Glen Raven and Sunbury commemorated their 20th anniversary with a design competition jointly sponsored with the Textile Design program at Philadelphia University. Students were challenged to imagine the future of Sunbrella fabrics, and a panel of industry experts reviewed the entries.

“All of the entries were fantastic and show what can happen when you unshackle young minds,” said Greg Voorhis, Sunbrella design manager. “The students’ ideas really came shining through in their work and inspired all of us.”

“This competition was a great challenge for our students,” said Marcia Weiss, director of textile design at Philadelphia University. “Our students were given a yarns palette and asked to predict the future of the Sunbrella brand.”

SECOND PLACE: EMILY WEISS Senior

This collection will make outdoor excursions more stylish than ever with a beautiful array of trendy yet durable fabrics. It was inspired by objects you find while walking along the beach or roughing it in the woods, such as aloe plants, clusters of sea glass or driftwood.

THIRD PLACE: XUE (SUSAN) SUN Graduate Student

Inspired by technology, such as augmented reality, humancomputer interactions and 3D printing, this collection includes four dobby designs and a matelassé with tissue. This futuristic collection could be used in modern, trendy upholstery to reflect interactions with technology.

FOURTH PLACE: MARY ARMACOST Graduate Student

These are sheer fabrics created for window coverings. Some of the fabrics have been finished with a heat press to melt the fibers together and stabilize the structure. This collection is inspired by the textures and patterns of West African masquerade costumes.