News

CORDURA® Fabric Featured in Winning Project OR Design

FIT Student Takes Top Honors at 2008 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Competition

WILMINGTON, DEL - October 1, 2008 - Five students from the nation’s top design schools were invited to participate in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market’s inaugural PROJECT OR design competition, in Salt Lake City Aug. 8 -11. Competitors were given 48 hours to design and produce an outdoor prototype garment constructed with fabrics supplied by show exhibitors.

Ryan Ocampo, a student from Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City, received top honors from the esteemed panel of judges for his army inspired jacket made with CORDURA® fabric.

“We are thrilled to have had the opportunity be a part of Project OR and are honored that CORDURA® brand fabrics were featured in the winning design,” said Cindy McNaull, Global CORDURA® brand manager.  “It is important to bring today’s youth into the outdoors and Ryan did an excellent job of bringing fresh and innovative ideas to the industry.”

During the 48 hours, students collected all materials for their designs from fabric suppliers on the trade show floor.  The contestants then conceptualized their individual designs for the final judging on Sunday, Aug. 10.

“The first Project OR design competition was such a great success -- due to the caliber of design talent that came from the design schools, along with the support of the supplier community at Outdoor Retailer who stepped forward to provide cutting-edge fabrics for the students to use in their prototypes,” said Kenji Haroutunian, show director for Outdoor Retailer.  “Because of the program’s success, we look forward to bringing more young designers into the marketplace at Outdoor Retailer.”

Other participants in the project include: Kristen Jones from North Carolina State University, Aimee Morrow from Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, Casey Stannard from Washington State University in Pullman and Allison Stelyn from Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, California.

“In order to design a practical outdoor product, I needed a fabric that was made to last. I chose CORDURA® fabric because it is high performing and durable.  My end-user will enjoy it because it is breathable and something they will be able to wear over and over again,” said Ryan Ocampo, winner of Project OR. “Being involved in Project OR gave me great insight into what outdoor enthusiasts need to succeed in their adventures. I feel honored to be recognized by Outdoor Retailer, and I look forward to continuing to design stylish and functional garments for the outdoor industry.”

Ryan, along with the other four participants, will be featured in the fall issue of Fabric Insight. To see video of Project OR and the winning design featuring CORDURA® fabric go to www.outdoorretailer.com.

About CORDURA® Brand

INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand essence celebrates individual durability: As Long As The World Is Full Of Durable People, We’ll Keep Making Durable Fabrics™. Known for its resistance to abrasions, tears and scuffs, CORDURA® fabric is a primary ingredient in many of the world’s leading high-performance gear and apparel products ranging from luggage, upholstery and backpacks to footwear, military equipment, tactical wear, workwear and performance apparel. The CORDURA® brand is a registered trademark of INVISTA, one of the world’s largest integrated polymer, intermediates and fibers businesses. To distinguish the CORDURA® brand, the word “CORDURA®” must be spelled out in all caps in and used with an ®, and it must be followed by the word “brand” or “fabric.”

To learn more about INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand, end-use products, and marketing tools please visit www.CORDURA.com.

About INVISTA

INVISTA is one of the world’s largest integrated producers of polymers and fibers, primarily for nylon, spandex and polyester applications, a business presence in over 20 countries, INVISTA’s global businesses deliver exceptional value for their customers through technology innovations, market insights and a powerful portfolio of global trademarks including: ADI-PURE®, ANTRON®, AVORA®, C12™, COMFOREL®, COOLMAX®, CORDURA®, CORFREE®, DACRON®, DBE®, DYTEK®, FRESHFX™, LYCRA®, PERFORMA™, POLARGUARD®, POLYSHIELD®, POLYCLEAR®, SOLARMAX®, STAINMASTER®, SUPPLEX®, SUPRIVA®, TACTEL®, TACTESSE®, TERATE®, TERATHANE® and THERMOLITE®. More information on INVISTA can be found at www.INVISTA.com.