Phillip Lim to Host Supima Design Competition
Phillip Lim, creative director and co-founder of 3.1 Phillip Lim, is set to host the Supima Design Competition runway show on Sept. 5 at 1 p.m.
Supima, a nonprofit luxury brand dedicated to supporting the use of American-grown Pima cotton worldwide, will hold the event at the Prince George Ballroom at 14 East 28th Street in New York.
The competition, now in its 17th year, aims to support emerging talent by enlisting outstanding graduates from top design universities across the country. These finalists engage in a mentorship program through Supima, culminating in a showcase of eveningwear capsule collections crafted with Supima cotton fabrics. The winner of the competition will walk away with a $10,000 prize to kick-start their career in the fashion industry.
Lim will emcee the runway show alongside a panel of 15 judges, including industry veterans, tastemakers, editors, stylists, and consultants.
Bibhu Mohapatra, a CFDA award-winning designer, marks his 10th year as the mentor for the finalists in the SDC program, providing insight, support, and counsel. “It is always so important to make sure the future of the fashion industry stays dynamic and nourishes up-and-coming talents,” Lim told WWD. “As someone who has been there before, I am forever inspired by the energy and creativity of young, emerging designers.”
Asked about his advice to the students, Lim said, “Take your time, believe in your instincts, find your community and most of all, find and cherish the moments of joy.”
Buxton Midyette, vice president of marketing and promotions at Supima, expressed excitement for the event, highlighting the incredible group of finalists this year with their unique vision. Midyette looks forward to sharing what they create and is thrilled to have Lim as the host for the event.
All six finalists will present their final designs during NYFW, where the jury will determine this year’s winner. The winner will be revealed live during the Supima Design Competition runway show, with a video available to stream on Supima’s website afterward.
This year’s finalists are Marina Lamphier from Drexel University, Mina Piao from Fashion Institute of Technology, Lizzy Truitt from Kent State University, Emma Joan Foley from Parsons School of Design, Henry Hawk from Rhode Island School of Design, and Jules Gourley from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
