NC State gradute places in national design competition

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina State University graduate Kelsi Manley placed second in the 19th Annual North American Student Design Competition.

A Charlotte native, Manley said she has been interested in the fashion industry since she was very young and creating clothes for her dolls.

At 10 years old, she attended a fashion summer camp where her interest in design grew as she learned the foundations of fashion design.

The Student Design Competition, sponsored by the Alpaca Owners Association, was created to promote the use of alpaca fiber in fashion, textile, and interior design at the fundamental level of educational institutions. The theme for this year’s competition was Alpaca: The Earth-Friendly Fiber.

The competition is divided into two categories: fashion design and textile design. Those who entered were required a presentation board, swatches, and a one-page essay. Finalists were announced and their designs were displayed at the AOA National Education and Fiber Conference.

The top three entries in each category and the winning essay received cash scholarships and will be spotlighted in the award-winning nationally distributed publication Alpacas Magazine.

Manley placed second in the fashion design category.

“My line, Lure, is a simple, sleek, luxury women’s athletic wear line. I created Lure for women who value longevity and functionality in their athletic wear. The design’s main selling point is the alpaca fibers and their ability to regulate body temperatures. Each garment is 100% alpaca and sustainable. The natural colors of alpaca offer a dye-free line for a modern, minimalist style,” Manley explained. “The idea (for my design) came from my experience of maintaining a morning jogging routine in the winter months. It became difficult to balance having enough layers for warmth but also allowing for breathability. This inspiration blossomed as I looked to my mother and other older women who preferred outdoor exercise but strayed away during colder months due to their sensitivity to the temperature change. After learning about alpaca and all the fibers’ natural elements, I was further encouraged to pursue creating an athletic line that could address all these problems.”

The Student Design Competition is judged by industry professionals who provide a critique for each entry. The scoring is based on an evaluation of individual entries rather than a comparative system.

“Through this experience,” said Manley, “I have come to appreciate alpaca’s functional and sustainable elements. I love the wide range of natural colors and the versatility of the fiber’s end use. I want to explore other ways to incorporate alpaca into my future designs.”

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