When it comes to fashion, taking risks can pay off.
For Mary Helen White and Kate Slappey, sending non-traditional game day wear down the runway earned them the top prizes in the second annual Fashion Playbook design competition for sophomores and juniors.
“I originally had a different idea I was working on with denim and lace,” said White, a Eufaula, Alabama, native. “But when I went to the fabric store, I just fell in love with the fabric and had to use it.”
Slappey didn’t stay with UA’s traditional colors either, but her look still says “Alabama” to her.
“My look is centered around the jacket, which shows we are made to create,” the Carrollton, Georgia, native explained. “There are aspects of the jacket that are sports, but also some that express what Alabama means to me and my experience here.”
Both were nervous to share their ideas with their professors, but were reminded that Fashion Playbook is a learning experience.
“They said this is meant to show us what you can do and encouraged me to go with it,” said White, who describes her design aesthetic as feminine and modest.
“They were a little unsure at first, but said ‘Hey, this is about your ideas and abilities,’” added Slappey.
Their winning looks earned them each the opportunity to collaborate and create with industry experts before their senior year even begins.
Unique Chance to Collaborate
Organized by the College of Human Environmental Sciences and UA Trademark Licensing, Fashion Playbook spotlights creative, UA-themed designs from junior fashion design students who are challenged to create game day-inspired clothing. This year, two winners were selected by an audience and online vote. Last year, Collegiate Licensing Company sent the winner, Aubrey Davis, to New York Fashion Week.
White will get to participate in the CLC Fashion Experience, an immersive learning and networking program that takes place behind-the-scenes of New York Fashion Week. She will get to meet and learn from industry designers and photographers while attending workshops, assisting with photo shoots and more.
“This is such a great step to get my foot in the door of this industry,” she said. “I’m truly honored and grateful.”
Slappey earned the chance to collaborate with AVO Clothing, a Los Angeles-based brand specializing in collegiate lifestyle and athleisure wear, on a capsule collection this summer.
Slappey is excited about the challenge of working with a brand that is different from her typical aesthetic, which leans toward applique and patches from thrifted pieces.
“I think it’s good to be in an area (of design) that I’m not super comfortable with to see how we work together to combine their look and my look.”