Lectra Announces FIT Design Competition Winners

ATLANTA, March 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Lectra, the world leader in integrated technology solutions dedicated to industries using soft materials—fabrics, leather, technical textiles and composite materials—is pleased to announce the winners of the Fall 2012, Lectra Design contest, which was organized for students at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). Lectra sponsored the contest for FIT Fashion Design students to create an original collection using Lectra's Kaledo^® textile and fashion design software solution.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130221/CL63628LOGO )

Three FIT students were honored for their designs—grand prize winner D'Janau Morales, first runner-up Michael Ross and second runner-up Wilton Gorske.

Students were asked to submit a collection that included a mood board, silhouettes, original prints, knits and weaves as well as flat mini-bodies showing the more technical aspects of the designs. The collections were reviewed by a judging panel, which included representatives from Lectra, FIT and two fashion brands. The three winning students each received a grant as well as Kaledo software licenses.

"It was really fun to be able to take part in the contest and challenge myself to use a new solution," D'Janau Morales commented. "We are starting to apply for jobs and I know Lectra is definitely going to make its way into my portfolio."

The contest was developed to support FIT in its mission to prepare students for both the business and creative aspects of the industry. "I believe the contest was a great experience for all the students involved because it provided a real-world application of classroom learning," said Assistant Professor Mary Wilson, who helped coordinate the student submissions.

"Lectra's Kaledo saves time, but it also gives an accurate visual representation of what a sample will look like without having to go to a manufacturing facility and wait for it to be shipped back," explained Michael Ross.

FIT is a Lectra Privilege partner and has used Lectra's solutions for fashion and textile design and development for more than 20 years. More than 500 FIT students are trained each year on Lectra's Kaledo. Lectra is committed to nurturing future professionals in the fashion industry and FIT is one of more than 850 educational institutions that have integrated Lectra solutions into their curricula.

About FIT

The Fashion Institute of Technology, a college of the State University of New York, has been a leader in career education in art, design, business, and technology for nearly 70 years. With a curriculum that provides a singular blend of hands-on, practical experience, classroom study, and a firm grounding in the liberal arts, FIT offers a wide range of outstanding programs that are affordable and relevant to today's rapidly changing industries. Internationally renowned, FIT draws on its New York City location to provide a vibrant, creative community in which to learn.

About Lectra

Lectra is the world leader in integrated technology solutions that automate, streamline and accelerate product design, development and manufacturing processes for industries using soft materials. Lectra develops the most advanced specialized software and cutting systems and provides associated services to a broad array of markets including fashion (apparel, accessories, footwear), automotive (car seats and interiors, airbags), furniture, as well as a wide variety of other market sectors, such as aeronautical and marine industries, wind power and personal protective equipment. Lectra serves 23,000 customers in more than 100 countries with 1,350 employees and $256 million in 2012 revenues. The company is listed on NYSE Euronext.

For more information, please visit www.lectra.com

® Kaledo is a registered trademark of Lectra.

Contact:
Jahmin Lee
1-770-422-8050 x119
[email protected]

SOURCE Lectra