Creative Designs

ITAA design scholars are invited to submit abstracts to present original design scholarship at the ITAA annual conference Design Exhibition. The purpose of the exhibition is to provide an arena for design scholarship to be recognized by a jury of peers for contribution to the field of textile and/or apparel design and to provide a venue for presentation to conference attendees as well as publication in the Design Catalogue and the ITAA Annual Conference Proceedings.

Note: Professional and Graduate work submitted for exhibition at the ITAA annual conference must not have been shown or presented elsewhere, including social media. Undergraduate submissions are exempt from this rule.

Exhibition Requirements: Due to venue limitations and one-day exhibition format, installations must be self-supporting and limited to what can be displayed on dress form or table. Hanging components and complex setups cannot be accommodated, as they may exceed what the venue can support and would require structures provided by the designer.

 

CATEGORIES FOR DESIGN SUBMISSIONS

Professional (PRO): Work must have been executed within the last 3 years and must not have been previously shown at an ITAA Annual Conference. Work must be designed, patterned, and constructed by the designer(s), and must be completed at the time of submission. The category of the most senior designer must be selected. For example, if graduate and professional level designers collaborate on a piece, the PRO category must be selected. Designers will decide on the order of authorship according to each individual’s contribution to the design piece. The first author/designer should be the submitter. Up to 3 entries per designer or co-designer may be submitted.

 

Graduate (GRS): Work must have been executed within the last 3 years and must not have been previously shown at an ITAA Annual Conference. Work must be designed, patterned, and constructed by the designer(s), and must be completed at the time of submission. Designers will decide on the order of authorship according to each individual’s contribution to the design piece. The category of the most senior designer must be selected. For example, if graduate and professional level designers collaborate on a piece, the PRO category must be selected. Up to 3 entries per designer or co-designer may be submitted.

Undergraduate (UGS): An ITAA professional, emeritus, or graduate student member (ITAA design mentor) should supervise the undergraduate design development process for the design being submitted. All Undergraduate design submissions must have been completed under an ITAA design mentor. Undergraduate designs can be co-mentored; each mentor must be an ITAA member, and each member must write a mentor statement about their contribution to the work. The primary design mentor must submit the undergraduate student design(s) for juried review and designate the entry for the Undergraduate Review Category. Each individual ITAA designer may mentor or co-mentor up to 6 undergraduate student entries.

TRACKS FOR REVIEW AND PRESENTATION

Level of Production.  Identifies the type of production for which the design is intended.

• MM – Mass Market (i.e., intended for a specified target market and widespread distribution)
• LP – Limited production (i.e., functional, custom/artwear/couture, or fiber)
• EX – Experimental (new material or methods; not yet reproducible)

Jury Tracks. These categories will drive the selection of the jurors for the design, to align specialties. Select up to three, ranked by priority.

• New technologies (3-D printing, smart garment, etc.)
• Historic reference
• Textile innovation
• Couture techniques
• Sustainability
• Functional clothing
• Ready-to-wear (market directed)
• Cultural reference
• Surface design
• Patternmaking
• Non-Apparel 2-D or 3-D design (wall hanging, chair, etc.)
• Accessory
• Conceptual/experimental
• Other

REVIEW PROCESS

Jurors will evaluate submissions by reading the Juror Review Abstract and by viewing the digital images of the artifact, and will evaluate each entry based on the Submission Evaluation Criteria below. A double-blind jury of textile and apparel peers from the ITAA membership will review all submissions; in addition, Professional entries will also be juried by a member of the textile and apparel industry. Acceptance or rejection for the ITAA Design Exhibition will be based on the jury’s scores in relation to these criteria and in relation to the number of submissions that the conference venue and the exhibit type will allow.

Review for compliance: Before being juried, submissions will be reviewed by the ITAA Design Review Committee for adherence to the submission policies. Submissions that do not correspond to the policies will not be forwarded to the jury. The following is a list of instances in which an entry might be disqualified; while this list is comprehensive, it is not exhaustive.

• If more than one image of the entry is collaged into an image.
• If less than or more than four images are included on the Image page.
• If work is not photographed on a plain, un-identifiable background.
• Incorrect formatting of the image page.
• If the identity of the submitter or the submitter’s institution is revealed in the abstract, images, or YouTube Video.
• Putting the YOuTube link within the text of the abstract.
• Incorrect citation/reference format.
• If the files are not uploaded as .pdf

Submission Evaluation Criteria:

1. Introduction/Concept/Context.

• Abstract should clearly define purpose statement and design challenge or research question.
• Abstract should clearly describe the relevance of the submission in filling a gap in extant literature or design scholarship (i.e., how is this generating new knowledge in our field.) Citations of this literature, design scholarship, theoretical framework applied, etc. should be included.

2. Aesthetic Properties and Visual Impact

• Abstract should discuss how the submission applies the elements and principles of design to create a compelling design work and how elements of formal aesthetics were purposefully used to meet the stated research purpose.
• Artifact images should effectively demonstrate that the elements and principles of design have been applied to create a compelling design work, and elements of formal aesthetics were used to meet the stated research purpose.
• Artifact should reflect what was stated in the abstract.

3. Methods: Process, Technique and Execution

• Abstract should describe the design process and execution of the design in detail including materials/medium, steps/stages, techniques used. Submission should demonstrate a rigorous design process.
• Artifact design and execution should demonstrate a mastery of technique. The reviewer should evaluate whether the artifact demonstrated that the techniques discussed as the rigorous process in the abstract were well done. Submission execution is appropriate and of high quality.

4. Cohesion:  Submission forms a cohesive whole accomplishing the purpose while integrating content, concept, aesthetic properties, process, technique, and execution.

• Abstract should describe how the process accomplished the designer’s stated purpose.
• Images of the artifact provide visual support to the discussion in the abstract.

5. Design contribution:  The submission is significantly different or novel in response to what is already in the public domain and the academic literature.

• The design contribution should contribute to existing knowledge and include a reflection of the design process which evolved from research and/or from the tacit knowledge and experience of the designer. Implications and future applications should be discussed.
• The physical outcome of the work supports the designers’ discussion of the work and its contribution to the existing tacit knowledge of the designer and to the field.

For Undergraduate Submissions ONLY

6. Design Mentor Statement:  Written by the mentor, this statement explains the purpose of the mentorship relationship, and how that purpose was met, including a recommendation commenting on the quality of the work and why the mentor chose to sponsor this particular student’s work to this call. In the case of co-mentors, each mentor must write their own statement. Maximum 250 words.

ABSTRACT PREPARATION

Please note, there are several documents you will need for submission. These are listed below with a checkmark, with a detailed description following.

• Jury Abstract (please note the difference in formatting for Professional/Graduate and Undergraduate)
• Exhibition Abstract
• Short Abstract for Catalogue
• Garment images for Catalogue
• YouTube video link (only 1 link/video, this is optional)

 

Professional and Graduate Jury Abstracts

• Prepare the abstract using 1-inch margins on all sides, Calibri, font size 12, for all text, including titles. The title should be centered on the top of the page, using Title Case, bold font, 30 word maximum. Excluding references, text of document must not be over 2 pages (single spacing) in length, including all figures and/or images.
• Do not put the YouTube link in the text, there will be a place to upload the link in the submission portal.
• Within the abstract, up to three figures and/or images are allowed.
• References should use either APA or Chicago style. References can be on the third page but must not go over 1 page in length.
• The final page should include four portrait 3”x5” images: front, back, and two alternate views or detail images.
• The paper must be a finished copy and show no editing marks. Additionally, the content in the abstract should NOT include any information that can identify the author or author's institution. Be sure to remove the author identified in the PDF properties as well. (if you need help, visit Step-by-Step Guide to Remove PDF Metadata Safely) Submissions with identifiable information included will not be forwarded to judges and will be disqualified. 
• The pdf file should be labeled in a prescribed format: level of review-level of production-abbreviated title. For example: PRO-MM-Sustainable Dress. Each submission must have a unique file name. 
• NOTE: You do not need keywords in the text of the abstract.

Undergraduate Jury Abstracts

• Prepare the abstract using 1-inch margins on all sides, Calibri, font size 12, for all text, including titles. The title should be centered on the top of the page, using Title Case, bold font, 30 word maximum.
• The Design Mentor statement should be included below the title, before the student’s written abstract. It should be no longer than 250 words. 
• Excluding references, text of document must not be over 2 pages (single spacing) in length, including all figures and images.
• Within the abstract, up to three figures and/or images are allowed.
• References should use either APA or Chicago style. References can be on the third page but must not go over 1 page in length.
• The final page should include four portrait 3”x5” images: front, back, and two alternate views or detail images.
• The paper must be a finished copy and show no editing marks. Additionally, the content in the abstract should NOT include any information that can identify the author or author's institution. Be sure to remove the author identified in the PDF properties as well. (if you need help, visit Step-by-Step Guide to Remove PDF Metadata Safely) Submissions with identifiable information included will not be forwarded to judges and will be disqualified. 
• The pdf file should be labeled in a prescribed format: level of review-level of production-abbreviated title. For example: PRO-MM-Sustainable Dress. Each submission must have a unique file name.
• NOTE: you do not need keywords in the text of the abstract.

 

Exhibition File (ALL - Professional, Graduate, and Undergraduate)

If your design is accepted for presentation, this will be printed and exhibited next to your design during the conference. This should be adapted from your Juror Review Abstract. It should  include designer(s) name and institution, but NOT  include your image page. Please note that this cannot be over 2 pages  in length as display space is limited to the front and back of one page. References are not required.

Short Abstract (ALL - Professional, Graduate, and Undergraduate)

This is collected ahead of time for the catalogue in the event your work is selected to be exhibited. Prepare a brief, 150-word description of your work. This description will appear in the final design exhibition catalog if your work is accepted. You will be prompted to paste this description into a textbox during the submission process. 

Images for Exhibition Catalogue (ALL - Professional, Graduate, and Undergraduate)

These are collected ahead of time for the catalogue in the event your work is selected to be exhibited. Three High-resolution images of the FRONT, BACK, and SIDE/ALTERNATE VIEW. Please adhere to the following guidelines when editing and saving your images:

• Format: JPEG image only
• Image Dimensions: the image size is 3 inches wide by 5 inches tall
• Resolution: 300 DPI
• File Naming: Please title the JPEG file with the title of your design, category, and image type. For example: Design Title_PRO_Front

YouTube Video

Limit the video to under 2 minutes. The video should be anonymous, and all imagery and sounds much be unidentifiable. Use YouTube to ensure juror access and control anonymity; so far, submissions using other formats have not been successful.

 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ONLINE SUBMISSION

1. Check that you have followed all instructions carefully and have not made errors that would be a reason for disqualification. If you are unsure, watch the webinar on abstract preparation and email the Design Review chair.
2. Begin the submission process by using the specific Oxford Abstract link provided on the Submission Page of the ITAA Website.
3. Choose Creative Scholarship as your submission category.
4. Add the title of your abstract – 30 word maximum. This is how it will appear in the final conference program and in the Conference Proceedings (assuming you submit the Proceedings). 
5. PRO and GRAD: Enter designer and any co-designer information. UG: Enter mentor and designer information. Note, no changes can be made to authorship after submission is made.
6. Select a Category for presentation. The category of the most senior designer must be selected. For example, if graduate and professional level designers collaborate on a piece, the PRO category must be selected.
7. Choose the level of production for which your design was intended.
8. Choose Jury Track categories from the following list. Select up the three descriptive categories that correspond to your design. Rank your first, second, and third choices.
9. Indicate awards for which your submission qualifies to be considered if you are interested in award competitions. Upload your abstract (see naming protocol above)
10. Type the 150-word design description/abstract in the text box. The description will appear in the final design exhibition catalog if your work is accepted.
11. Enter the dimensions of your design and the gender and type of dress form preferred.
12. Confirm that at least one designer/co-designer will register to attend and present the design at the Conference and that it has not been submitted to another conference.
13. Confirm submission has been approved by all authors and created within the last 3 years.
14. Upload your Juror Review Abstract.
15. Upload your Exhibition Abstract.
16. Upload Images for Catalogue.
17. Enter the URL to your YouTube site if appropriate. Remember no identifying information can be included in your link or you will be disqualified.
18. Click SUBMIT to complete the Submission process.

 

FOLLOW-UP

Submitters will be notified via email to the first author/designer of the outcome of the jury and exhibition acceptance process, and designers of accepted submissions will be emailed guidelines for the delivery of their piece(s) to the annual meeting site. A designer whose work is accepted, or the co-designer, must attend the ITAA Annual Conference and register for the conference by September 15. Design scholarship accepted by the jury of textile and apparel peers and presented at the annual conference will be published in the online Design Catalog and in the ITAA Proceedings (additional submission post-conference).

 

If accepted into the Design Exhibition:

• Apparel items will need to be mountable on a dress form, where appropriate. You are welcome to bring materials to pad out your dress form.
• International submitters are responsible for all customs fees and charges.
• Additional elements added to the display of a design that were not in the original submitted photographs of the garment (e.g. a backdrop, additional dress forms with proto-types, printed photographs, computers) are not allowed.
• Non-Liability: Reasonable care will be taken in handling and displaying accepted items. Neither ITAA nor the facility hosting the exhibit assumes responsibility for loss, liability, or damages incurred before, during or after the ITAA Design Exhibition.
• Accepted entries may be disqualified at any level of the review process. The following is a list of instances in which an accepted design might be disqualified. While this list is comprehensive, it is not exhaustive.
• ­  If the submitting designer or co-author/designer has not registered for the conference on or before September 15.
• ­  If the designer or co-author/designer is not present at the conference.
• ­  If the overall construction quality is judged to be poor during the on-site review.

 

AWARDS

Design scholarship accepted by the jury of textile and apparel peers for presentation at the annual conference will undergo an on-site review by judges who will determine award recipients based on physical inspection of the entries and review of the Juror Review Abstract. Authors who are interested in participating in award competitions must mark the appropriate awards that the topic of the study fits during the online submission process. Winners will be recognized during the annual conference. Awards include but are not limited each year to the following:

Please note:  Recipients of any Named award will be required to complete a federal W-9 form and submit an official thank you letter addressed to the donor before any award funds can be disbursed. Failure to complete these requirements will result in a delay or forfeiture of the award distribution.

ITAA Award for Innovative Design Scholarship -- Innovative design with a focus on design scholarship, strong design framework and scholarly exploration.

 

ITAA Award for Creative and Innovative Employment of Technique(s) –

Creative Design techniques used (patternmaking, draping, surface design, and/or construction, etc.) that introduce something new and/or challenge conventions or established methods of design or production.

 

Sandra Hutton Award for Excellence in Fiber Arts – Fiber Arts or Textile focus, strong overall design.

 

Margaret Rucker Best Design Award – innovative design with a focus on design functionality. Design functionality refers to formulating a unique design problem and presenting a solution that helps the users meet their goals and needs.

 

Textile Fabric Consultants, Inc. Recycling Burlap Coffee Bean Bags (Professional and Graduate Students) - Textile Fabric Consultants, Inc., in collaboration with the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA), invites designers to reimagine these discarded bags as fashionable, functional works of art. This initiative highlights the power of design to merge aesthetics with environmental responsibility.

Primary Guidelines: 

·       Primary Material: Used Burlap/jute coffee bean bags obtained from local coffee shops. 

·       Material Requirement: Coffee bags must remain central to the design, making up at least 75% of the final wearable/usable piece.

·       Supplemental Material: Additional fabrics, trims or embellishments may be used, as lang as they support the design concept. Virgin or recycled embellishments are welcome (e.g. other coffee-related packaging).

·       Designs should Emphasize: Creativity, Sustainability, and Functionality

 

Blanche Payne Award (Undergraduate) – Recognizes outstanding research and scholarship in the apparel and textile discipline. This is a two-step process. The first step is to have a design or research accepted into the ITAA Annual Conference. The second step is to submit an application packet in September. By indicating interest in this award, you agree that if your design is accepted, your intent is to submit the application packet.

The Schofield Design Awards

Overview: The Schofield Design Awards celebrate creative excellence, innovation, and mentorship across all levels of design education and professional practice within the textile and apparel field. These awards recognize individuals whose work demonstrates exceptional conceptual development, craftsmanship, and contribution to the advancement of design thinking.

Founded to honor the transformative power of design and mentorship, the Schofield Awards encourage emerging and established designers alike to push boundaries, inspire others and uphold the highest standards of creativity and professionalism.

Award Categories

• Schofield Summit Design Award (Professional) –  Honors a professional designer whose work exemplifies outstanding innovation, aesthetic excellence, and relevance to contemporary textile and apparel practice. The recipient demonstrates leadership within the profession and serves as a role model for creative integrity and industry impact.

 Award Criteria: Recognizes professional designers demonstrating:

• Advanced innovation and aesthetic excellence
• Exceptional mastery of technique and materials
• Designs that meaningfully address contemporary industry needs or cultural themes
• Clear evidence of leadership or influence within the professional design community
• Work that exemplifies creative integrity and industry impact
• 
  
• Schofield Rising Designer Award (Graduate) – Recognizes a graduate student whose design work exhibits exceptional originality, conceptual depth, and technical mastery. The award celebrates individuals poised to make significant contributions to the future of the field through research-informed and forward-thinking design practice.

 Award Criteria: Recognizes graduate students demonstrating:

• Significant conceptual depth informed by research or scholarly inquiry
• Innovative approaches that push the boundaries of textile or apparel design
• Strong technical capability aligned with graduate-level expectations
• Potential to make noteworthy contributions to design scholarship or industry practice

 

• Schofield Emerging Designer Award (Undergraduate) – Highlights an undergraduate designer who demonstrates promise, creativity, and skill beyond their level of experience. The award acknowledges fresh perspectives, strong design fundamentals, and innovative problem-solving in apparel or textile design.

 Award Criteria: Recognizes undergraduate students demonstrating:

• Strong foundational design skills
• Creativity and originality beyond typical undergraduate expectations
• Evidence of design exploration, experimentation, or risk-taking
• Clear potential for growth into a professional or academic design pathway

 

• Schofield Guiding Mentor Award (Undergraduate Mentor) – Celebrates a faculty mentor who has made a meaningful impact in guiding undergraduate students through the design process. This award honors excellence in teaching, mentorship, and the ability to inspire students toward creative exploration and professional success.

 Award Criteria:  Recognizes faculty mentors demonstrating:

• Excellence in undergraduate design teaching
• Meaningful, student-centered mentorship
• Ability to guide students through creative exploration, constructive critique, and professional growth
• A record of fostering successful, innovative student design work
• Commitment to supporting students' long-term design development & career success
• The student’s abstract and the mentor’s statement must provide a clearly documented and substantive description of the mentorship process. The Schofield Guiding Mentor Award is conferred in tandem with the Schofield Emerging Designer Award.

 

For questions, please contact:

Kendra Lapolla, Chair Design Review Committee, klapolla@kent.edu

Julie Chang, VP for Scholarship, Julie.Chang@ttu.edu

Sherry Schofield, Executive Director, itaasherry@gmail.com