The 2nd Annual RECLAIM Project was in full force at the 2012 SIA Snow Show. It is a unique design contest that cultivates emerging new talent and encourages environmental awareness. Three hand-picked aspiring outerwear designers came from across the country to compete and produce an original garment created from existing “Reclaimed” materials and trims.
The aspiring designers received their materials and had three days (Jan 26-28) to complete their garment in their workstation at the RECLAIM booth. The RECLAIM Project winner was announced on Saturday, January 28th at 5PM during a party celebrating all the designers and their creations. The winning designer received an internship at 686 and many other incredible prizes.
The Competitors used the “Reclaimed” materials to create something NEW with something OLD, doing MORE with LESS resources. Located inside the Show Hall in the Snowboard section, booth #3317, allowed for more interaction with their mentors, the RECLAIM Project celebrates the creativity, functionality and longevity of our industry, thus developing a channel for encouraging and finding new talent.
Check out the details from 686:
At the end of Day 3, the winning design for the RECLAIM Project came from Paul Fronckowiak who studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and currently works and lives in Brooklyn. Paul will receive a coveted internship position at 686’s headquarters. The competition was stationed in the middle of the Snow Show’s snowboard section allowing for more interaction with the competitors’ mentors. The two other contestants participating were Jillian Miranda from Ohio and Jonathan Aguon from California.
“This second installment of the RECLAIM Project has been great,” said Michael Akira West, president and creative director at 686. “The contestants all did an amazing job and it was incredible to see the level of talent. Choosing a winner was difficult as all three designers brought something unique to the table. Congratulations go to Paul for creating an inspiring design.”
View 2012 RECLAIM Project Photos: