Miami students earn high marks at long-running sewing competition
Janel Bartee and Tatiana Fecowycz were both finalists in the ASDP Student Design Challenge
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Published
Miami University students Janel Bartee, left, and Tatiana Fecowycz placed as finalists in the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals International Student Design Challenge.
Miami students earn high marks at long-running sewing competition
•
Published
Miami University’s fashion and design program had a breakout moment this October as two student designers, Janel Bartee ’27 and Tatiana Fecowycz ’28, placed as finalists in the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals (ASDP) International Student Design Challenge. The competition has been running for several years, gathering submissions across the nation and judged by a panel of seasoned fashion industry professionals.
This year’s rules were simple: create an outfit for a specific summer concert in any era, under a $50 budget. The ASDP Student Design Challenge draws educators, designers, and industry experts from across the country, and remains highly selective, choosing only eight finalists. And as Melissa Klaassen, director of this year’s ASDP Student Competition, put it: “Miami, man … they brought it out!”
Bartee ultimately took home first place, and Fecowycz earned a finalist spot among the six other contestants. Klaassen shared strong praise for Bartee’s work, calling her: “quite, quite, quite talented.”
Bartee, a third-year Architecture major, brings her structural learning into fashion, and created a sharply engineered look inspired by the Ateez’s World Tour. Her standout piece, a faux leather corset with a lapel-style top, demonstrated the technical precision she excels at.
Zach Bryan’s Quittin’ Time Tour served as inspiration for Fecowycz’s piece. She aimed to embody the essence of a summer concert with a combination of thrifted denim, hand-stitched daisy pleating, and a red, white, and blue theme.
Both designs traveled down to Raleigh, North Carolina, for the showcase, where the garments were evaluated in person and were walked on the runway. Their achievements not only highlight their individual creativity and drive, but also recognize Miami University’s fashion and design program on a national level.
This year’s rules were simple: create an outfit for a specific summer concert in any era, under a $50 budget. The ASDP Student Design Challenge draws educators, designers, and industry experts from across the country, and remains highly selective, choosing only eight finalists. And as Melissa Klaassen, director of this year’s ASDP Student Competition, put it: “Miami, man … they brought it out!”
Bartee ultimately took home first place, and Fecowycz earned a finalist spot among the six other contestants. Klaassen shared strong praise for Bartee’s work, calling her: “quite, quite, quite talented.”
Bartee, a third-year Architecture major, brings her structural learning into fashion, and created a sharply engineered look inspired by the Ateez’s World Tour. Her standout piece, a faux leather corset with a lapel-style top, demonstrated the technical precision she excels at.
Zach Bryan’s Quittin’ Time Tour served as inspiration for Fecowycz’s piece. She aimed to embody the essence of a summer concert with a combination of thrifted denim, hand-stitched daisy pleating, and a red, white, and blue theme.
Both designs traveled down to Raleigh, North Carolina, for the showcase, where the garments were evaluated in person and were walked on the runway. Their achievements not only highlight their individual creativity and drive, but also recognize Miami University’s fashion and design program on a national level.
Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg. Interested in learning more about the College of Creative Arts? Visit the website for more information.
