NEW YORK, Apr 8, 2010 / FW/ — Yoko Okuda, a fashion design major, and Kecia Mortensen, an interior design major, received top honors at the “City Meets Country, Scotland Means Style,” design competition held by Scottish Development International (SDI) for Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) fashion and interior design students.

Scottish Designer Sandra Murray MBE, attends to final preparations before presenting the winning designs by Fashion Institute of Technology students at "City Meets Country, Scotland Means Style" design competition

The winners were announced at a reception held today at The Norwood Club in New York City. At the reception were Scotland’s Minister for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop, Scottish Designer to Royalty Sandra Murray MBE, and FIT student designers. Garments and interiors illustrations were on display throughout the venue for guests to view.

“The entries were clearly inspired by Scottish tweeds giving their designs a beautiful subtlety of color that reflected the Scottish landscape,” said Sandra Murray, Scottish designer and competition judge.

“We chose the most original and creative garments with a strong, contemporary twist to a traditional theme that would look great on any global platform. It was interesting for us to see what designers outside the UK perceived to be Scottish, and we were impressed by their ambitious designs,” Ms. Murray added.

Using textiles from Reid & Taylor, Johnstons, Lochcarron of Scotland, Calzeat & Co., Harris Tweed and Holland & Sherry, FIT students vied to win a $1,000 grand prize; a trip to Scotland for the fashion design winner; work placement at a New York City design firm for the interior design winner; and a spot on the Dress to Kilt runway.

Runners-up and the recipient of the creativity award received prizes ranging from $500-$750. All designs will be on display in Scottish parliament this summer.

Winners of the fashion and interior design competitions are below. View the winning designs at www.fitnyc.edu  

Fashion Design
1. Yoko Okuda, Evening Wear
2. Jusil Carroll, Evening Wear
3. Carlynne Cutler, City Wear

Interior Design
1. Kecia Mortensen, “King Robert the Bruce” Penthouse
2. John Feger, “The Engle Suite”
3. Tammy Lee, “The Penthouse at Carnegie”

Creativity Award: Heajin Myung, Evening Wear

Designs were evaluated for creativity, innovation, and use of fabric and color by a panel of judges including Sandra Murray MBE, designer; Brian Rennie, creative director, Gant; Lauren Milligan, fashion news editor, Vogue.com U.K.; and Malcolm Burkinshaw, head of fashion, Edinburgh College of Art, among others.

To learn more about the contest or Scottish textiles, visit www.fitnyc.edu  or www.sdi.co.uk .

[EDGARDO HERNANDEZ]