Local UA Student Named Finalist in International Design Competition

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Tara Jackson, a senior at The University of Alabama and a native of Tuscaloosa, was recently named a finalist in the International Textile and Apparel Association Design Contest. She is a double major in apparel design and fashion retailing in the UA College of Human Environmental Sciences.

Jackson had two entries in the competition. The first entry was a dress made from a hand-woven fabric created using plain weave and tapestry technique. The symbols on the fabric were taken from ancient Mexican culture. The garment is a full-length skirt and bodice with a black hanging panel.

Jackson’s second entry into the contest was a child’s garment consisting of a sleeveless top with a hood and full-length pants. The fabric of the child’s outfit has a frog print.

Jackson completed the projects under the instruction of Dr.Virginia Wimberley, assistant professor of clothing textiles and interior design in the UA College of Human Environmental Sciences.

The winners of the ITTA design contest were announced at the recent organization’s annual meeting in Kansas City, Mo., following a runway show displaying all the finalists’ designs.