Karastan teams with F.I.T. for rug design competition

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 3/23/2006 2:24:00 PM

New York – Upscale area rug company Karastan and the Fashion Institute of Technology have teamed up to create a new student program dubbed “New Views on Traditional” that sets 35 upper division textile and surface design students to designing a new area rug for the market.

The winning design will be produced and sold by Mohawk Industries. Four finalists will be chosen, each earning prize money. The student who earns the most votes will receive a $1,500 cash award and have his/her design produced as part of Karastan’s assortment.

Participating students are being encouraged to research Karastan’s archives, visit local retailers and explore textiles, furniture and fashion trends as they develop their ideas for the rug, which will be made on Axminster looms.

“This is a phenomenal opportunity for our students,” said Deborah Hernandez, who, along with David Setlow, is course instructor for the F.I.T. textile and surface design program.

“We’re looking to a new generation of designers, helping to nurture their budding talents and discovering the emerging future stars of design,” said Elizabeth Miller, Karastan vp of design and style.