Prushing will showcase her original eveningwear collection Nov. 5 in New York City.
Adelynn Prushing, a 2026 graduate of 91视频's School of Fashion, has been named a finalist in the 2026 Supima Design Competition. The national competition challenges emerging fashion designers to develop original collections and present their work to industry professionals.
Now in its 19th year, the competition brings together six graduating seniors nominated by their respective fashion design schools across the United States. Finalists are challenged to create eveningwear capsule collections using Supima cotton fabrics, receiving guidance through a mentorship program led by fashion designer Bibhu Mohapatra and design mentor Young Kim Thanos, president of Orasis Consulting Corp.
The finalists will present their collections Nov. 5 at Lavan Studios Midtown in New York City as part of the 2026 Supima Design Lab. Hosted by fashion photographer and television personality Nigel Barker, the event will also feature work from international designers and finalists of the Festival d'Hy猫res in France. A panel of fashion industry professionals will evaluate the competition collections, with the winner receiving a $10,000 prize.
"Being selected as a finalist is really an honor," Prushing said.
After dedicating considerable time to the application process, Prushing said being selected was an encouraging recognition of her efforts. As she developed her collection, she focused on creating designs that reflect her identity and interests as a designer.
"I hope my collection communicates my authenticity," Prushing said. "For this specific collection I hope it exudes comfort and my passion for knitwear and texture."
Krissi Riewe Stevenson, M.F.A., associate professor in Kent State's School of Fashion and Prushing's faculty mentor for the competition, said Prushing's approach emphasizes textiles as the foundation of her designs.
Stevenson said Prushing found ways to transform the Supima fabrics to create "additional texture and a tactile coziness." Drawing on her background in knit textile design, Prushing applied her knowledge of knitting techniques to both the fabric transformations and the shapes of her garments. This approach builds on Prushing's academic and creative work at Kent State, where she explored knitwear, garment construction and sustainable design practices.
Her senior honors project, "Knit & Nectar," explored the use of natural fibers and fully fashioned knitting techniques to create a knitwear collection focused on comfort, durability and versatility. The project reflected her interest in sustainable design and garments intended for everyday wear. Prushing's work also earned recognition at Kent State's 2026 Annual Fashion Show, where she received the Knitwear Award.
When reflecting on her preparation for the Supima Design Competition, Prushing identified her thesis class as one of the most valuable experiences of her education. Developing a collection required her to manage multiple garments simultaneously, navigate design challenges, meet deadlines and coordinate different aspects of the production process.
"While this experience has its own challenges and many learning curves, that foundation of making a collection previously definitely supported me in this process," Prushing said.
Stevenson, who also served as Prushing's thesis instructor, saw that development firsthand.
"As her instructor for these classes, I saw her learn to manage challenges, critiques, and deadlines with creativity without compromising her design voice," Stevenson said.
She noted that the Supima Design Competition requires both creative and technical abilities, as well as the organizational skills needed to develop a collection under tight deadlines. Prushing's senior thesis experience helped establish that foundation, allowing her to apply those skills to the demands of the national competition.
Prushing's selection continues Kent State's longstanding representation in the Supima Design Competition. The School of Fashion has had at least one finalist every year since 2013, marking 14 consecutive years of representation in 2026.
"We could not be prouder of Adelynn's achievement as a finalist in the prestigious Supima Design Competition," said Mourad Krifa, Ph.D., Margaret Clark Morgan director of the School of Fashion Design and Merchandising.
As Prushing prepares to showcase her collection Nov. 5, her finalist selection marks an important step in her development as a designer and reflects how Kent State's emphasis on technical instruction, hands-on collection development and faculty mentorship prepares graduates to apply their skills in professional settings.
