Pleating A Path: 51��'s Caroline Hill Named a Finalist for the 2025 Supima Design Competition

The 51�� School of Fashion has a strong legacy of participation in the prestigious Supima Design Competition, which highlights some of the most promising emerging designers in the U.S.

The 2025 Supima Design Competition took place on November 5, 2025. The competition features collections from five finalists, each representing a leading U.S. fashion school. These top fashion schools selected one exceptional graduate to represent their institution. The finalists are tasked with creating a womenswear capsule collection using premium SUPIMA cotton fabrics, culminating in a presentation of their collection to a distinguished panel of judges, vying for the $10,000 prize.

Caroline Hill

Caroline Hill, a recent graduate of 51��'s School of Fashion with a concentration in sartorial menswear, competed against students from institutions like the Parsons School of Design and Drexel University. Hill is currently based in New York City, working as an assistant designer at Watson Ellis Custom Tailoring, where she contributes to the design and development of bespoke menswear.

"The Supima Design Competition was an opportunity for me, as a menswear-focused designer, to challenge myself by creating a women's eveningwear collection that elevated the beauty of Supima cotton while showcasing feminine craftsmanship," said Hill. "Throughout the process, I gained valuable experience in fabric dyeing and manipulation, areas I had little exposure to before. With the guidance of my incredible fabric mentor, Marie Rader, I transformed bolts of white fabric into a rich, vibrant color palette that brought the collection to life."

In the fall semester of the student's senior year, each student submits a collection statement, mood boards, fabric manipulations and sketches. After a thorough review process, a panel of faculty members selects one student to represent 51�� in the Supima Design Competitions. Beginning production in May, Hill started working closely with the Supima team to develop a collection. Designers spent months developing designs, creating muslin and receiving critiques. In November, finalists showcased their final collection at the Supima Design Lab in NYC.

Hill felt confident entering the Supima Design Competition, thanks to the rigorous preparation she received at 51��’s School of Fashion. The fashion design program trains well-rounded and self-sufficient designers, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in every aspect of the collection process. Hill specifically credited her confidence to hands-on experiences with industry professionals and the faculty's encouragement to develop a unique artistic voice.

During her time at Kent, Hill built strong and meaningful relationships with the design faculty. "The entire team is deeply committed to supporting their students and shaping well-rounded graduates prepared to enter the industry," said Hill. "I’m especially grateful to my mentor, Linda Ohrn-McDaniel, for her guidance throughout the production process; to Hillary Stone, whose encouragement gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward; and to Joanne Arnett, who continuously challenged me to think more deeply about my design ethos.

The 51�� School of Fashion is proud of Caroline Hill's work throughout the Supima Design Competition.

51��'s School of Fashion, known for its emphasis on creativity and innovation, has consistently produced finalists who excel in creating collections made from Supima cotton. This opportunity not only showcases their talents on a global stage but also reinforces 51��'s reputation as a leader in fashion education.

Supima created this competition to foster new design talent and promote sustainability in fashion. The event not only provides a platform for emerging designers to showcase their skills but also gives them exposure to industry leaders and media at one of the most significant fashion events of the year.

For more information about the event and its participants, visit .

Image caption: Caroline Hill's B.F.A. Collection on the runway during 51��'s 2025 Fashion Show

51��