Alumni

DEBUT Grad is Finalist in Supima Design Competition During NYFW

DEBUT Graduate Jiarui (Ruby) Cai is one of six finalists vying for a $10,000 prize in the 14th annual Supima Design Competition. The 2021 Advanced Fashion Design Alumna and hip-hop dancer will show her designs on September 9, 2021 at a runway event hosted by celebrity stylist Law Roach during New York Fashion Week. 

America’s top design schools select one graduating senior to represent their college as a finalist and create a womenswear capsule collection using premium Supima cotton fabrics. The finalists are mentored by fashion designer Bibhu Mohapatra, and the panel of judges include fashion heavy hitters such as Nicola Formichetti, Fern Mallis, and Edward Barsamian, among others. 

Ruby, who is originally from Jiaxing, China, got her start in the fashion world thanks to her passion for hip-hop dancing. After realizing she wanted to express herself through streetwear, Ruby transferred to FIDM from Cal State Fullerton and studied Fashion Design at FIDM prior to being accepted to the Advanced Fashion Design program. 

“The inspiration comes from the joy of breaking out of the construct of conditioning into a free, fun, and full of life mindset and emotion,” Ruby said of her Supima Design Competition capsule collection. “Get out from the limited space, and fly free into the world of the true self.” The competition has already been covered by Women’s Wear Daily, and the runway show will be a global event. 

Keep up with Ruby on Instagram @rubyornotruby626.

Categories:  Advanced Fashion Design Fashion Design Alumni