CWU's Schactler Wins International Fashion Award

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Carolyn Schactler, Central Washington University apparel design professor emeritus, has taken part in International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) design research competitions and conferences for the past 15 years.

More often that not, she has been an award winner at those events, including receiving six grand prizes. This year was no exception.

During the ITAA annual conference last month in Alexandria, Virg., she won the "draping award" for the best designed and constructed gown, for a garment she titled "Blue Danube."

It was a ball gown inspired by the bustle designs of the 1880s. A panel of industry and fashion experts conducted the judging.

"The award is truly a great honor since there were delegates and entries into the competition from all over the world," Schactler says. ITAA is a professional, academic association composed of scholars, educators, and students in the textile, apparel, and merchandising disciplines in higher education.

Schactler was the apparel design director for 28 years until her retirement in 2004.

Contact: Robert Lowery (509-963-1487/fax 509-963-2301/e-mail: loweryr@cwu.edu)

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