Third annual Buff State x New Era Design-a-Thon creates valuable opportunities

Buffalo State fashion and textile technology and graphic design students took part in the third annual Design-a-Thon (DAT), hosted by Buffalo State and New Era Cap, a competition that tasks participants with creating an avant-garde piece of art from recycled New Era Cap headwear and apparel items.

This immersive creative experience is an exclusive opportunity for Buffalo State students that provides opportunities to network and apply skills in a real-world setting. Since the inception of Design-a-Thon in 2024, New Era has hired 11 Buffalo State students in full-time roles, reinforcing the strength of this experiential model and the workforce pipeline it supports.

"The New Era Design-a-Thon is a great opportunity for students to collaborate, build relationships, and be creative," said Arlesa Shephard, chair of the Fashion and Textile Technology Department. "I am grateful to New Era for providing this opportunity and helping to foster a career pipeline for our students."

Students are divided into teams and choose their materials during a Friday night opening party held at New Era Cap's global headquarters. On Saturday, teams spend the day in Buffalo State's Technology Building, receiving advice from mentors while creating pieces that have both visual and marketing appeal. On Sunday, participants return to put on finishing touches and present to the judges' panel, which selects the winners.

In years past, each member of the winning team received a cash prize, a New Era Cap goody bag, and a paid summer internship with New Era Cap. This year, while cash prizes remained reserved for the winning team, four paid internship positions were designated specifically for Buffalo State students, with all Design-a-Thon participants given the opportunity to interview. Each member of the winning team-comprising one fashion design student, one fashion merchandising student, and one graphic design student-received a $500 award. In addition, four students (two from the fashion and textile technology program and two from art and design program) were selected for paid summer internships with New Era Cap, an incredible opportunity for industry experience and professional growth.

"The Design-a-Thon collaboration with New Era has opened up incredible professional opportunities for our graphic design students," said Shasti O'Leary-Soudant, assistant profess of art and design. "I'm sincerely grateful to Erin Habes and Jennie Jonmaire for making this happen."

This year, DAT was expanded to include students from other majors in a newly added events support team, which includes a videographer, a photographer, and a social media/marketing manager. This expansion strengthens interdisciplinary collaboration and magnifies DAT's impact across campus.

The winning team presents their mannequin.

The winning mannequin, entitled Grounding Roots, was created by Holly Nagel (fashion merchandising), Grace Maldonado (fashion design), and Eric Monin (graphic design). The students were inspired by Valerie Koch, who grounded herself in a male-dominated field through her work at New Era Cap by introducing technological advancements through embroidery. The team's design represents women establishing themselves in spaces historically dominated by men. Women in professional leagues such as the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) and the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) are partnering with brands like New Era Cap that are rooted in progress and equality. As more women continue to transform industries long oversaturated with men, they become role models for women of all ages, showing that no matter the profession, they belong.

Beginning at the base, the design rises from the earth through climbing roots and a diversity of textures. Scars reflect hardship overcome, while thorns symbolize the sharpness and resilience required along the way. These elements lead into lush greenery and bright blossoms inspired by Koch's embroidered floral work. Nurtured by success, the piece represents hope for the future of women in sports, the arts, and beyond.

The remaining mannequins are on display in the Technology Building first-floor lobby and will also be featured at RUNWAY, the Fashion and Textile Technology Department's annual student-run fashion show. Following these events, the exhibit will be on view in the New Era Cap retail store for approximately six months.

Shantell Reid, assistant professor of fashion and textile technology, summarized: "Design-a-thon was a space where chaos became creativity, where messy ideas transformed into art, and students were free to let go of constraints, explore boldly, and simply have fun."

Photos by Dondre Baker (event photographer); video by John Myers, Buffalo State Marketing and Communications.

View more photos here.