The “Plaid Project” began in the Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles Department of the College of Human Environmental Sciences. This 2008 semester project was led by Rita Smart, advisory board professor chairperson and coordinator, and Dr. Scarlett Wesley, assistant professor. Students from the Problem Solving in Merchandising class were challenged to create a plaid pattern that would be voted upon to appear as the new design for UK merchandise. Of 35 plaid patterns, 4 finalists were chosen to be considered for the official UK plaid. Over 10,000 people voted on these four plaid designs (UK Plaid).
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Students Christina Criollo and Jena Everhard created the official University of Kentucky plaid that won the plaid project votes. Their design is representing the 7 NCAA Men’s basketball national titles in the black and white strips (UK Plaid). The design proves to be a very clean cut, and fashionable and also unique as only 4 other schools sport a plaid print. Be sure to check out the plaid merchandise for yourself!
57 comments:
I didn't know there was a competition with 34 different plaids- thats awesome! I defintely love the one that was picked! I love when I see people wearing it. Awesome post!
-Layla Boliha
I love the plaid one that was finally picked! When I go to UK's bookstore I see a table at the front with all various plaid items. It's so cool to see people all around campus/tailgating wearing the plaid!
-erin creelman
I LOVE the UK plaid. I think its so cool that Dr. Wesley is not only our teacher but also the coordinator of the UK plaid pattern!! I agree with the previous post about trips to the bookstore. I've already bought several items for family and friends and laid them away for Christmas gifts because of how fun, fashion forward, and unique the items are. Definitely an added bonus that it was established within my college here at UK too :) I LOVE the plaid and the sense of tradition it brings to UK
I love the UK plaid! I remember my mom talking about it before I came to uk, and she made it sound like such a big deal. When I finally got here and saw it I understood! Great design! I love it! and I like how students are the ones who have a little bit of say in what is made out of it!
I own several items that consist of the UK Plaid, and I absolutely love it, especially since I'm a MAT major. It gives us younger ones hope for the future, that our designs might make it if we are determined and work hard enough for it.
alexis fentress
I love the Uk plaid design, especially since a couple of MAT majors are the ones who designed it. All of the plaid merchandise is very cute and useful. The first plaid merchandise I purchased was the ID holder it is the perfect size to carry the couple small things I need while on campus.
Christine Wolfzorn
This is so awesome! I wish i was fortunate enough to be the one who designed the pattern! I am now inspired to go to Kennedy's and buy a UK plaid bag to carry around campus! Thats so cool that we are 1 of only 4 schools with a plaid pattern too!
-Kyrie Cloud
The UK plaid design is really creative. Whoever designed it has to be getting a lot of money. The fact that UK is one of four schools to have a plaid pattern is cool.
I think the plaid project is really interesting and I like how it was designed and voted on by UK students. I really like the plaid tie and I hope they make more items for guys. I never realized that the plaid represented the basketball championships. I think that is really cool and wonder if it would be changed if our basketball team won another title.
Drew McCombs
I love the plaid its so pretty! i haven't gotten around to buying anything with the plaid, but i am definitely going to keep my eye out for some cute UK plaid!
-Melissa Thompson
I think it's unique that UK took on this project. I remember when the idea first came out and now the plaid is actually in the stores. I hope to purchase one of the scarves soon. I like that plaid is fashionable but also those who buy it are supporting UK too. This is a creative idea that other schools could follow UK's lead in their merchandising colleges.
-Nicole Benz
Meredith Gross
I did not know that about the plaid being represented with the basketball team! Very interesting. Also, I was glad to learn about the process of how the plaid was chosen, because I had been wondering about that as well. I think this was a good choice to do a blog about, because it directly effects our class about merchandising and since the project was done by MAT students.
Plaid is often very popular among those who enjoy the more classic look. Although I am not one of these people, I sincerely appreciate this effort of the Merchandising students at UK. I have seen this in multiple stores now on a wide variety of merchandise: mugs, shirts, scarves, keychains, flip flops, and more!
I love the entire concept of the UK plaid and the project. The plaid design that was chosen is very sophisticated and unique. I personally own several UK plaid items, and I love them. Can't wait to buy more! Great job!
Lauren Brickey
I absolutely love the Kentucky plaid design. I have a few of the plaid products myself such as the cozy and the handbag. I cant wait to see the new merchandise that comes out at the book store that is plaid!
-Kayla Sienkowski
I'm interested in getting a plaid necktie so I will be sure to check them out next time I am in the UK bookstore. Unfortunately, I don't think paying $60 for a tie is exactly in my budget. I like the plaid design that was selected a lot though.
-Kasey Paterson
I think the plaid project was an awesome idea and the fact that they made it into a competition was even better. The final selection was a definitely a good choice and seeing it all around campus really brings it to life. i also think the idea behind the black and white plaid relating to the basketball team is a very unique idea.
--Raegan Kuchar
I think it's awesome that UK students got the chance to design a plaid that now is sold in UK bookstores. I love the UK Plaid design, I can see why the line is selling well in bookstores. UK Plaid is stylish and something different. I got my mom a UK Plaid scarf for her birthday and she loved it! Although some of the UK Plaid products can be a little pricey, they are great gifts for birthdays or special holidays.
-Paige Hofmann
I love the UK plaid. It's not too over powering like some plaids and patterns can be. It's something that can be thrown with a basic color and still look good. I have to wonder though, if UK wins another NCAA championship, will the plaid change? Because the stripes are what is representing the number of championships.
Kerri Prichard
UK plaid was a successful and great idea created by MAT. I see the articles of plaid clothing all around campus, on students and teachers. I have not bought anything yet, but I really hope to get something plaid in the near future.
-paigekrall
UK plaid really is a unique artifact to the University. It's such a big deal that MAT students and Dr. Wesley are who to thank. Its a big establishment and many people everywhere are affected by it. I don't know of anyone who has not heard of UK plaid. So many students wear it around campus, to bed, and even on their key-chains. Its become one of the recognizable UK symbols to many people who aren't aware that it was created at the university not just from factory. I love the UK plaid and hope to see many other progressive UK projects like it in the future.
It's interesting how the project has progressed, and the we have become one of very few official plaid schools. It's nice to see the UK is helping to support their MAT department. I think the plaid project has made a great way for people to show their school spirit with a different style. It'll be interesting to see how the style evolves, and what new garments it takes on!
-Rob Stromquist
I think this was a wonderful idea the was designed by the MAT department. It shows some of the great aspects of being apart of the major. You can find the plaid at such stores as Allsports at the mall as well! I plan on buying a scarf. They are so pretty and unique and still represent Uk blue!
UK plaid is so cute! It is also pretty awesome that someone in may same major created it. I don't own any UK plaid yet, but definitely have plans on purchasing some!
-Bethany Davis
I love this blog! It's very informative! I love the UK plaid merchandise, a lot of my friends have the lanyards and id holders. I love the story behind the creation of the plaid too--for the 7 NCAA titles, how cool!!
--Jordan Jenkins
I had no idea that we had a competition to determine a plaid print for UK. I always wondered why we have so many plaid printed items. The piece as a whole was very informative because I also did not know we were one of the few schools to sport the plaid in our fan wear. It is also very cool that this was put on by the MAT department and that our professor had such a huge role in the process.
-Elena Jones
Wow I didnt know the history behind this plaid project but that is actually neat! Its cool that Dr. Wesley had a huge part in this project and it was in a contest with over 30 different plaids! I love it and I think its neat how it originated at UK and the girls and boys in my major created it! I cant wait to be more involved in this major and see what things I get to be a part of!
-danielle custer
This is so interesting to me! I had no idea what the Plaid Project was exactly and definitely did not realize how big of a deal it was. This is great and it is an awesome way to show the talent within the MAT department! I definitely want to see pictures from this competition. This post offers great insight into the project and make me want to learn more. This is very neat being one of the few universities with a plaid print.
-Anne Hart Atchison
I was completely unaware of this project but it sounds extremely interesting. It would have been so much fun to have had the opportunity to participate is something like that. I think it is awesome that our team is sporting plaid because I am a huge fan of plaid. I have a couple of really cute plaid scarves!
-Erin McGee
This was a very informational blog! I had no idea how many different plaids were first voted upon and the history behind the one plaid that was picked! I love the UK plaid and it shows a lot of school spirit. You see it in the bookstore and all over campus with students supporting it. I find it very neat that UK students were able to come up with something that is now not only campus wide but also accessible to the public.
Jessica Stockdale
I love the UK Plaid ! i do not any merchandise of it yet, but hope to soon! I did not know that the black stripes in the pattern stand for the 7 NCAA titles that the UK mens basketball team has won. Thats really cool! I'm glad the UK plaid has taken off and is selling so well! I can't wait to own some!
~Elizabeth Griffith
I found all this information about UK plaid very interesting! I knew that merchandising, apparel, and textiles was in charge of it but i didnt know that they had to vote on one out of 35 designs! I really like the Uk plaid and think its very cute. I will have to go out and buy some soon!
I think the UK plaid program is really great. The products they sale at the student are super cute and are also reasonably priced. I think it's really great that this is part of UK's merchandising department. It gives students hand on experience and also supports UK and the merchandising program.
Julie Sutton
I remember reading about the Plaid Project during my freshman year and being so excited about purchasing the stylish items. The UK Plaid is a way of showing UK pride without wearing a typical cotton t-shirt. It's great to read this and find out the meaning behind the design!
I didn't know the background of the UK Plaid before this article. It's amazing that the UK merchandising department started this and it has become such a big hit on and off campus. I think the plaid is a great design and look forward to purchasing UK Plaid in the near future.
Great blog! Good job explaining the history of the UK plaid. I like how the plaid offers fans another way to show school spriti in a classy way without having to actually were a blue UK
t shirt or something like it. I've been thinking about getting a my mom something with the UK plaid for christams this year.
-Rebecca Ramos
I think it is an excellent idea to assign the students to a project that will be used in real life, instead of just hypothetical situations. The students in the MAT department have the skills and passion for designing and I think it’s wonderful that the faculty trusted them with such a great responsibility. It was clearly a project with a real world application and I believe it proved to be a huge success for both the students who designed it as well as the MAT department as it creates awareness of what we are doing.
I love the uk plaid!!! i have the makeup bag and I use it everyday!! I think the whole idea behind the plaid project is awsome, and our school has a great MAT department!! You can really tell how motivated and skilled the people in this school are!
Lauren Farinelli
Plaid is a great pattern to wear for fall, no matter what colors the plaid is. The fact that there is now UK plais makes it even better, as now students can support their school while wearing the latest treands. Although I don't have one, I am a huge fan of the Burberry Scarves that are plaid, so instead maybe I will get a UK plaid scarf adn it will just the same. I think this is a great project, and I think it helps the students who want to do this for a living get a head start on seeing their projects put into action.
The UK Plaid Project is a unique thing UK has and definatly shows what the MAT department can do and has to offer. I love all the trends you can see with it around campus and the people off campus the sport it as well. I love that it can be casual as well as dressy and it can be worn or used alomst anywhere.
I think the plaid that they chose is perfect. I love the fact that it looks so classy. This was such a great idea. I would love to be a part of something like this. It is somtething that is both fun and educational. I hope that we will be involved in something like this when we take that class.
-Abby Hurley
As a fan of the plaid merchandise. I am really amazed by the selection of appeal and other novelties. Yet I would have loved to see the other designs. The MAT department is really involved around campus and I am glad to have MAT as my major.
Not only is The Plaid Project very creative it is also something that gives other MAT students an outlook on ways to start something new. I heard about this project last year when they had a few giveaways. I think things like that are great because it is a great way to inform people and also get them to buy your product.
I've noticed the UK plaid pattern around campus and I think it's so neat that we have our own official design. I had no idea that this was a competition though, that's sounds like a fun project!
-Cortney Hockenbury
I think the Kentucky plaid is very fashionable. They did a good job explaining what the UK Plaid Project is and who the winners of the plaid design were. I thought it was interesting that their design is representing the 7 NCAA Men’s basketball national titles.
-Olivia Rink
I didn't know that this was a competition. What a fun idea and a great accomplishment for those that won! I think this sounds like a great project to support and I have seen quite a few people around campus sporting the plaid. It's also very cool about the NCAA Men's basketball national titles.
Great Post!
-Katie Fisher
My sister actually got the scarf from the student center and I steal it from her closet all the time because I think it's so cute! I also have an obsession with cozies, so I will have to go out and buy the plaid printed one soon!
-Abby Theobald
Uk plaid is very cute. It shows that just one pattern can go a long way. I'm not surprised it does a great ob selling and is worn by almost everyone around campus. It was a very sucessful idea that i feel will last a long time.
-Jannifer buchanan
UK plaid is so cute!!! It is a great way to make your outfit look fashionable but still supporting the wildcats. I didnt know that it was a competition, it is a really cool idea.
-Amanda Birch
I really like the plaid. I think it is a clean and cute design. I also think its really cool that the school has its own plaid design.
I think this is a great movement, and to include the uk bastketball theme into to if a big plus, and most of all for our school to have their own plaid style is always a proud thing.
Regardless of how the plaid looks, it is a big accomplishment and step forward for having a school plaid. Its original and the products produced with the pattern work well together. Lately Ive been seeing more and more of it on around campus.
Luebab Ahmed
I think the plaid project is a great idea for many reasons. First, it initiates competition within MAT students that provokes better designs. Second, I think it adds a creative twist to our school colors, that can be used by both men and women. The plaid project I think is a great way to diversify spirit wear, while also creating a direct correlation of blue plaid with UK. I also think it's cool how our plaid design represents NCAA basketball, the sport that UK is most known for!
I think it's cool that they're designing so many options that the UK fans are able to chose from. I already see it everywhere on campus, so the trend is definitely spreading fast.
I love going to the bookstore and seeing all of the different kinds of UK plaid! I think its a creative way to spread school spirit. Im looking forward to seeing the new things that they do with the plaid, and would expect to see a lot more of it around campus.
I think theplaid project was a great idea. It gives an extra falre to the Uk brand and it is made for all ages. Its very fashionable, and a creative way to show off our school colors with a pattern!
-Amber Olinger
What a clever idea to show off the students' creativity. I love how what we get to do in the classroom can be translate to real-life products! It makes school work seem so much for enjoyable. I've seen the Plaid Project through emails sent to UK students, but never knew what it exactly entails. It's good to know that these work are acknowledged!
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