And the winner is… Jusil Carroll taking home the $10,000 prize and the notariaty of having shown during Fashion Week and winning!  Edited and styled by Rachel Zoe the show was a stunning example of young creativity.  

Busan, South Korea native Jusil Carroll, 34, came to fashion after a career in illustration and matriculated at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she graduated with a BFA in Fashion Design this year, because “it’s one of very few schools to offer a focus on knitwear.” A recipient of last year’s $25,000 CFDA Liz Claiborne Design Scholarship, she also won a SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence and placed first in the 2011 AFT International Fashion Sketch Contest. In her Competition collection, she says, “I was inspired by ‘The Blair Witch Project’ … I love the idea that each person interprets the witch differently and all they are left with is a sense of mystery and thrill.”

Check out the images below.

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INTERVIEW - JUSIL CARROLL - Winner of  SUPIMA Design Competition during New York Fashion Week SS2012 

- PHOTOGRAPHER - DAN LECCA

“My capsule collection for the Supima Design Competition was inspired by the movie “The Blair Witch Project.” What I really enjoyed about it, when I look back, was the idea that the source of the terror was never seen.  It was mysterious and thrilling. “

RUNWAY PASSPORT: WHERE DID YOU GO TO DESIGN SCHOOL?
Jusil Carroll: I attended The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.
 
RP: HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT  AND ENTER SUPIMA?
JC: I first heard about the Supima Design Competition from Lisa Donofrio, a professor at school, who ended up being my contest mentor.  I was told that four of the top fashion design schools in the country would each be selecting two students to compete.  I felt honored when I was selected to represent FIT in this competition.

RP: WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A DESIGNER?
JC: I actually started out as a fine artist and illustrator.  As my work developed the figures I was creating began to look more and more like fashion sketches.  Fashion had always been an interest of mine, so it seemed appropriate for me to transition in to design.  Looking back, it was the best decision I made.  I find that fashion suits my strengths.
 
RP: WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THIS COLLECTION?
JC: My capsule collection for the Supima Design Competition was inspired by the movie “The Blair Witch Project.” What I really enjoyed about it, when I look back, was the idea that the source of the terror was never seen.  It was mysterious and thrilling.  I applied that concept to my collection. The silhouettes, color palette and print choices were all selected to enrich the mood.
 
RP: HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE THE WINNER?
JC: It feels amazing!  The Supima Design Competition Fashion Show was a fantastic experience.  I can’t think of a better way to showcase work then having a collection walk the runway at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
 
RP: HOW WAS IT SHOWING FOR THE FIRST TIME?
JC: This was my first showing on the runway at Fashion Week, so I was really feeding off the excitement that surrounded the tents.  There was a tangible energy there.  It was exhilarating.
 
RP: WHAT NEXT?
JC: The level of enthusiasm and excitement that the Supima show generated has been incredible.  It has created opportunity and the possibilities are very exciting.  I’m not sure exactly what will happen but I’m looking forward to the future.
 
RP: WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST TO ANY YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WANT TO APPLY TO FASHION SCHOOL?
JC: I would say that fashion is an incredible outlet for a creative mind.  There is a vastness to it, with endless possibilities. I would certainly encourage young people to pursue their creative interests.  That is one of the most important tenets that I live by.