Mimaki, leading wide-format printer manufacturer, recently collaborated with MFA fashion design students from The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in the 2023 Mimaki Student Contest to introduce students to digital textile printing.
 
In the contest, students had seven fabric choices for designing one custom printed garment. Designers had access to Mimaki’s cutting edge direct-to-fabric and dye sublimation printing technology and mentoring on mastering digital print file management. Designs were assessed for deign merit, sample quality, market appeal, creativity, and originality. 
 
The top three winners each received fabric and printing services for their spring 2024 thesis collections. 
 
“This partnership drives demand for digital textile printing in the apparel industry and aligns with our commitment to minimizing environmental impact for a better future,” said Mimaki senior textile segment specialist, Victoria Nelson Harris. 
 
The FIT and Mimaki collaboration heightens demand for digital printing solutions and this Mimaki’s approach significantly streamlines production processes and significantly reduces waste. 
 
FIT is a public college that offers various immersive art programs. The fashion design program combines creative design processes with legal and business aspects.
 
Mimaki USA is a worldwide innovator in the development of digital printing and cutting products. The company manufactures and engineers a complete line of digital printers and cutters as a total workflow solution for various applications across the Sign Graphics, Textile and Apparel, Industrial Printing and 3D markets.