Kent State School of Fashion student Jordan James is taking her design talent to an international stage after being selected as the winner of the 2025–2026 Solstiss Academy competition for her project, "To Be A Man."
Sponsored by Solstiss USA, the Solstiss Academy was established in the 2023-2024 academic year to introduce fashion students at leading U.S. universities to the history, craftsmanship and creative possibilities of French lace. Kent State was among the 10 participating universities this year, continuing a longstanding relationship with Solstiss through the university’s NYC Fashion program.
The Solstiss Academy begins with an exploration of French lace history and the specialized craftsmanship behind Solstiss textiles through a masterclass taught by Solstiss USA President and CEO François Damide. Students then develop mood boards and sketches inspired by the company’s lace, with up to five students from each participating university selected to bring their concepts to life. Finalists receive lace donated by Solstiss USA, giving them the opportunity to work directly with luxury materials traditionally used in couture and high-end fashion.
James was selected as Kent State’s winning student for her design, "To Be A Man," and was presented with the award by François Damide in April. Her winning garment reflects the creativity and innovation encouraged by the Solstiss Academy while demonstrating the possibilities of incorporating historic textile craftsmanship into contemporary fashion design.
Solstiss is a family-owned legacy business that has been manufacturing French lace in Caudry, France since 1876. The company has had a presence in the U.S. since 1986, and was also recognized as an "Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant" (Living Heritage Company) in 2011 for its distinctive French craftsmanship.
For Kent State students, the partnership provides a unique opportunity to connect classroom learning with the professional fashion industry and to work with materials and techniques that have shaped fashion history. It also reflects the School of Fashion’s ongoing commitment to creating meaningful connections between students, industry professionals and the global fashion community.
James’s winning garment will represent Kent State University at the upcoming Solstiss Academy 2025–2026 Award Soiree at the French Embassy in New York City, where students and industry representatives will gather to celebrate the next generation of designers and the enduring artistry of French lace. World-renowned American fashion designer Vera Wang will present the final award at the event.
Congratulations to Jordan on this outstanding achievement, and to all of the Kent State fashion students who participated in this year’s Solstiss Academy.
About Kent State's New York City Fashion Program
The New York City Fashion program, located in Manhattan’s Garment District, provides students with real-world experience while living in the fashion capital of the United States. Students learn from industry-based instructors, participate in hand-on internships, volunteer at New York Fashion Week and network with successful alumni and industry professionals. The program not only offers junior-level major courses and electives but also includes senior-level major courses during the fall semester. Guest students such as journalism, public relations or marketing majors are also welcome to participate. A semester in N.Y.C. allows students to jump-start their career in the fashion industry even before they graduate.
