Iowa State apparel design competition launches new products and provides real-world opportunities 

Seniors in Fashion Design and Merchandising program win season two of Cyclones Take New York

AMES, Iowa – Two new Iowa State garments, produced in collaboration with Charlie Hustle, are arriving in stores this week. Each features an original design created by Iowa State students as part of the university’s Cyclones Take New York competition. 

Now in its second season, the competition challenges students to create an original Iowa State licensed product that fills a market gap.  

“Cyclones Take New York is a full-circle experience for students,” said Ben Vinar, Iowa State assistant director of trademark licensing. “They learn the fundamentals of trademark licensing, faculty members provide guidance in applying market research strategies to the project, and students create something unique. It’s a great way to prepare students for the kind of collaboration and strategic thinking they’ll use in their careers.” 

Students pitched their market research and final design to a panel of judges. Two designs were then selected for production by Charlie Hustle. Lauren Goman and Piper Michalski, both seniors in fashion design and merchandising, are the designers behind the winning garments. 

“It’s much easier to design for your own taste and vision, but designing for someone else is a bigger challenge,” said Goman. “Through the competition, I really improved my skills in designing for a target market. Working alongside trademark also gave me experience designing under stricter guidelines, similar to those used by big brands.” 

Goman noted a market gap for Iowa State fans looking for a product that showcased their Cyclone pride while embracing Iowa’s traditions and outdoor spirit.  

“I wanted to include Iowa staples like cornfields, sunrises, and the state flower,” said Goman. “I also wanted to highlight how I’ve noticed people enjoy their leisure time, whether that’s spending time on their bikes or ‘packing the Jack’ on game days.” 

Michalski, a two-time winner of the contest, leaned into the market looking for apparel that celebrates campus traditions and the student experience. Her design is a detailed campus map that highlights class routes and iconic buildings.  

“The design connects students and alumni, fostering that nostalgia and unity while showcasing what it means to be a Cyclone,” said Michalski. “This contest really helped me get more comfortable describing my work, talking about the process behind my thoughts, and why I chose to design something the way I did.” 

Known for their premium quality fabrics and garments, both designs are printed on Charlie Hustle products. Goman and Michalski worked with the company to make their idea a reality. 

“I learned so much about the design aspects that are related to mass printing a product and how the different roles at Charlie Hustle work together to make it happen,” said Michalski. 

“Charlie Hustle gave me valuable insight into the industry and feedback on how to improve my design,” added Goman. “I am really proud of how the final product came out.” 

A launch party for the products will be held at Iowa State’s student-run retail store, Innovate 1858, on Thursday, Sept. 4, from 2 to 6 p.m. 

Season 2, Cyclones Take New York Judges 

Sadie Anderson, Iowa State procurement agent 
Emily Goulet, Charlie Hustle 
Nathan Terry, Iowa State athletics associate director of marketing 
Ben Vinar, Iowa State assistant director of trademark licensing 
Emily M. S. Worrall, co-creator of Cyclones Take New York contest, assistant professor at St. Catherine’s University  

Cyclones Take New York, Participating Retailers 

Charlie Hustle 
Cy’s Locker Room 
Innovate 1858 – Iowa State’s on-campus, student-run retail store 
ISU Book Store 
Rally House