Student-designed scarf commemorates Cantamus first international tour

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University’s Cantamus treble-voice choir will embark on their first international tour in June, donning custom scarves designed by Elli Allen. Allen was a student in the fashion design and merchandising program and graduated in spring 2025.

Allen was the winner of a scarf-design contest organized by Jennifer Rodgers, Cantamus conductor and ISU’s Assistant Director of Choral Activities in collaboration with Doreen Chung and Yvonne Lee, both professors in the department of apparel, merchandising and design. 

Allen’s design was inspired by Finnish folk art and ISU spirit. The design features Finland’s blue and white flag, Iowa’s white primrose flower, and diamond motifs inspired by Finnish runes and dishware.

“I wanted to combine ISU motifs with Finland’s national symbols,” Allen said. “This was definitely a challenge for me, and I really learned a lot.”