Alumna wins design contest, trip to NY Fashion Week

Less than a year after her designs took to the runway at the CCAD Senior Fashion Show, Fashion Design alumna Kassie Haji is back in the spotlight.

The 2013 graduate won a contest to design an outfit for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver and Ohio native Brad Smith.

"I'm ecstatic about it," Haji said in an interview with FOX 28 news.

Designers were asked to submit a complete red carpet look, including a suit, shirt, accessories, and vest, if applicable. Haji heard about the competition right before the deadline, giving her only a day and a half to complete her entire concept.

Haji's winning design earned her a cash prize and a trip to New York City with Smith last weekend, where he showcased the look at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

The final rendering of Haji's design was displayed at an evening reception where it received very positive feedback, Haji said.

"I was really honored," she said. "It was a new experience being in the limelight."

Haji said she plans to make the suit for Smith, and is excited to see what comes of this experience and exposure. "[I'm] just waiting to see where the future takes me now."

Haji was born in Northern Iraq and is a resident of Columbus, OH. She graduated from Feinstein High School in Rhode Island.