Alice Grau, Kalamazoo senior, received the 3rd annual “designer of the year” award presented by Central Michigan University’s Fashion Association of Merchandising and Design (FAMD). The apparel designs were evaluated by a panel of professors and students in the apparel merchandising and design program based on quality of design, innovative use of materials, apparel construction, and stage presentation.  Grau’s designs were inspired by the diversity of various cultures and of the individual.  According to Dr. Maureen MacGillivray, apparel merchandising and design professor and advisor to FAMD, “Alice’s designs were well tailored to each individual model.  Her use of color and texture in fabric choices was excellent.  Her work was also recognized by the panel for excellence in construction techniques.”