By: Mariah Paddock – Fashion Business Program

Genesee Community College has created their own plaid that has even been officially registered by the Scottish Register of Tartans. For the textile aspect, the GCC plaid is a twill weave, which can be easily identified by the diagonal lines. Our GCC school colors are also official Pantone colors. The blue color is the Pantone 2945 C and the yellow color is the Pantone 117 C. The plaid has been steadily moving through the college, starting with the fabric, shown above. Official GCC Plaid neck ties, bow ties, and scarves were produced in the 2015-2016 school year. The introduction of the plaid was a success, and is continuing to flourish into the 2016-2017 school year. We have introduced GCC Plaid socks and we are in the process of getting t-shirts, as well.

Students, in the fashion program are eager to get involved in different activities within the school. We are even willing to help advertise to increase awareness of the official GCC Plaid. Students have combined their efforts by posting on social media, blogging, and even making ad campaigns, seen below. We have graciously given the plaid away at different events to guests of honor and others who have taken time to help the students learn about the fashion industry. During our New York City trip in October 2015, we gave the plaid neck ties, bow ties and scarves to the people in the industry, including former alumni, as gifts. They were telling their stories to students and giving them tips about making it in the fashion industry. Students have also given the plaid to guest speakers that are part of the Fashion Speaks Series at the GCC Batavia campus, one being the Emmy Award winning fashion stylist, David Zyla.

Giving the plaid to these special people showcases the fashion students’ appreciation for their participation in helping them succeed.

Students are always using social media to spread the word about the work they are doing or events that are happening at Genesee Community College. The hashtags are a perfect way to stay connected with each other and get the word out on an international level. While in New York City the fashion students used the hashtag #GCCinNYC. Now, with the plaid, we ask everyone to post pictures of themselves in the GCC Plaid and hashtag it, #GCCPlaid.

The GCC Plaid is also on display in the Alfred C. O’Connell Library, featuring a vest, kilt, socks and scarf, seen above. The vest and kilt in the display was created by Professor Donna Ehrhart. Design students are in the process of making their own plaid vests and other items in the official plaid. Currently the GCC Plaid socks are for sale in the Math and Science Suite for $10. Stay tuned for the GCC Plaid Logo t-shirts that are coming soon!

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