CHICAGO–Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ: CTAS) today announced that it has received five Image of the Year (IOY) Awards from the North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors (NAUMD), including a “Best of the Best” award. Presented by the Image Apparel Institute (IAI), a division of the NAUMD, the 2016 IOY Awards recognize fashion, function, creativity and innovation in apparel design.
“For 17 consecutive years our fashion designers and clients have been recognized with NAUMD IOY Awards,” said Kristin Sharp, Director of Design and Merchandising at Cintas. “Through collaboration with our clients, we create apparel collections that not only deliver a high image, but are also designed to perform in the work environment.”
The Cintas program for Monarch Beach Resort, an Orange County luxury resort, was not only recognized in the hotel single-unit category, but also as the “Best of the Best” which spans across all categories. Designed by Fourmy, Cintas’ luxury brand, the uniform program was inspired by the society, lifestyle and the surrounding local environment. Mediterranean inspired, tailored pieces were designed in a washed out color palate with subtle textural juxtapositions and a restrained use of bright accents. As a result, this custom created apparel collection reflects the essence of modernity, simplicity and a contemporary fashion aesthetic.
“Our property is the premier coastal destination for guests with active lifestyles, so we wanted to create a modern, yet functional apparel program that projects that image,” said Adam Knight, Resort Manager, Monarch Beach Resort. “Fourmy designed a program that complements the luxurious interiors of our newly renovated beach-front property perfectly. They also seamlessly worked our association with the Monarch butterfly into an exquisite cocktail server dress.”
Winner for multi-unit hotels, the Cintas apparel program for Embassy Suites is designed to inspire the Embassy Suites’ predominantly millennial employees. It features softer fabrics and silhouettes that allow for individuality and personal style, while maintaining brand identity. The collection also includes eco-friendly garments.
Cintas’ uniform program for the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul, MN won in the entertainment category for its classic, tailored apparel with accents of red to match the Ordway brand and building décor accents. Cintas designed the collection in coordination with the Ordway’s 30th anniversary and grand opening of their new Concert Hall.
Winner in the gaming category, the Greektown Casino-Hotel in Detroit, MI apparel program from Cintas went hand-in-hand with its new image. Designed so team members look sharp and feel confident, the fun and vibrant collection features bold cobalt blue apparel for dealers, created so they stand apart from the crowds on the casino floor, and a black/blue combination for bartenders that presents a hip, cool look.
“Our goal in working with Cintas to design these uniforms was two-fold,” said Jason Gregorec, general manager, Greektown Casino-Hotel. “First, we wanted to create a fresh, modern look that our team members and guests would love. But, most importantly, we wanted to engage our team members in the process, gathering feedback from them to ensure they were comfortable with our final selection.”
To view the winning programs and past winners, visit www.cintas.com/imageawards.
For more information about NAUMD or the IOY Awards, visit www.naumd.com or call (516) 393-5838.
