Pallas Textiles winner reflects as 2026 competition to launch
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) senior Julianna Frixione ’26 (Product Design) says winning the 2025 Pallas Textiles Student Design Competition will mainly affect her remaining studies at MIAD by “pushing me to continue working hard at the path I’m on.”
“I have always been passionate about textiles, and to win is validating for all the work I’ve put into my passion,” says Frixione. “MIAD has helped my passion find purpose.”
With the 2026 student design competition opening in January, Frixione shares that her 2025 winning surface design, Vivacious, was deeply inspired by nature and her grandmother.
Julianna Frixione. Image courtesy of Pallas Textiles.
Julianna Frixione, “Vivacious,” 2025. Image courtesy of Pallas Textiles.
Julianna Frixione, “Vivacious,” 2025. Image courtesy of Pallas Textiles.
“My grandmother taught me how to love the mundane and find beauty in the simple things that surround us,” Frixione wrote in her contest submission, which was excerpted in Pallas Textiles’ “Insights & Inspiration” blog last July. “She’s always been a phenomenal designer in her own right. This piece is, in many ways, a tribute to her.”
The design is based on biophilic design. “Biophilic design is an approach to interior design that seeks to connect people with nature by incorporating natural elements into a built environment,” Frixione wrote.
“I wanted to adapt those principles into a textile design because I believe they offer an opportunity to create visually appealing and emotionally enriching patterns that resonate with people.”
Frixione says her internship at SI Jacobson (SIJ) and “amazing boss Tresha Nielson ’12” have also greatly benefited her design expertise and Vivacious. “Working at SIJ [since 2024] has helped me grow as a designer, and the mentorship I have received there is priceless. My perspective on how I am able to use my education has shifted and grown with the experience of working in the current design and manufacturing industry.
“I am grateful that the education I have received from MIAD is adaptable, and I am grateful to SIJ for the chance to grow and use my education. Also, my amazing boss, Tresha Nielsen, gave me her critique on my design and how to improve it, so a special thank you to her!”
Vivacious was featured at the NeoCon 2025, along with Frixione’s original artwork, color palettes and creative inspiration. The 2025 Pallas competition was in partnership with KI and MIAD, and the 2026 competition will be open to all students. An informational meeting for students was held at MIAD in November.
Learn more about MIAD’s Product Design major.
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