In 2003, The Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management was challenged by its Advisory Board to develop new UT products. RCS majors enrolled in product develop courses, Apparel Product Development and Advanced Product Development, took up the challenge and have since developed a wide range of products under their own brand, UT Vols. In addition to developing their own brand, students work on special projects for area retailers and the UT Development Office.
Out of this effort the idea emerged to establish a new tradition and create a signature plaid fabric that is uniquely UT. In 2004, Retail students in the Advanced Product Development course developed a wide range of designs. A selection committee, chaired by Mrs. Pat Johnson and including alumni, students and staff, selected the top contenders. The UT Tartan was determined by popular vote through the UT website. The first plaid products were sold in fall 2004, and each year students develop new plaid products.
During 2007-2008, RCS students developed a second UT fabric, the UT Paisley, which is being introduced this fall in quilted handbags and accessories. This fall, we will start working on more paisley products for next year!
Check out the links below to see products in the photo gallery and read articles about the project.
UT Daily Beacon article...Students develop, market various lines of university-inspired clothing, novelties