It was a big night for Unisync Group, as NAUMD announced the winners of the 2022 Image of the Year Award® Competition. The Canadian-based supplier walked away with 4 top awards, and a Best of the Best nod for its work on Westjet. Design Collective by Cintas was a close second with 3 awards; Aramark walked away with 2. Rounding out the list are Luly Yang, Universal Orlando, Mi Hub, Galls, Lands’ End Business Outfitters, Workwear Outfitters, and Superior Group of Companies.
For over four decades, the NAUMD’s Image of the Year Award® Competition has honored uniform manufacturers, distributors and end users that have achieved excellence within the image apparel space. Specifically designed to assist in identifying staff and professionals, image apparel can also extend a company’s brand, increase safety, enhance interior décor and improve employee morale.
Seventeen End Users were recognized this year. Here’s a quick look at each program.
Transportation – Aviation
Best of the Best
WestJet
Unisync Group
The WestJet collection was designed in collaboration with Juli Grbac and manufactured by Unisync.
The new collection includes pieces for pilots, flight attendants,airport agents and the lounge. The collection is also certified to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, the highest industry standard for safety. WestJet is the first Canadian airline to achieve this certification.
Transportation – Shipping & Delivery
Iron Mountain Driver Program
Aramark
The uniform program consists of different pieces centered around a core item —a polo constructed of lightweight piqué for a comfortable, lightweight feel. Other pieces in the program include t-shirts in both navy and high-visibility yellow, outerwear of different weights, pants in an assortment of fits (including women’s!), wide brimmed hats for sun protection or knit hats for cool climates.
Transportation – Train & Rail
Best in Class Service, Keolis
Galls
Keolis worked with Gall’s to develop a new professional and stylish look for uniforms, outerwear and footwear. End users have several shirt options, each colored in gray and emblazoned with the Keolis logo. Maternity wear is also provided.
Quick Service Restaurants
Tim Hortons
Unisync Group
A desire to present a more “Canadian” feel to customers led to the addition of red plaid being used as an accent and pop of color. Options include short sleeve polos, flat front pants, full zip sweater, baker’s chef jacket, a winter jacket and visors and caps. The program consists of 100% fully custom-produced styles.
Restaurants – Single Location
Climate Pledge Arena Lounges
The Luly Yang Design Group
Inspired by the silhouettes and architectural features of Seattle’s cityscape, the collection features tailored pants, vests, button-up shirts, blazers, dresses and aprons for two exclusive lounges, made with 80% recycled materials — aligning with the mission to be the first carbon zero arena in the world.
Casinos
Spotlight 29
Design Collective by Cintas
Spotlight wanted new apparel in a hurry, and though use of its signature express and stock options, Design Collective by Cintas was able to offer immediate solutions. The Spotlight 29 emblem is used extensively to reinforce the brand.
Entertainment – Amusement Parks
Jurassic World VelociCoaster
Universal Orlando
Guards are easily identifiable dressed in two- tone gray tactical attire branded with the Jurassic World logo. Wardrobe items are made with moisture wicking, mechanical stretch fabric in two weights; light weight for the tactical shirts and cadet caps while mid-weight was utilized for the cargo bottoms and winter jacket.
Car Rental Services
Hertz
Mi Hub
The program was created with an inside and outside collection to address the work environments for the employee groups. The Inside Collection includes woven shirts that are worn tucked in with an additional soft knit blouse style; the Outside Collection features woven shirts to be worn untucked.
Manufacturing – Technology
Bell Canada
Unisync Group
A casual T shirt is at the center of this program. Embellishments utilize the digital printing process for maximum durability. The maternity T shirt eliminates a ‘tent” like appearance yet creates the additional ease needed.
Safety & Industrial – High Visibility
Sysco
Aramark
Safety is a top concern at Sysco, and Aramark developed a program that incorporates this concern into one easy-to-wear and care for polo. The fabric performs in harsh environments and is light weight, moisture wicking and breathable. Complementing sweatshirts and jackets are also provided.
Safety & Industrial – Flame Resistant
Pioneer Natural Resources
Design Collective by Cintas
The Flame Resistant Clothing Collection is a mix and match wardrobe offering. Goals were to have a variety of apparel items that would meet the needs from a safety, style and brand perspective. Highlights include Ariat FR jeans and a patterned button down shirt emblazoned with the Pioneer logo.
Healthcare
Sabanera Health
Design Collective by Cintas
Created by celebrity designer Nono Maldonado and Cintas, happy colors are used throughout to coordinate with the bright accents found in the interiors, while soft silhouette bow blouses add a feminine touch.
Retail – Banks
Chase
Lands’ End Business Outfitters
The program is a partnership between ESSENCE, Chase, and Lands’ End Business Outfitters, and aims to empower Black fashion designers and take their brands to the next level. The winning designer, Deidre Jefferies, was cited for her attention to detail and fascination with blending classic and modern designs.
Retail – Grocery
Shoppers Drug Mart
Unisync Group
The collection includes short sleeve polos, full zip sweater, woven dress shirts, and the program’s centerpiece, a high quality pharmacist lab jacket in soft, brushed cotton/poly blended fabric.
Retail – Automotive
Mopar Dealership
Workwear Outfitters
The program incorporates technology into the fabric that repels the toughest auto fluids, including oil, keeping shirts looking newer for longer, and flex stretch panels offer mobility and breathability.
Education
National Aviation Academy
Superior Group of Companies
Highlights include shirts using a ripstop, 100% poly fabric that is moisture wicking, durable, and light weight. The whimsical moto jacket is colored in red and black.
Construction Services
Telus
Unisync Group
Utilizing light and dark grays as the base color on all garments and the use of the vibrant TELUS purple pantone as an accent provided just the right amount of pop to the uniforms.