While recession-sensitive designers like Betsey Johnson are bowing out of fashion week, and companies like Obedient Sons & Daughters shuttering completely, a runway show centered around cotton-designed looks resonates as a thrifty solution. At last night's Supima Runway Show at the vaulted Gotham Hall, 21 on-the-up designers showed their pieces in the form of knits, denim and chambray, and superfine shirting. A handful of fashion-savvy judges were on hand, including 30 Rock's Katrina Bowden, and Tim Yap, editor of Sportswear International.

With her two standout pieces, including a white jersey evening dress featuring floral appliqué and a denim cocktail dress, this year's top design prize went to Kimenna. And what did the lovely lady get to take home with her? "Nothing," laughed Kimenna, "but the exposure." Even still, the Supima title is a solid launching pad for the young designer, who applied for the contest after receiving an email from a career services employee from her alma mater, Parsons. In addition to this runway contest, Kimenna said that as of now, she has a small collection made of only cotton that she sells online, "mainly to France, England, and Spain."

Besides Kimenna, there were a few other notable designers to keep an eye on. Kurt A. Smith displayed two strong looks that included a white jersey crew-neck gown with exquisite detailing, including beading and a classic denim cocktail dress that would have made Jackie O. smile. Also turning heads was Karen Sabag, with a breathtaking decorative corset-based wedding gown. With a mixture of classic-to-baffling Monet-invoking pieces, the Supima Runway Show offered refreshing, innovative designs to keep spirits up during this period of sartorial uncertainty.

Photos: Tom Concordia