For the 14th consecutive year, customers of Cintas Corporation won Image of the Year (IOY) awards during a banquet held by the North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD) in Orlando, Fla.
Selected from an extensive list of prominent nominees, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Grand Hyatt San Francisco and The Breakers Palm Beach were presented with awards based on the design, versatility and quality of their apparel programs.
“Each year, Cintas impresses us with the amount of detail and creativity they put into the uniform process and how it translates into meeting or exceeding its clients’ goals,” said Richard J. Lerman, president and CEO of the NAUMD. “We are pleased to celebrate their uniform expertise and programs with the awards, which recognize the best in corporate workwear.”
Winner in the multi-unit hotel category, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, the signature brand of Marriott International, partnered with Cintas to create the RED Collection—a new line of contemporary suiting that speaks to the brand’s heritage and passion with bold red hues.
As Marriott Hotels & Resorts’ signature color, red plays an intricate part of the uniform program, standing out against backdrops of charcoal grey or black while making bold, modern statements in the form of accessories.
“Symbolizing passion and energy, red shows up throughout the Marriott collection as the thread that ties all the pieces together,” said Jeff Marino, Creative Director, Cintas. “The stylish, contemporary design provides Marriott’s team with impeccable taste and style, and emphasizes their role around the world as true hosts.”
Winner of the single-unit award went to Grand Hyatt San Francisco, where Cintas fashion designer Robert Fajfrowski created uniforms that reflect the city’s trendy atmosphere and strong emphasis on architecture and design. Using innovative trims, textures, colors and cuts, Cintas created an edgy, yet sophisticated look for staff in customer-facing positions, including front desk, lounge and banquet personnel.
“The key for this client was to depict a progressive hotel experience through funky, yet professional uniform designs,” said Fajfrowski. “A huge inspiration for the program was the hotel’s brand identity and San Francisco’s reputation as a trendsetter.”
“The goal for this program was to create a memorable apparel program more in line with costumes than uniforms,” said Fajfrowski. “The wardrobe, along with staff hair and makeup, sets the stage for performance and captures the spirit of the 50s and 60s cocktail environment—perfect for guests seeking a true getaway.”
“We are very proud of the work that went into these apparel collections and honored that they are being recognized by the NAUMD awards,” said Todd McKeown, Vice President Global Hospitality and Gaming, Cintas.
“The awards are a testament to our team’s ability to create innovative, stylish apparel and deliver workwear programs that meet our clients’ objectives. It is inspiring to see our customers’ ideas develop into image programs that reflect their unique brands.”
