Design Collective by Cintas Wins Three 2026 NAUMD Image of the Year Awards
Chicago, IL — Design Collective® by Cintas has won three 2026 Image of the Year Awards from the North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors (NAUMD), recognizing standout workplace apparel for Hollywood Casino Joliet, State Farm Arena and Pier Sixty-Six Resort.
Together, these winning collections reflect Design Collective’s ability to translate distinct brand environments into fashion-led, boutique apparel solutions that support employees, elevate the guest experience and perform in real-world hospitality and entertainment settings.
“Winning three NAUMD Image of the Year Awards is an incredible honor and a meaningful reflection of the creativity and collaboration behind every program we bring to life, each of these collections was designed to help our clients express who they are through apparel that is brand-right, fashion-forward for their needs.”
The annual awards recognize excellence in workplace apparel design. According to NAUMD, Image of the Year award submissions are judged on originality of design, projection of branding, functionality for the job and use of technology and innovation.
From high-energy casino and arena environments to a reimagined luxury waterfront resort, this year’s winning entries highlight how Design Collective approaches each customer’s unique vision with a balance of brand immersion, operational understanding and fashion-driven problem solving.
“Great design starts with understanding the experience a brand wants to create and the realities employees face every day on the job,” said Bartek. “These programs show what happens when thoughtful design, functional performance and a strong point of view come together.”
Showcase: Award-winning apparel collections
Imagery and supporting program materials available upon request.
Hollywood Casino Joliet
Category: Entertainment (Casinos & Events), Restaurants & Food Service
Designed for a dynamic casino, dining and guest-services environment, the Hollywood Casino Joliet apparel collection supports 350 wearers across roles ranging from dealers and slot attendants to bartenders, culinary teams, security and receiving. The collection was developed to reflect the property’s modern, energetic identity while meeting the demands of a high-traffic, 24/7 environment. Distinct apparel elements help identify roles across the property, while breathable, high-performance materials and tailored design choices support comfort, movement and long-lasting wear.
State Farm Arena
Category: Entertainment
At State Farm Arena, Design Collective created a fashion-forward program for hundreds of event-day team members across premium, guest experience, security and box office roles. The collection was informed by local culture, employee feedback and job performance needs. With a palette of stone, grey, black and camel, the program was designed to feel modern, versatile and true to Atlanta — helping unify a large, multi-role workforce while giving employees apparel they genuinely want to wear.
Pier Sixty-Six Resort
Category: Lodging
For Pier Sixty-Six Resort, Design Collective developed a wardrobe that extends the property’s refined waterfront identity into every guest-facing moment. The 575-employee program was shaped by trend, market and fabric research, along with interior renderings provided by the client, to create a collection rooted in South Florida glamour, coastal elegance and contemporary luxury. Airy fabrications, a sophisticated palette and custom prints created for distinct resort spaces help the program feel both elevated and deeply connected to place, while performance-minded materials support comfort in a warm coastal climate.
About Design Collective® by Cintas
Design Collective by Cintas is an award-winning, fashion-forward uniform design studio within Cintas Corporation (Nasdaq: CTAS). The team partners with clients across hospitality, entertainment, and healthcare to craft apparel programs that express brand identity, elevate employee confidence, and deliver performance on the job. With design hubs in Cincinnati, New York, Chicago and Toronto, the studio blends creative vision with Cintas’s industry-leading supply chain and service capabilities. Learn more about Design Collective apparel, capabilities and process.
Design Collective and the Design Collective logo are registered trademarks of Cintas Corporation.