DALLAS, Apr 7, 2011/ — Young women have design choices to express themselves in all aspects of their lives from fashion to the color of their cell phone, so why do they still have to settle for the boring and institutional look of feminine care?

U by Kotex, a bold feminine care line from Kimberly-Clark Corporation, has partnered with fashion visionary Patricia Field to give young women the opportunity to take a stand against the bland look of feminine care and inspire the category’s future.

Jumpstarting female creativity, the line is also now introducing color and design variety on pads and liners for the first time ever, bringing even more style to the U by Kotex line.

“At this point in my career, I am thrilled to have the chance to speak with young women and bring design to the bland feminine care category through this partnership with U by Kotex,” said Patricia Field, an Academy Award-nominated, two-time Emmy Award-winning stylist whose fashion career spans 45 years and who is best known for her TV and film work, including Sex and the City, Ugly Betty and The Devil Wears Prada. “I’m looking forward to seeing the creativity come to life in the design contest and final products.”

Together, U by Kotex and Patricia are inviting young women to share their inspirations through an online design contest. To enter, a pad, accessory or inspiration board can be designed and submitted at www.BantheBland.com for the chance to work with Patricia to design a new U by Kotex product and to attend a runway show at Fashion Week in New York City.

Designs will be accepted from April 4 through June 29 and then everyone can vote for the winning designs online from August 1 through 24. The new U by Kotex products inspired by the winners and Patricia will be in stores in 2012.

To ENTER the CONTEST, go to: www.BanTheBland.com

No purchase necessary to enter the contest. The Ban the Bland Design Challenge is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada who are 14 years of age or older as of date of entry.

Parental consent is required if entrant is under the age of majority in his/her state, province or territory of residence. Entries must be received by 11:59:59 PM ET on 6/29/11.

For Rules/to enter, visit www.BanTheBland.com (English) or fr.ubykotex.com (French). Sponsor: In the US, Kimberly-Clark Global Sales, LLC, 2100 Winchester Road, Neenah, WI 54956 USA. In Canada: Kimberly-Clark Inc., Mississauga, ON L5B 3Y5.