Posts Tagged ‘International Academy of Design and Technology’
IMAGINE the Possiblity
Wednesday, April 21st, 2010
To be honest, when I headed to my first IMAGINE fashion show by the International Academy of Design & Technology, I was skeptical of the show’s production value. I had had heard good things, but, after all, it’s produced entirely by…students? In short, the show was quite possibly the year’s best. In fact, these students could teach the pros a thing or two about how to create an energetic, quality runway show that gets the audience genuinely excited about the future of Chicago fashion.
Immediately upon walking in, the Grand Hall of Union Station imposed a striking impression. Alit with spotlights, the architecture’s towering columns and marble floors transformed the commuter destination into a dramatic, sexy event space. The reception area housed a square-shaped bar and a Michelle Tan installation. After staring up at Michelle’s designs and duly noting some future purchases, I made my way past the partition and to the runway.
To open the show, NBC’s Ginger Zee—donning a dress by a student presenter—took the stage. She elaborated on how the proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House and provided more information on Michelle, a successful IADT graduate as well as the night’s honorary designer. After the introductions, Shiny Toy Guns provided a three-song musical performance that started with “Major Tom” from the Lincoln MKZ commercial. It was quite a heart-pumping warm-up.
When the song commenced, a screen came down and hid the band from sight as the first model appeared. On either side of the stage were two large projection screens that displayed each of the 13 design themes, including “Checks and Balances,” “Woodstock,” “Champaign Toast,” and “Culture Couture.” Above the runway, the 32 student designers’ names appeared on a LED-like sign as their creations hit the stage. The range of their aesthetics was accentuated by the various themes, which streamlined the extensive range of styles into one cohesive show.
Of the many, many womenswear and some menswear I saw, my favorites were the “Street” and “Faux Effect” themes. The Street looks were the most daring and youthful. The bandeau tops, sequin suspenders, short hems, star-pattered jeans, and black and gold bolero were all interesting and fresh takes on streetwear. The Faux Effect theme closed the show in a sensory finale that was both dynamic and breathtaking. The Edward Sissorhands-ish music was combined with snow-like confetti that rained on the audience. The looks included faux fur coats, shawls and tops that the models presented at a pace much slower than the preceding looks. From where I was sitting, the fake fur appeared as soft and luxurious as the real thing.
As these young fashion designers move into their careers, we look forward to seeing how they add to the industry, whether that be in Chicago, New York, LA or beyond. Though this economy may be an intimidating and challenging front to face, we saw some talent that’s destined for big things.
By Meghan Turner
Photography by Scott Kallstrand
Tags: Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Runway Shows, Ginger Zee, IADT, IMAGINE Fashion Show, International Academy of Design and Technology, Michelle Tan
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IDAT IMAGINE Fashion Show
Monday, April 12th, 2010
We truly enjoy seeing what local fashion students bring to the runway. At Style Admirer, we support them and look forward to what their design careers will add to the Chicago fashion industry. So, when events like the IMAGINE fashion show come around, we willingly take our seat along the catwalk. Beginning at 8pm this Wednesday, the young fashion designers of the International Academy of Design and Technology will proudly display their work at Union Station’s Great Hall (210 S Canal Street). A portion of the $40 ticket prices will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charity. Tickets are still available, and you can get yours here. We urge you to come out and lend your support to these young visionaries.
By Meghan Turner
Image courtesy of IDAT
Tags: Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion Events, IDAT, IMAGINE Fashion Show, International Academy of Design and Technology, Runway Show
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CFF’s 3rd Annual Scholarship Benefit
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
As Chicago’s fashion community grows, it’s critical that we support and cultivate the young talent in our city. This is a mutually beneficial pursuit, as it recognizes the designers’ work and promotes our budding fashion industry as a market in which they can lend their sartorial vision. The Chicago Fashion Foundation (CFF) has made this their mission, and on Thursday night, the non-profit held its 3rd Annual Scholarship Benefit to honor local fashion students.
Held in the Narcissus Room in the Macy’s on State Street, the event attracted quite the crowd of industry insiders and admirers, who were treated to an open bar, silent auction and runway competition. With a fresh cocktail in hand and bids on the line for designer jeans, yoga packages, and more, guests took their seats and watched as the nine finalists–chosen from 30 design entries–presented their skill and creativity. The challenge: design an ensemble inspired by one of Chicago’s 28 sister cities around the world.
Eunyoung Joo’s winning look (left) and Michael Schellenbach’s third place look (right). Above: Randy Rusnadi’s second place look
As the models strolled down the u-shaped catwalk, each designer’s skill was obvious. Though the looks weren’t all particularly wearable, the abroad influence was there, captured in a unique and interesting way. The creations made for a tough call among the judges, who included Chicago magazine’s fashion director, Stacey Jones; “Project Runway’s” Steven Rosengard; Akira owner Erikka Wang; ZZAZZ Enterprises, Inc.’s Producer/Director, Tracey Tarantino; and Macy’s North and Northwest Director of Media Relations, Andrea Schwartz.
Unfortunately, only three designers could take home one of the three scholarships: $5,000, $1,000 and $500. Eunyoung Joo (International Academy of Design and Technology) won the competition for her Moscow-inspired dress with a fur collar and bishop sleeves. Randy Rusnadi’s (Harper College) Athens-inspired navy military jacket, gold silk top, and navy silk skirt took second, while Michael Schellenbach (Illinois Institute of Art) brought home the $500 scholarship for his red menswear jumpsuit with fur trim and Chrysler emblem belt, also inspired by Moscow.
One of our favorite looks: Anna Gaukel’s Paris-influenced design
Overall, the event was a success, bringing in about $5,500. Those funds will go back to the Chicago fashion industry through CFF’s many runway shows, scholarships and networking events that have generously supported the community for years. We look forward to seeing what next year’s finalist bring to CFF’s runway, and we can’t wait to see what this year’s finalists do in the future.
By Meghan Turner
Images courtesy of the Chicago Fashion Foundation
Tags: Akira, Anna Gaukel, Chicago Designers, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Fashion Foundation, Chicago magazine, Columbia College, Erikka Wang, Eunyoung Joo, Harper College, Illinois Institute of Art, International Academy of Design and Technology, Michael Schellenbach, Project Runway, Randy Rusnadi, Stacey Jones, Steven Rosengard
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