International Academy of Design and Technology’s IMAGINE Fashion Show May 21, 2009

The International Academy of Design & Technology (The Academy) will host the 30th annual student fashion show, IMAGINE on Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 8 p.m. Taking place at The Great Hall at Union Station, located at 210-225 S. Canal St. (entrance off Jackson), IMAGINE 2009 will showcase the multitude of fashion talent of the Academy’s students, in addition to highlighting unique programs at the school.



IMAGINE 2009 is created, produced and performed by the students and faculty of the Academy. Each program at the Academy plays a role in conceiving the stylish student fashion show: from developing the creative logo and sensational stage décor, casting the professional models, as well as creating the fantastic fashions. Programs such as Interior Design, Advertising & Design, Multi-Media Production & Design, Merchandising Management and Fashion Design will come together for a night of fashion, fun and inspiration. The fashion show at the Academy also offers students the distinctive opportunity to experience the reality of all aspects of the fashion industry.



In February, students from the Academy entered the Design Chicago competition and were shown seven inspirations from local sponsors: four shoes from retail boutique Akira, a chemise by intimate line Evlove, a handbag by luxury accessory designer Sonal Gandhi, and a piece of artwork from contemporary artist Bela Gandhi. Seven selected garments created from each inspiration will each win a $500 cash prize from the sponsors.



The winning seven garments and more than 100 original student designs will be featured on the IMAGINE 2009 runway from categories such as avant-garde, bridal, cocktail, ethnic, evening, knitwear, and faux fur. A panel of local fashion insiders and industry experts will jury the student fashion show and select the fashions that will be featured in IMAGINE 2009 on Thursday, April 23, 2009 from 6 to 8 p.m.



Unique to this year’s event, Teen Vogue will feature a contest called FASHION FORWARD for high school students who are interested in fashion design. In generating interest, the Academy will host a “sketch & sew” seminar for those interested to enter the competition and for those looking to expand their fashion skills. A finalist will be chosen from each Academy location to create the garment in advance to the next round of judging. The finalists will each receive a $5,000 scholarship, be flown to Chicago for IMAGINE 2009 and have their garments unveiled during the event. The top three finalists out of the ten Academy schools will get to attend the Teen Vogue Fashion Academy in the fall. The winner will be announced at IMAGINE 2009 and will also receive a full scholarship to attend at any Academy school location.



Tickets for IMAGINE 2009 go on sale Monday, April 13, 2009 and can be purchased at the Academy campus bookstore, 1 N. State St., 5th floor or by calling (312) 980-9295 or emailing imagine09@iadtchicago.com Prices are $40 for general admission and $10 for current Academy students. A percentage of proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Humane Society, Bridge to Success, Lynn Sage Foundation and the Sierra Club.



For additional information, visit http://www.iadtchicago.edu.

Official Website: http://www.iadtchicago.edu.