IMAGINE Fashion Show

One of Chicago's hottest fashion showcases is set to take place at the
UIC Forum Stage on Thursday, May 19th, 2011 at 8 p.m. when
students from The International Academy of Design & Technology host
IMAGINE '11. Emceed by ABC 7's Val Warner, this student-produced
exhibition will showcase the multitude of design talent and production of
IADT's students, in addition to highlighting unique programs at the
school. Featuring over 100 original student designs by over 40
designers, Miss Illinois USA 2011 Angela Sparrow will lend a hand on
the runway while musical guest Kristinia DeBarge performs for a night of
fashion, fun and inspiration!

"The 2011 IMAGINE show is all about go big or go home," says Travis
Reed, Creative Marketing Director for IADT. "We plan to inspire
Chicagoan designers and residents this year to broaden fashion
horizons and stimulate our local economy. Everything this year is larger
- stage, audience, model cast, venue, effects, etc." Having first worked
on this production as a student in 1998, Reed has seen it come full
circle to the extravaganza it is today. "The show will not only wow the
audience with our student's talent, but help raise awareness for The
Humane Society of the United States and contribute to The Ronald
McDonald House Charities."

IMAGINE '11 is created, produced and performed by the students and
faculty of IADT Chicago. Each program at IADT plays an intricate role in
bringing IMAGINE '11 to life including Interior Design, Advertising &
Design, Multi-Media Production & Design, Merchandising Management
and Fashion Design. From developing a creative logo, assembling
sensational stage designs, casting professional models from Ford and
Factor, and designing unique garments, all of these programs come
together as a team. Student designs, chosen by a panel of local fashion
insiders and industry experts, will grace the runway featuring categories
such as daywear, swim, cocktail, evening, wearable art and fabric
manipulation with a special presentation of McQueen inspired gowns in
honor of the late Alexander McQueen.

The evening will honor and feature a fashion installation from IADT
graduate and locally acclaimed designer Nora del Busto, who won
Latino Fashion Week in 2008 and was chosen for Macy's 2009 Fashion
Incubator program. Also, IADT graduate LaTonya Williams, who
received accolades at last year's show for her attention-grabbing yellow
coat dress that opened up Imagine 2010. Williams recently made
headlines for being chosen as one of six designers to compete on
Kenmore Live Studio's online competition "So You Wanna Be A
Designer," hosted by Debbie Jagel.

IMAGINE '11 will also feature two competitions; LAUNCH YOUR LINE,
a grant contest sponsored by IADT alum Michelle Tan, where fashion
design students compete by creating looks to be sold in her store at
Block 37. After reviewing sketches submitted, Tan will choose five
finalists who will then create pieces for consideration. All proceeds from
sales will go to the winner including $1000 in grant money. TRENCH OF
YOUR DREAMS, the 2011 Alumni Trench Coat Design Contest, is
hosted by the IADT Fashion Design Department and invites graduates
to design the ultimate trench coat for a $1000 cash prize. Ten designs
will be a featured segment on the runway at IMAGINE '11 and the
winner announced that night.