IMAGINE the Possibilities
IADT- Chicago utilizes multiple majors during the 2011 IMAGINE Fashion Show production.
Words by Cathryn Piccirillo
Photography by Daniel Tomei, Tutto Bene Photography
Lucky. Excited. Giddy. Anxious. Relief. These are the adjectives five IMAGINE contributors from the International Academy of Design and Technology- Chicago used to describe their fashion show experience. This year, IADT- Chicago chose to include multiple majors during the inception of their show. Students from the Fashion Design, Merchandise Management, Interior Design, Visual Communication and Game Design divisions came together to network and produce a memorable event held on May 19th, 2011 at the UIC Forum Stage.
Sophomore Interior Design student, Christopher Wilson never anticipated being involved in IMAGINE when he began his educational experience. However, Wilson’s space planning class was enlisted to organize the seating forum and entrance areas. “In previous years, the class designed the stage,” Wilson said. “However, this year we spent extensive time studying not only how to make a space attractive, but also safe.” The 15 students were broken into two groups and focused on these two various locations. “I worked on the seating. Originally, the faculty hoped to include 1,000 seats, but the magic number ended up being 675. This allowed a good view for everyone attending while meeting safety standards.” During certain points in the planning process, Wilson was skeptical regarding the classes’ progress. “Everybody wanted to jump forward and be a leader,” he said. “But, when you’re working in a group, you have to keep your ego in check. You have to remember to consult with the committee. A strong person will have ideas, but a wise one can recognize the good ideas of others.” Overall, despite these small creative disputes, Wilson greatly appreciated the IMAGINE experience. “It’s a chance to put the rubber to the road,” Wilson said. “You have live clients, live measurements and live deadlines. It’s truly a campus wide showcase that’s thrilling to be a part of.”
Much like Wilson, Game Design senior, now Alumni, Jae Lester originally thought a fashion show was outside his area of expertise. “Being a Game Design major, the IMAGINE show was slightly out of my field,” Lester confessed. “However, I was able to work with producers and other designers to create pieces that matched the style developed with the show’s staff.” In 2009, Lester worked as a media specialist for IMAGINE. His “vested interest in motion graphics” prompted organizers to ask Lester to participate in creating graphics displayed during the show. “I was able to employ the services of video and animation alums to help me with production. They assisted with the 2D animation elements while I focused on 3D.” Lester encourages other IADT campuses to improve upon the model the Chicago campus has made. “A good way to create excitement towards the show is to involve more students in its planning and execution,” Lester said. “I don’t know to what extent that’s currently being sought, but it’s definitely worth investing time in.”
The IMAGINE show is amazing and every fashion student needs to experience it.”
Since her first day at IADT- Chicago, senior Fashion Design major Jasmine Mitchell was eager to participate in the show. “The IMAGINE show is amazing and every fashion student needs to experience it,” Mitchell said. “You get a chance to see what fellow classmates have created and see real models work it on the runway.” Out of ten garments submitted during the jury show, seven of Mitchell’s walked. A number of valuable lessons resulted from her experience. “Meeting deadlines is crucial in the fashion industry,” she revealed. “If you’re late turning in sketches or patterns or even a garment, it could cost you your job. In order to be successful, you have to be on time.” However, Mitchell’s contributions went far beyond her seven designs. She worked with IADT alumnus and Fashion Show Production instructor, Travis Reed, to collect sketches and garments and organize them alphabetically by the designer’s last name. She described the prep work as “a way to prepare yourself creatively. You get to see the designs that made it in the show that year and use them as a way to push yourself harder so your designs become better.”
It’s apparent that deadlines play an imperative part in the production process. Visual Communications student, Lauren Fezy, experienced them while creating the tickets, show signage, seat tags and assisting with the programs. “IMAGINE is one of the most practical projects a student can undergo,” Fezy replied. “It’s the most important job I’ve had thus far. You learn things daily. Mostly, you learn how to think quickly. As soon as you start, the process is in full swing. And since it’s the first time my work was really showcased, I wanted to do more than what was expected of me.” Fezy got the opportunity to participate after her major’s chair, Ron Wade, recommended her and Reed reviewed her portfolio. She would love to see other campuses utilize their student resources. “It’s an excellent opportunity for different majors to network,” Fezy said. “Other IADT campuses should create a suggestion box asking what students can contribute. I would tell them, why not? It would benefit everyone.”
Merchandise Management junior, Bethany Kihn, also learned a number of critical lessons while assisting Reed during the show’s preparation. While the program offers an IMAGINE class, Kihn served as Reed’s personal assistant and was therefore present for all the intimate show details from getting sponsors to model castings, the jury show, fittings and the show setup. “Going in, Travis knew he wanted someone who would be around for multiple shows,” Kihn explained. “I learned so much this year. I’m excited to help with two or three more! I learned how focused you have to be. You learn to be quick, but thorough. And probably most importantly, you learn to problem-solve.” Given the quality teachers Kihn had (i.e., Reed plus Lisa Marie, a previous Elite Model and another IADT alum), her educational experience was inevitable. She defines the experience as a surreal mixture of reality shows such as Project Runway and America’s Next Top Model. “At the end of the show, I cried,” Kihn said. “We had a drum line come down the aisle and I remember thinking, all the sleep loss was worth it because I was watching something great.”
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