Pure "Magic!" - Radio Personality Rick Shaw Hosts American InterContinental University’s Fourth-Annual Student Fashion Show

March 2, 2007

Fashions from 2006 “Passion: A Tribute to Fashion”

Contact: Pierson Grant Public Relations
954-776-1999
Chris Feeley, ext. 237
Jane Grant, ext. 224

Student designers take to the runway to benefit the Majic Children’s Fund

WESTON, Fla. – Rick, Shaw, South Florida’s renowned radio personality and popular WMXJ (majic 102.7) weekday morning-show DJ, will host American InterContinental’s fourth-annual student fashion show, where more than 50 students will exhibit original couture, from elegant evening attire to experimental fashions made of bubble wrap and palm fronds. Promising young designers will parade nearly 150 of their latest creations down the runway on March 30 at 7p.m., following a reception at 6 p.m., in the Global Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure Conference Center & Spa, 250 Racquet Club Road in Weston.

Titled “Magic,” the design extravaganza is a fundraiser for the Majic Children’s Fund. Tickets are $10 if purchased in advance and $12 at the door. Contact Patricia Geulakos at 954-446-6373 for ticket information. As in industry fashion shows in design capitals of the world, models will take to the runway in distinctive scenes. A panel of celebrity judges will cast their ballots for the best collections in show.

“This exhilarating fashion event is a tribute to our very talented and hard-working students, who put much time and effort into the show and their career-focused courses, says Dr. Andrew Burnstine, AIU chairperson, Fashion and Marketing Design. “Many of our students also are active in the community and with the Miami fashion scene in a variety of volunteer capacities.”

Last year’s fashion show, “Passion: A Tribute to Fashion” drew a crowd of nearly 850 people. This year’s organizers hope to draw an even larger crowd, by adding a few new fashion twists to the show, such as threads for pets, which will be modeled along with their human counterparts, and fashions for kids modeled by kids.

Also, International male model Enric Sales Silva will model a collection designed by an AIU senior Joan Shields. Silva, who is from Madrid, has modeled for Dolce & Gabbana and Calvin Klein in New York, Madrid and other international fashion capitals.

“We’re developing current and future trends right here in South Florida and are delighted to preview them in a professional design-show setting,” adds Dr. Burnstine.

About the students

Here is a look at some of those competing:
Melyn Rangel, a senior at AIU, was born in Venezuela and immigrated to America at age 10. She will present her senior collection. This is Melyn’s third year to be featured in AIU’s fashion show. She is a resident of Boynton Beach.

Jessica Bolen, a senior At AIU, is originally Indiana and came to South Florida to attend AIU. Her senior collection will feature retro designs inspired by the 1960s and 1970s. She is a resident of Fort Lauderdale.

Mary Kathryn Verhaagh, a senior at AIU, will present her senior collection. She describes her style as modern with a 1980s-inspired twist. A resident of Fort Lauderdale, this is her second show.

Gino Chackal, a junior at AIU, came here from Milan specifically to study fashion design because he says it’s nearly impossible to get an apprenticeship in the fashion industry in Italy unless you know someone. This will be his second year in the show, and his designs feature unusual materials, including shot glasses and bottles. “My goal is to return to Italy and apprentice with a big designer like Dolce & Gabbana.” Chackal resides in Miami.

Edward Soledad, Junior at AIU, will, “submit ready-to-wear designs, inspired by music including jazz, new age and funk and lounge.” This is his second year in the show, and he also has assisted with International Miami Fashion week for two years. Edward is a resident of Miami.

Gisell Aleman, a junior at AIU is very excited to be in her first show this year. Gisell came to South Florida from Columbia to attend fashion design school. She has also has assisted with International Miami Fashion week and is a resident of Miami.

For more information, contact AIU Marketing Manager Karla Lopez, at 954-446-6323.

About American InterContinental University

Founded in 1970, AIU has continued to grow as a career-focused university, offering market-driven programs and a curriculum designed to prepare graduates for successful, rewarding careers. AIU offers bachelor’s degree programs in business administration, information technology, criminal justice, visual communication, media production, game design and development, interior design and fashion marketing and design. Master’s degree programs include business administration, informational technology and education in instructional technology. American InterContinental University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees. This umbrella accreditation includes the following branch campuses of the University: AIU-Buckhead; AIU-Dunwoody; AIU-South Florida; AIU-London; AIU-Houston; AIU-Los Angeles; AIU-Online (originating in Illinois); and American University-Dubai. AIU South Florida is located in Weston. For more information call 1-866-AIU-GRAD (1-866-248- 4723) or visit http://www.aiufl.edu.