“En Vogue” Fifth Annual AIU Student Fashion Show

April 10, 2008

Fashions to be featured in 2008 “En Vogue”

Contact:
Chris Feeley
954-776-1999, ext. 237
cfeeley@piersongrant.com

Student designers take to the runway on May 2 to benefit the American Red Cross, Broward County Chapter

WESTON, Fla. – On Friday, May 2, at 7 p.m., the Global Ballroom of Weston’s Regency Bonaventure Conference Center & Spa, at 250 Racquet Club Road, will become the chic scene of promising young designers at the fifth annual American InterContinental University (AIU) student fashion show, a benefit for the American Red Cross, Broward County Chapter.

Titled “En Vogue,” more than 25 students will exhibit original couture, from elegant evening and wedding gowns to sportswear, children’s fashions and beach attire. Some of the budding models on the runway will be students from Cypress Bay and Miramar high schools.

“This thrilling fashion event will pay tribute to our very talented and hard-working students, who put much time and effort into the show and their career-focused courses,” said Juanita Alcena, chair of the AIU Fashion and Marketing Design program. “Three of our senior designers, who will showcase their portfolios during En Vogue, recently had their original creations modeled on the runway in the opening segment of Miami Style Showcase, during Miami Fashion Week.”

Just as is expected in fashion shows taking place in design capitals of the world, models in En Vogue will take to the runway in distinctive scenes. A panel of celebrity judges, including representatives from Neiman Marcus and Perry Ellis, will cast their ballots for the best collections in the show.

Last year’s fashion show, “Magic,” drew more than 1,000 guests and raised $3,200 for the Majic Children’s Fund, a non-profit, charitable organization that benefits children in need.

“South Florida has a prestigious name in the fashion scene and at AIU we are nurturing and developing new designers and new trends,” added Alcena. “We are delighted to preview these future designers in a professional design-show setting.”

Tickets are $10 if purchased in advance and $12 at the door. Contact Juanita Alcena at 786-547-0466 for ticket information.

About the students

Here is a look at some of those competing:

Faith Marrett, Daniel Hull and Loreal Banks were three of the five student designers – and the only students from South Florida – chosen to have their original fashions modeled on the runway in the opening segment of Miami Style Showcase, during Miami Fashion Week. Faith Marrett’s winning evening gown is pictured above left.

Faith Marrett, a senior at AIU, is a South Florida native who began sketching fashions at an early age. She will present her senior collection, “The Intelligence of Beauty,” fashions that flatter – and are tailored but chick – from her Rosetta design line. Marrett credits Juanita Alcena for, “dedicating 150 percent to her students.” Marrett is a resident of Lauderdale Lakes.

Danielle Hull, a senior at AIU, was taught to sew by her grandmother, which set her on a course for a fashion career. She will present 15 original, formal silk and satin creations for fall that she describes as having a 60s/80s flair, in shades of cream and brown, as well as cheetah prints. Hull applied and was accepted to several colleges but, “I had my heart set on AIU and I had a great experience.” Upon graduation, Hull would like to pursue a career with a fashion magazine in New York or California. She is a resident of Sunrise.

Loreal Banks, a senior at AIU, will present “Hue Expressions,” her senior portfolio of ready-to-wear fashions that she describes as, “bringing color to life, in shades of brown, green, yellow and pink.” Banks has been interested in fashion all of her life and acquired her first sewing machine and learned to sew when she was in high school. She describes her experience at AIU as extremely helpful, especially noting the inspiration provided by instructor Juanita Alcena. After graduation, Hull’s dream is to become a fashion visual merchandiser. She is a resident of Opa Locka.

Katya Frau, originally from Puerto Rico, will present her senior collection. Last year she produced an award-winning design for the 2007 Miss Venezuela en USA Pageant.

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

About American InterContinental University

Founded in 1970, 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 Los Angeles, AIU Buckhead; AIU Dunwoody; AIU South Florida; AIU London; AIU Houston; and AIU Online (originating in Illinois). For more information, please visit www.aiuniv.edu.