School of the Art Institute of Chicago Hosts FASHION 2010 5/7

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) presents the 76th annual fashion show, FASHION 2010, Friday, May 7. For the first time in its storied history, the fashion show takes place in the critically acclaimed Renzo Piano-designed Griffin Court of the Art Institute of Chicago's Modern Wing (159 East Monroe Avenue). This marks the return of SAIC's annual fashion show to the Art Institute of Chicago for the first time in 15 years. Fashion and art lovers from across the nation will have the opportunity to enjoy a spectacular runway show featuring cutting-edge garments by the next generation of up-and-coming designers, presented against the backdrop of Renzo Piano's stunning architecture.

SAIC FASHION 2010 Schedule and Ticket Information

Runway fashion shows will be presented three times on Friday, May 7:

The 2 p.m. show is sold out.

The 7 p.m. show is part of SAIC's annual gala scholarship benefit, THE WALK 2010, which begins with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. and concludes with an elegant post-show dinner in Terzo Piano at 8 p.m. Tickets to THE WALK 2010 start at $500 and are available now. Call 312.899.1439 for tickets.

NightWalk 2010 is a new late-night fashion party from 9 p.m.-midnight, with a standing-room-only "Best of Show" runway presentation at 10 p.m. featuring 10 designs by SAIC Legend of Fashion honoree Gary Graham (SAIC BFA 1992). NightWalk includes an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, and dessert. Tickets to NightWalk 2010 are on sale now, priced at $100 and available online only via www.saic.edu/fashionshow.

For more information about tickets to NightWalk 2010, call 312.899.7484. NightWalk tickets are only available for purchase online, at www.saic.edu/fashionshow.

"We are pleased to join with our partner institution, the Art Institute of Chicago, to present one of the year's most anticipated fashion events in one of Chicago's most exciting new destinations," said SAIC President Wellington Reiter, FAIA. "The Art Institute of Chicago provides a vibrant cultural resource for our students, and through this extraordinary event we are proud to shine a spotlight on the many ways that SAIC students are also making significant artistic contributions to the fabric of the museum," added Nick Cave, professor and chair of SAIC's Fashion Design Department.

"We are delighted to partner with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago to bring the annual SAIC fashion show back to the Art Institute of Chicago for the first time in 15 years," said James Cuno, President and Eloise W. Martin Director, the Art Institute of Chicago. "Renzo Piano's new Modern Wing provides an ideal and unique setting to display the talents of SAIC students."

FASHION 2010 is a celebration of contemporary fashion, art, architecture, and design featuring more than 200 innovative student-designed garments worn by 60 professional models from Factor Model Management. Sophomores in SAIC's Fashion Design Department will design garments for FASHION 2010 around themes that are inspired by the architecture of the Modern Wing.

SAIC also hosts THE WALK 2010, the annual scholarship gala held in conjunction with the fashion show. Proceeds from THE WALK 2010 benefit scholarship funding for SAIC students. This year's WALK chairs are Marilyn Fields (Chicago) and Greg Cameron (Chicago). The WALK co-chairs are Stephanie Sick (Winnetka), Donna LaPietra (Chicago and Mettawa), and Bisi Williams Mau (Winnetka).

"The talents of SAIC fashion design students are tremendous, and I am so proud to help raise funds for THE WALK 2010 by sharing this wonderful event with leaders and lovers of fashion throughout Chicago," said Greg Cameron. "SAIC Fashion Design Department faculty members truly lead the way in guiding the next generation of cutting edge designers, and it is so exciting to see the culmination of students' work each year at THE WALK," added Marilyn Fields.

THE WALK 2010 begins with a pre-show cocktail and hors d'oeuvres reception at 6 p.m. in Griffin Court. At 7 p.m., special guest emcees Christian Farr (of NBC 5 Chicago) and Karen Jordan (of ABC 7 Chicago) kick off the evening and introduce special guests William Ivey Long and SAIC alumnus Gary Graham (BFA 1992). Long will present Graham with the 2010 SAIC Legend of Fashion Award, and then Graham will announce 3 SAIC student scholarship winners. Next, Linda Johnson Rice will introduce a video tribute to her mother Eunice W. Johnson, followed by the announcement of the $25,000 Eunice W. Johnson Fellowship winner. SAIC President Wellington Reiter, FAIA, and SAIC Fashion Design Department Chair Nick Cave will provide brief remarks and kick off the SAIC FASHION 2010 runway show. The evening concludes with an elegant post-show dinner in Terzo Piano at 8 p.m.

SAIC presents a special tribute to the legacy of Ebony Fashion Fair Founder, Producer, and Director Eunice W. Johnson (1916-2010) at THE WALK 2010. Johnson Publishing Company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Linda Johnson Rice will introduce a video tribute to her mother featuring Ebony Fashion Fair highlights from its 50+ year history as the world's largest traveling fashion show. Mrs. Rice will also present a talented SAIC Senior with the $25,000 Eunice W. Johnson Fellowship to help the student launch a fashion line upon graduation.

In consultation with other designers and SAIC faculty, Mrs. Rice will judge senior garments in the months leading up to FASHION 2010 in order to select one SAIC senior to receive the award. In addition to the video presentation, SAIC's tribute to Johnson will include a display of garments from the exclusive Ebony Fashion Fair collection.

"The Eunice W. Johnson fellowship is a tremendous tribute to my mother's lifelong passion for the arts, fashion and philanthropy. She was a woman ahead of her time and worked extremely hard to showcase the very best on the runways since 1958," said Rice. "Through Ebony Fashion Fair, up-and-coming designers and models gained exposure and furthered their fashion careers. This award represents my family's long-standing relationship with the Art Institute of Chicago and the importance of introducing new and innovative ideas to the world. It is an honor to provide this unique opportunity to one of SAIC's talented students."

"The School of the Art Institute of Chicago's Tribute to Eunice W. Johnson connects the pioneering fashion legacy of Ebony and Jet magazines, Fashion Fair Cosmetics and the Ebony Fashion Fair to the next generation of fashion designers and patrons who will be in attendance at THE WALK 2010 and SAIC FASHION 2010 events," said Nick Cave. "SAIC is humbled, grateful and inspired by the support that the Johnson family has provided to our students throughout the years. The new Eunice W. Johnson Fellowship is just one of many examples of their enormous level of generosity."

Another highlight of THE WALK 2010 will be the presentation of the SAIC Legend of Fashion Award to SAIC alumnus and New York-based designer Gary Graham (BFA 1992). In 2009, Vogue Editor in Chief Anna Wintour announcEd Graham as a finalist of the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America/Vogue Fashion Fund. Graham launched his line in the fall of 1999, and his background in costume and textile design is apparent, season after season, in his collections imbued with a casual luxury and a sense of history. He is attracted to contrasts (light and dark, fitted and flowing) and cause and effect, discovering the particular beauty in each. This approach is reflected in his trademark fitted jackets, fluid dresses, blouses, and slouchy knits-all rendered in a rich and varied palette, with texture achieved by meticulous washing and dying processes that are a Gary Graham trademark. His incorporation of quilting, embroidery, patchwork, and washed leathers create a highly individualized look with impeccable finish. Gary Graham collections are available in specialty boutiques and department stores worldwide, including Chicago-based boutiques Robin Richman (2108 N. Damen Avenue) and Koros Art & Style Ltd (1039 W. Lake Street).

Sponsors

THE WALK 2010 is generously supported by Sage Foundation (Brighton, Michigan), The MacLean Family, Cary D. McMillan, Linda Johnson Rice, Exelon, Marilyn and Larry Fields, Jack Shainman Gallery, Turner Construction, Mr. and Mrs. Todd E. Warnock, Bluhm Family Foundation, Greg Cameron and Greg Thompson, Chicago Sun-Times, Karen and Jim Frank, Harris Bank, Dania and Patrick Leemputte, Macy's, Patty and Mark McGrath, The Neisser Family Fund, Richard and Ellen Sandor Family Foundation, Bill and Stephanie Sick, and Yves Saint Laurent.

Support for NightWalk 2010 is generously provided by Time Out Chicago (media sponsor), Art + Culture (partner), and Akira Chicago.

Model hair and makeup is generously provided by Aveda Institute Chicago.

SAIC FASHION 2010 Students

Following is the list of SAIC Fashion Design Department students whose cutting edge designs will be seen on the FASHION 2010 runway:

Sophomores: Pirada Muadsong, Daniel Tucker Nelson, Andrew Cruz, Silvio Pinto, Benjamin Russell, Irem Soyak, Nicole O'Malley, Kylee Alexander, Tatyana Mikhaylova, Paul Musial, Rebecca Huh, Emma Bottari, Abby Thomas, Jordan Jenner, Jasmine Tsang, Laura Dodd, Macie Francis, Thierny Smith, Sophia Khan, Cynthia Outarsingh, Alex Ulichny, Lesya Blyzniouk, Ashley Colletti, Gina Wynbrandt, Gigi Ghering, Meredith Gleason, Meilin Schneider, Natalie Burton, Soh Park, Atalie Gagnet, Samantha Brunson, Alyssa Van Sickel, Eliza Angell, Jasmine Chong, David Cantu, Laurence Berger, I-Ching Evelyn Cheng, Sergio, Adriana Kamenetsky, Tamara Malas, William Jiang, Daniel Wittenberg, Lauren Rataj, Lane Spodek, Maggie Thoms, Michael Walls, Jennifer Plumridge, and Leah Silberblatt.

Juniors: Lisa Rigney, Erin Pianetto, Ryan Goldner, Amanda Bauer, Liz Patelski, Peace Apirukthanon, Meeso Kim, Brandon Hayes, Alicia Elida Acevedo, Danijela Neric, Mara Sobeck, Maggie Burke, Sally Lanners, Caroline Sgrignoli, Bree Williams, Sarah Mallis, Jacqueline Kim, Julia Covintree, Andrea Creighton, Alexis Mondragon, and Bonnie Alayne.

Seniors: Grace Lee, Katie King, William Alexander Simon IV, Rob Nygren, Shruti Kirti, Neha Khanna, Seth Meyerink-Griffin, Andrea Bell, Amanda Mayfield, Stephanie Ledesma, Talia Elinoff, Gina Fama Rockenwagner, Adrienne Guariglia, Rachel Goldberg, and Luis A. Rodriguez.

Fashion Invasions

Students in SAIC Fashion Design Department Professor Conrad Hamather's Advanced Shape & Theory class will stage two Fashion Invasions on Thursday, April 29. These invasions include performances by "Will Act for Food," a socially conscious local Chicago theater company that will be wearing garments designed by SAIC fashion students and performing choreography developed by students in Advanced Shape & Theory:

Millennium Park (201 East Randolph Street): At 12:30 p.m., performers will depart from Nichols Bridgeway to the lawn of Jay Pritzker Pavilion. A brief performance will take place featuring kettle drums and Tibetan horns, and then the performers will continue to move through the park toward Monroe Street. This event is free and open to the public.

Art Chicago (222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, 12th Floor): During Art Chicago's opening night preview from 4 to 8 p.m. (time subject to change), performers will walk throughout Merchandise Mart to showcase designs to all of the art lovers in attendance.

SAIC students that designed garments and developed choreography for these FASHION 2010 Invasions include Austen Clements, Sara Gulbrandsen, Elaine Hoang, Liz Horn, Min Seun Jang, Eunhye Kim, Ha Yeon Kim, Irene Koan, Liana Li, Pam Miranda, Julie No, Taylor Southall Telyan, Jiyoung Yoon, and Aaron Zarychta.

About Griffin Court

The two pavilions of the Art Institute of Chicago's Modern Wing are connected by the Kenneth and Anne Griffin Court. Visitors enter Griffin Court from the Millennium Park entrance at Monroe Street. Griffin Court is a light-filled double-height circulation space that offers views of Pritzker Pavilion to the north and access to the Thomas and Margot Pritzker Garden and to the galleries devoted to photography, new media, and special exhibitions.

The Art Institute of Chicago is a museum in Chicago's Grant Park, located across from Millennium Park. For more information, please visit www.artinstituteofchicago.org or follow the Art Institute of Chicago on Twitter @artinstitutechi.

About the School of the Art Institute of Chicago Fashion Design Department

The success of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago's Fashion Design program and SAIC's interdisciplinary approach to education is reflected in a list of alumni that includes such notable designers as Halston, Cynthia Rowley, Lawrence Steele, J. Morgan Puett, Eunwha Kim, Maria Pinto, Gary Graham, and Matthew Ames. SAIC graduates hold senior design positions in firms as varied as Yeohlee, Jones New York, Levis, Nike, Charles Chang Lima, and Tommy Hilfiger, and design for Anna Sui, Calvin Klein, Tiffani Kim, Betsey Johnson, Triple5Soul, and Moschino. Upon graduating, many have chosen to intern for international houses such as Viktor & Rolf, Alexander McQueen, Wendy & Jim, Castelbajac, Zac Posen, Threeasfour and William Ivey Long, or to launch their own fashion lines. The current chair of SAIC's Fashion Design Department is critically acclaimed designer Nick Cave. For more information, please visit saic.edu/fashion.

About the School of the Art Institute of Chicago

A leader in educating artists, designers, and scholars since 1866, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers nationally accredited undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate programs to nearly 3,200 students from across the globe. Located in the heart of Chicago, SAIC's educational philosophy is built upon an interdisciplinary approach to art and design, giving students unparalleled opportunities to develop their creative and critical abilities, while working with renowned faculty who include many of the leading practitioners in their fields. SAIC's resources include the Art Institute of Chicago and its new Modern Wing; numerous special collections and programming venues provide students with exceptional exhibitions, screenings, lectures, and performances. For more information, please visit www.saic.edu.

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