Design Contest! Fun!

STUDENTS and GRADUATES!
Read this fun information, and ENTER the contest!

Party City, America’s largest party specialty and Halloween retailer, just launched the “Dress to Thrill” costume design contest inviting consumers to submit designs for the chance to have their winning costume mass-produced and sold on Party City's Web site and in its more than 600 retail stores during the 2010 Halloween season.

This is a really exciting opportunity for up-and-coming designers. The designs can be scary, flirty, fairytale or whatever inspires the designer – the possibilities are endless as long as the costume designs are original.

The contest is open now and all entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET, Friday, Oct. 23, 2009. To enter, consumers take original photos depicting their costume designs and submit them online at PartyCity.com. All photos must be entered during the promotion period and must contain only one original design each. However, there is not a limit to the number of original Halloween costume photo entries one entrant can make.

All designs are open for public viewing and consumers are encouraged to vote for the winning costume at PartyCity.com based on the following equally weighted criteria:
1) Costume’s Halloween appeal
2) Suitability for manufacturing and broad consumer appeal
3) Costume’s overall appearance.

Consumers may visit the voting site one time per day and cast up to five votes per visit on a single photo entry or on five separate entries. Please visit PartyCity.com to view all contest rules and regulations and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Many thanks,
Dustin LeBoeuf
the/zimmerman/agency
850.668.2222
Dustin LeBoeuf
dleboeuf@zimmerman.com

Howdy Folks! A few fun tidbits of info...

This year, the State Fair of Texas marketing deparment has gone to GREAT lengths to brand this annual event. You can now purchase a "human size" version of the western shirt that Big Texas proudly wears. The pricetag? $30.00. Read more at:

Big Tex Fashion

On a more serious (i.e. sophisticated) note:
You can meet celebrity stylist and costume designer Mariel Haenn. Click on the invitation below for more information.

Meet the Designers and volunteer as a DRESSER!

Many you will either need to work events for course credit or will be able to earn extra credit for working events. We will provide a list of volunteers to your instructors, so that you will receive the appropriate credit!

Remember, if you want to work as a stylist or in visuals (or even as a professional dresser), this experience is non-negotiable. Alumni are welcome to apply to work events, as well.

If you are interested, you must...
1. Have dressed at a fashion show in the past.
2. Provide a resume to Career Services.
3. Provide your full name, student ID, and an email address that you check daily.
4. Indicate which event(s) you are committing to work.

Send your information to Julie at jjanik@aii.edu.

Neiman Marcus at NorthPark is seeking female dressers for several events (only female models will be featured). Certain events may also allow for male volunteers.

EVENT: Eileen Fisher
DATE: Saturday, September 26
EVENT TIME: noon
STUDENT ARRIVAL TIME: 11:15 AM
CHECK-IN: Executive Office, Level Three w/ PR
Dressers: 3

EVENT: Anne Klein Personal Appearance
DATE: Wednesday, October 7
EVENT TIME: noon
STUDENT ARRIVAL TIME: 11:15 AM
CHECK-IN: Executive Office, Level Three w/ PR
Dressers: 4

EVENT: Kay Unger Personal Appearance
DATE: Thursday, October 15
EVENT TIME: TBD
STUDENT ARRIVAL TIME: TBD
CHECK-IN: Executive Office, Level Three w/ PR
Dressers: 2
NOTE: Because this event has a charity component, extra assistants may be needed...Male volunteers may be welcome.

EVENT: Nicole Miller Personal Appearance
DATE: Thursday, October 22
EVENT TIME: TBD
STUDENT ARRIVAL TIME: TBD
CHECK-IN: Executive Office, Level Three w/ PR
Dressers: 2
NOTE: Because this event has a charity component, extra assistants may be needed... Male volunteers may be welcome.

RSVP by Tomorrow!

Make Thursday your FASHION DAY!
Before heading over to the Quarterly Fashion Show (at Richardson Civic Center - 411 Arapaho) - plan to attend this amazing event:

Neiman Marcus at Northpark and Capera Ryan Invite YOU to meet Kimberly Ovitz! Thursday, September 24 in Contemporary Sportswear (Level 2). 5:00pm to 7:00pm (which allows you to jet over to the Fashion Show for some runway magic)!

Click the invitation below for full details:

Portfolio Show and Fashion Show

Our Portfolio Show and Fashion Show are coming up! (click on image above to view invitation)

This quarter's collections are proving to be incredibly unique. For example, Katie Newell will be presenting a 100% organic, eco-friendly and sustainable collection, the first-ever of its kind at ANY of The Art Institute Campuses. Also, Sherie Johnson has designed edgy (and adorable) footwear to coordinate with her runway fashions. Katie and Sherie are joined by their equally talented and imaginative classmates, and you won't want to miss their beautifully constructed and inspired designs.

Likewise, the Portfolio Show will feature graduating seniors who are serious about standing-out. Come see a funky super-hero inspired line by Sean Charles, and take a walk through the streets of London with Kory Johnson. Frankly, each portfolio that is being presented is unique and thoughtful, and the designers are ready to walk you through it!

Thursday, September 24
6:00pm to 7:00pm (Portfolio Show)
7:00pm to ? (Fashion Show)
Richardson Civic Center
411 Arapaho

Below are some photos from our Winter 2009 Portfolio Show:

Yasmina Johnston with her incredibly artistic display...

A shot of Sarah McLaughlin's exquisite bridal-inspired display:

Michelle Brown, currently working as an Assistant Designer with Cooper by Courtney.

Tonight! You are invited...

Fashion's Night Out at Neiman Marcus (at Northpark Center) is going to be an amazing event, and you are invited to attend! For details, click on each of the invitation below. The event is multi-faceted, so really read the information...

Have fun!

Need a job?

This morning, I made a few calls to the Human Resources departments and Managment teams at a few local retailers.... just wanted to see if there are any jobs out there.

I found that EVERY retailer I called has immediate openings. I plan to make more calls this afternoon, and you should too!

In our Park Lane Development:
Lane Bryant. Part time sales. $7.50 to $10.00 per hour.
Off 5th. All positions.
Nordstrom Rack. Part time sales.

NorthPark Center:
Banana Republic. Sales Associates, Sales Support, and Stock Positions. $8.00 to $9.00 for entry-level. Bonuses and Incentives and negotiable pay.
Gymboree. Sales Lead.


The moral of this story? There are JOBS out there! Here are a few tips:
1. Make a "cheat sheet" that includes the addresses and phone numbers of previous employers, as well as the correct spelling of managers' names. Also, note your prior pay rates. You'll be asked this information on EVERY application, and a cheat sheet will make the process easier.
2. Apply in-person whenever possible.
3. Dress PROFESSIONALLY to apply.
4. Ask to see a manager when you apply.
5. Follow up on your application within 48 hours of applying. Ask for an interview! Be enthusiastic and friendly.

Come see Career Services if you have questions or need help, and check our job board frequently!