The Art Institutes Fashion Design Programs Featured on WE tv's Hit Show My Fair Wedding with David Tutera

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Nov. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- One lucky bride showcased her stylish bridal party with the help of creative students from the Fashion Design programs at several Art Institutes schools during the November 20 episode of WE tv's My Fair Wedding with David Tutera.

Hosted by leading entertaining expert David Tutera, the show assists brides just a few weeks before their wedding day with all of the preparations including the most important component - the fashion. Partnering with The Art Institutes, top students from the Fashion Design programs were given the chance to create a couture bridesmaid dress for the bride's special entourage. 

The participating students, now graduates, were Sara Vigil, a 2011 graduate with a bachelor of fine arts degree in Fashion Design from The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire; Masai Payan, a 2011 graduate of The Art Institute of California - Hollywood with a bachelor of fine arts degree in Fashion Design; and Daniel Magana, a 2011 graduate with a bachelor of fine arts degree in Fashion Design from The Art Institute of California - Orange County. Each produced two designs and presented their garments to a panel of judges, which included the bride and The Art Institute of California - Los Angeles Fashion Academic Director Claude Brown. 

Payan won the challenge and commented on the experience, "It is a humbling and absolutely exciting experience to have been chosen. I am so grateful to have been given such an amazing opportunity to showcase my designs."

To read about the "Fashionista Bride" episode of My Fair Wedding with David Tutera on WE tv online visit www.wetv.com/shows/my-fair-wedding or visit Masai Payan's website to view the dress he showcased for My Fair Wedding and other designs at www.masaipayan.com.

"Designing that unique garment to meet the 'dreams' of the bride and crafted to reflect each designer's signature while fulfilling expectations was the real challenge here," said Brown. "There is perhaps no more humbling a moment than when a fashion designer is presenting a garment to a potential customer so this gave students valuable real-world experience."

Filming took place at The Art Institute of California - Hollywood campus located at 5250 Lankershim Blvd.

"Reality is always the greatest teacher because it requires us to call upon skills that we have learned and creativity we hold in reserve for just such moments," added Brown. "Each of these designers had to think quickly and respond in ways that used creative skills far greater those required in designing and sewing their selected garments, which showcased the excellent caliber of our student talent." 

To learn more about The Art Institutes schools visit www.artinstitutes.edu. 

The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu) is a system of more than 45 educational institutions located throughout North America. The Art Institutes schools provide an important source for design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals. Several institutions included in The Art Institutes system are campuses of South University.

See aiprograms.info for program duration, tuition, fees, and other costs, median debt, federal salary data, alumni success, and other important info.

SOURCE The Art Institutes