The Art Institutes Passion for Fashion Competition 2010 Winners Announced

NEW YORK, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Two high school seniors aspiring for careers in the highly competitive fashion industry made the cut and received top honors in this year's Passion for Fashion Competition.   Sponsored by The Art Institutes, the competition invites teen fashionistas throughout the U.S. and Canada to compete for the chance to win a full tuition scholarship to study (i) Fashion Design or (ii) Fashion Marketing & Merchandising and Fashion Retail Management.  One grand prize winner is selected in each category.

The grand prize winner in the Fashion Design category is Arianna Janelle Moultrie of Inglewood, California.  Her entry, a full length gown worthy to be worn by any A-list celebrity, was inspired by  the autumn leaves that fall from the trees in front of her house.  Her ethereal design won over the judges who immediately recognized Arianna's talent.  She will receive a full tuition scholarship to attend The Art Institute of California – Hollywood.

The grand prize winner in the Fashion Marketing & Merchandising and Fashion Retail Management category is Brittney Paulson of Fremont, Nebraska who won for her fashion retail concept.  Brittney's overall vision was to create a store that offered high end fashion at affordable prices.  The level of detail in her plan and the creative visual presentation of her entry made hers stand out.  Brittney will receive a full tuition scholarship to attend The Art Institutes International – Kansas City.

In addition, both grand prize winners will receive a VIP trip to Fashion Week in New York City in February, a $500 shopping spree, participate in a meet and greet at Seventeen magazine's New York City's offices and lunch with a Seventeen magazine style pro.

This year's panel of judges included a wide representation of fashion industry experts, including: Leanne Marshall, Winner of Project Runway Season 5 and fashion designer; Suede, contestant on Project Runway Season 5 and fashion designer; Patty Hughes, a fashion show producer who has appeared as a fashion expert on The Rachel Ray Show; Leslie Bettison, Owner, Sol de Ibiza clothing store in NYC; Lawanda Wallace, Associate Home Fashion Director, Macy's; and Bruce E. Dempsey, Vice President, Academic Affairs Specialist, The Art Institutes.

Second place winners in the Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing & Merchandising and Fashion Retail Management categories will each receive a $5,000 tuition scholarship.  In the Fashion Design category, the second place winner is Mariana Lopez Campoy representing The Art Institute of New York City.  Inspired by Frida Kahlo's vibrant and colorful paintings, Mariana created a stunning evening gown adorned with bright colors and flowers.  In the Fashion Marketing & Merchandising and Fashion Retail Management category, second place was awarded to Zachary Lurie representing The Art Institute of California – Orange County.  Zachary's entry is a concept for web-based store and brand for extreme sports enthusiasts titled FreshCo.  

The third place winners in the aforementioned categories will each receive a $4,000 tuition scholarship.  For Fashion Design, Paola Franceschi Berlingeri placed third representing  Miami International University of Art & Design.  Paola knew she wanted to pursue a career in fashion since she was in the sixth grade and has worked toward achieving her goal ever since.  In the Fashion Marketing & Merchandising and Fashion Retail Management category, third place was awarded to Alicia Aulik representing  The Illinois Institute of Art – Schaumburg.   Alicia's entry is a business plan for a future boutique for women's urban fashion.  She designed letterhead, envelopes, and business cards with her own logo. She also included a store layout complete with wall fixtures and furniture.

"The Passion for Fashion Competition recognizes the future talent in the fashion industry.  It is very promising to see so many young people already showing enormous talent and taking so much pride in the work they create; this was demonstrated time and time again when reviewing all of this year's entries.  We were all very proud of every student who entered the competition and encourage all of them to pursue a career in fashion," said Bruce E. Dempsey, Vice President, Academic Affairs Specialist for The Art Institutes.  

For more information on The Art Institutes Passion for Fashion Competition, visit http://www.artinstitutes.edu/pr.aspx?ID=AI1110.  

The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu) is a system of more than 45 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.  

SOURCE The Art Institutes