Finalist from Vancouver Announced in Fashion Design Contest
Back
(Oct. 20, 2009) - Local student, Ingrid Bergstrom-Kendrick, will represent The Art Institute of Vancouver in The Humane Society of the United States' fifth annual Cool vs. Cruel Fashion Design Competition. Cool vs. Cruel challenges students enrolled in The Art Institutes Fashion Design programs throughout North America to improve a runway look by Burberry, Thakoon, Michael Kors or Alexander McQueen, by finding creative ways to replace and reinterpret the use of animal fur.
Originally from Gothenburg, Sweden, Ingrid Bergstrom-Kendrick designed a fitted double-layered felt dress, mid-thigh length with seam detailing and cap sleeves, inspired by an Alexander McQueen design. Rather than using material to imitate fur, she worked more with the concept and volume that fur gives.
"We were incredibly impressed with the creativity and quality of construction in all the entries we saw, but the eventual decision on our winner was unanimous," said Anne Morris, Academic Director, Fashion Programs, The Art Institute of Vancouver. "Ingrid won because of the exquisite detailing of the seams, the runway appeal, the excellence in execution, and the innovation yet ‘simplicity' of her design. The attention to detail in Ingrid's submission extends to using pink labels throughout the garment, in homage to Alexander McQueen's style, and following the fabric theme through to the cover used on the process book."
Bergstrom-Kendrick is among the 16 local finalists who were chosen out of more than 100 entries to compete for the top prize nationally. Their entries will be judged by a panel of fashion industry judges including designers Marc Bouwer, Charlotte Ronson, Victoria Bartlett, Nick Friedberg and Elizabeth Olsen; magazine editors Dana Wood, Mickey Boardman and Shelly Vella; and renowned fashion photographer Nigel Barker. The grand-prize winner will receive a trip to New York City for the award presentation on Nov. 11, as well as an expense paid, weeklong internship during NY Fashion Week with celebrated fur-free designer Victoria Bartlett.
"This contest allows future professional designers to show major designers like Michael Kors or Alexander McQueen that not only is fur unnecessary, but that there are more creative and aesthetically pleasing design options on the table for those with an innovative eye and a compassionate fashion philosophy," said Sarika Reuben, deputy manager of the HSUS' fur-free campaign. "
Learn more at humanesociety.org/coolvscruel or http://www.artinstitutes.edu/pr.aspx?ID=ai1007.
Media contact: The HSUS - Heather Sullivan: 301.548.7778; hsullivan@humanesociety.org
The Art Institute of Vancouver - Rachel Tuttle: 604.298.5400; rtuttle@aii.edu