Finalist from Chicago Announced in Nationwide Fashion Design Contest
Back
(Oct. 20, 2009) - Local student, Kelly Brinn, will represent The Illinois Institute of Art- Chicago 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.
Born in Rock Island, Ill. Brinn designed an avante garde pleather suit with a reversible faux fur and pleather vest, embellished with a studded snake on the sleeve and leg of the pant.
I was inspired by the rock & roll biker look, which I tend to embrace in my day to day life as well," said Brinn. "Images of Marianne Faithfull in the film ‘Girl on a Motorcycle' came to mind, as well as the studded leather daddy looks worn by the band Judas Priest. However, being an animal lover and vegetarian, I am always looking for these items in synthetic, cruelty-free fabrics. In my design career, I plan on sourcing the highest quality synthetic fabrics, so that if someone likes the way a great looking pair of leather pants looks, they can have that without the guilt that comes with supporting the fur and leather industry."
Brinn 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 Illinois Institute of Art- Chicago - Natalia Derevyanny: 312.777.8640; nderevyanny@aii.edu