Finalist from Miami Announced in Nationwide Fashion Design Contest
Back
(Oct. 20, 2009) - Local student, Beatriz Lopez, will represent Miami International University of Art & Design 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.
Lopez's design is a 63-piece faux-fur zebra print coat assembled from polyester baby blankets.
"Throughout my life I have learned that there are many unacceptable practices used to kill animals that are used for fur in fashion," said Lopez. "As a young designer, I feel that it is my responsibility to find alternatives to using fur. As a future designer, I plan to keep my anti-fur set of mind and work towards a better future for animals and our environment. I feel extremely privileged to be part of this anti fur movement."
Lopez 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
Miami International University of Art & Design- Marcia Gomez: 305.428.5676; magomez@aii.edu