Finalist from The Art Institute of California - Orange County Announced in Nationwide Fashion Design Contest

Cool vs. Cruel Competition Sponsored by The Humane Society of the United States in Partnership with The Art Institutes

(Oct. 13, 2008) — Local student, Jessica Pinney, will represent The Art Institute of of California – Orange County in The Humane Society of the United States’ fourth annual Cool vs. Cruel fashion design competition. The Cool vs. Cruel competition inspires design students enrolled in The Art Institutes’ fashion design programs in its schools across all over North America to produce fur-free, animal-friendly fashions by using their own creativity to replace animal fur.

Pinney’s creation is comprised of 100 percent acrylic/polyester leopard print dress with a synthetic black lace collar.  The silhouette is a sleeveless, V-neck bodice, fitted at the waist with a short circular skirt.

“As The Art Institute of California – Orange County’s wining entry, Jessica has successfully utilized the elements of design, and has also followed the popular classic of leopard print dress with an antique-like lace collar,” said Mary Ann Gale, Academic Director, Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing & Management.  Although classic, the dress is also timely, and makes a statement that you can love and appreciate animals without wearing them. The concept of Cool vs. Cruel is evident with this trendy but classic look from Jessica.”

The competition continues to grow in popularity among students at The Art Institutes. Pinney, a native of San Clemente, is among the 15 local finalists who were chosen out of more than 160 entries to compete for the top prize nationally. Their entries will be judged by a star-studded panel of judges, including celebrities and top designers. The grand prize winner will receive a trip to New York City for the Nov. 13 award presentation which will be co-hosted by world-renowned fashion photographer and judge on “America’s and an all-expenses paid, week-long internship during New York Fashion Week with a celebrated fur-free designer. The HSUS is co-hosting the event with Nigel Barker, world-renowned photographer and judge on “America’s Next Top Model.”

“This contest gives young designers the opportunity to showcase their compassion and talent through cruelty-free, fashion-forward design,” said Kristin Leppert, director of the Fur-Free Campaign for The Humane Society of the United States. “Today’s consumers don’t want to buy a garment that might have been ripped off the back of a conscious animal. These students join an ever-growing list of designers and retailers who reject the cruelty of fur production. We applaud their pledge to make compassion their fashion.”

 Learn more at humanesociety.org/coolvscruel or artinstitutes.edu/coolvcruel.