07/24/2008

(818) RED - August 1st 7:00 pm

Wearable Fashion on a Runway?

Were you left with an insatiable fashion appetite after watching the Sex and the
City movie? Wish you could wear runway fashions without looking like you’re part of an
exhibit? The Art Institute of Tampa and Dillard’s present a fashion show for those
looking to quench their trendy tastes: (818)RED. In tandem with its name, the fashion
show is on August 1 at 8pm at The Art Institute of Tampa located at 4401 N. Himes Ave.
Guests will get a sneak peak at the latest fashions from designers and labels such as Ed
Hardy, Alberto Makali, Affliction, and more. Tampa’s high-fashion trendsetters don’t
want to miss this event. All proceeds from (818)RED will benefit The Global Fund,
which provides treatment, counseling and research funds for AIDS, malaria and
tuberculosis.

"Dillard's is pleased to partner with The Art Institute of Tampa in presenting 818(RED).
This is an event that showcases not only the hottest new fashion trends available at
Dillard's, but the heart of the community in supporting The Global Fund,” said Dawn
Zachman, special events director for Dillard’s. “It is important to us, as an organization,
to support schools and colleges that promote retailing as a profession.”
The fashion show is coordinated and produced by Fashion & Retail Management students
at The Art Institute of Tampa with fashions provided by Dillard’s at International Plaza.
Students are an integral part of the production, said Kate Campbell, director of the
Fashion & Retail Management program at The Art Institute of Tampa.

“It’s not easy to conduct model searches, selections and training, conduct fittings,
choreograph music and lighting, work with carpenters for the catwalk, etc.” she said.
Fashion & Retail Management is the business that sets the trends and moves the world’s
fashion and merchandise from the designer’s mind, to the showroom and department
store floors, and into the hands of consumers. “This will be the shining moment in which
the students showcase what they’ve learned,” she said.

The evening begins with a VIP cocktail hour at 7pm in The Art Institute of Tampa
Gallery, and the show begins at 8pm in the atrium. The transformation of its lofty atrium
includes exquisite lighting, hypnotic music, beautiful models, and a specially designed
cat walk. It will be an evening of fashion and fun meant to please the most avid
fashionistas.

Tickets are $75 for the show and $150 for the VIP package that includes front row
seating, and dinner created by The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of
Tampa. There is limited seating. RSVP by July 28, 2008. For tickets and questions,
please call 1-866-703-3277 or e-mail 818red@aii.edu.

Contact:
Lesley Campos
The Art Institute of Tampa
Phone: (813) 393-5330
E-mail: lcampos@aii.edu