International Academy of Design & Technology Announces Latest Developments in its Fashion Design Program

Seattle, WA (Vocus) May 23, 2008 -- The International Academy of Design & Technology in Seattle (www.iadtseattle.com) (Academy - Seattle) is excited to announce some of the latest developments in its Fashion Design program, including: the launch of a new event, an addition to the faculty, a promising new student, and the Advisory Committee Members for 2008-9.

On Friday, August 29th the Academy will launch its latest gala event called Imagine! which will showcase a multi-disciplinary approach to design and include the exhibition and work of students from its digital arts, interior design and fashion design programs. A fashion show and live auction will be presented on site at the Tukwila campus under canopies and in tents in the same style as the celebrated Fashion Week at Bryant Park in New York City.

The Academy has a tradition of sponsoring and supporting fashion galas for the entire community to enjoy. The recent Project Red Dress featured top design students from the Northwest who competed to win an award for the best red dress. The work of the twelve contestants was judged by an esteemed panel of judges led by celebrity designer and host of Bravo TV?s Project Runway, Nick Verreos. The last few years the Academy has also been hosting La Mode: An Evening of Fashion, which features models wearing original designs created by student designers who competed to win La Mode?s top awards. The La Mode events were the first to bring celebrity designer Verreos to Seattle.

Monir Zandghoreishi is currently the program chair of Fashion Design & Fashion Merchandising for the International Academy of Design & Technology (Academy - Seattle). Monir is also the regional director of Fashion Group International (FGI-Seattle). Headquartered in New York City, Fashion Group International is widely considered to be the most prestigious professional organization in the fashion industry. Fashion luminaries Diane von Furstenberg, Karl Lagerfeld and Donna Karan are among the rank and file members. Monir has been instrumental in bringing the fashion galas to life. Monir is highly respected as a couture designer and is well known throughout the Northwest region. She has long been regarded as a mentor for new up-and-coming designers and she is passionate about cultivating new generations of designers. Monir commented, ?For many young people the opportunity to work in fashion is a dream come true. I consider it to be a privilege to work with such talented new designers.?

The Academy has added Jeanette deJong as a full-time faculty member & student advisor. Jeanette teaches classes in draping, pattern making, fashion design, fashion principles and the ?History of Couture.? Jeanette has extensive expertise as a theatre costume designer. She has more than 20 years of theatrical experience working in productions at theatres across the nation including Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati, OH; Seattle Children?s Theatre, Seattle, WA; Actors Theatre of Louisville, Louisville, KY; Indiana Repertory Theatre, Indianapolis, IN; Williamstown Theatre Festival, Williamstown, MA; San Antonio Opera Festival, San Antonio, TX; The New Rep, Boston, MA; Brown University Summer Theatre, Providence, RI; and Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Lowell, MA.

This fall, the Academy will add a new star student. Graduating high school senior Shannon Nichols, of Mill Creek, Washington, has been named the winner of the Academy?s national fashion design contest called Fashion Diner. High school seniors were invited to participate by completing an application and submitting an original concept. They were submitted at six locations across the country: Chicago, IL, Detroit, MI, Nashville, TN, Orlando, FL, Seattle, WA and Tampa, FL. Six finalists were then chosen and a committee judged the final winner. The finalists each received a $1000 scholarship and the winner won an additional $5000 scholarship. Shannon Nichols won the top award. Her dress will be featured in the Academy - Chicago IMAGINE fashion show in May.

The Academy has also just announced the new members of its Advisory Committee Program in Interior Design. The new advisory committee members will serve 2008 ? 2009 for the Academy?s faculty and administrators.

2008 ? 2009 Program Advisory Committees

Fashion Design & Fashion Merchandising

?    Alvin Stillwell, Stylist ? Alvin Stilwell, LLC

?    Bill Swan, Director of Operations/Administration ? EXOFFICIO

?    Cindy Huffman, Sr. Recruiter, Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI)

?    Evie Huntington, Principal ? Evie Huntington & Associates

?    Jean Burton, Recruiter ? Eddie Bauer

?    Linda Marie Tiliano, Recruiter - Nordstrom

?    Monica Neuwman, Product Manager - Shah Safari, Inc.

?    Nanette Acosta, Costume Liaison ? Intiman Theatre

?    Rose Dennis, Owner/Consultant - PR, Marketing - Special Events Consulting

?    Susan Bell, Director of Sourcing & Development ? Rivers West

About The International Academy of Design & Technology - Seattle

The International Academy of Design & Technology provides educational programs that are designed to prepare students for professional opportunities and career success in select design and technology fields. At the Academy, students are part of an energetic community that shares ideas, solves problems, and finds new ways to approach work today and in the future. While enrolled at the Academy, each student is given an opportunity to grow vocationally, intellectually and professionally.

The Seattle campus, which opened in 2004, offers a variety of Associate of Applied Science and Bachelor of Fine Arts Degrees in Fashion Design, Interior Design, Visual Communication, Graphic Design, Digital Media Production, Fashion Merchandising and Game Design & Development. Both credential levels are not available for all programs. The International Academy of Design & Technology is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award associate's degrees and bachelor's degrees. The Academy is a member of the Career Education Corporation (NASDAQ:CECO) network of universities, colleges and schools. For more information on the Academy- Seattle, call 206.575.1865 or visit www.iadtseattle.com.

Contacts:

Patricia Vaccarino

Managing Partner

Xanthus Communications

(206) 979 3380

patricia @ xanthuscom.com

Laura Nielsen

Director of Career Services

IADT-Seattle

(206) 575 1865

lnielsen @ iadtseattle.com

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