IADT's "IMAGINE 2011" Fashion Show

On May 19th, Chicago's fashionazzi flocked to the UIC Forum where forty fledgling fashion designers rocked the catwalk with nearly one hundred original designs at the International Academy of Design and Technology's 32nd Annual IMAGINE '11 Fashion Show.

International Academy of Design & Technology's

IMAGINE '11 Fashion Show

Hosted by ABC's Val Warner along with Miss Illinois USA's ethereal Angela Sparrow, the evening's style-studded event also included a thoughtful tribute to the late-Alexander McQueen; a collection of über-edgy Gaga-inspired silhouettes; sultry, body-conscious swimwear; and a luxe line of faux furs that are sure turn the heat up when the temps go down.

Pretty Florals

Goodnight Sweet Prince: "In McQueen We Trust"

Alexander McQueen Tribute

Noir Man

White Stripes Suits

Lady Gaga Lovely

Fur Fauxlicious

Glamazon Chic

Black & Blue Block Frock

The evening hit a high C-note when songbird Kristinia DeBarge, daughter of '80s pop star James DeBarge, performed her hit song, “Goodbye,” with the New Generation Fancy Drill Team from After School Matters.

Songstress Kristinia DeBarge

“The 2011 IMAGINE show is all about go big or go home,” says Travis Reed, IADT's Creative Marketing Director. “The show will not only wow the audience with our student’s talent, but help raise awareness for The Humane Society of the United States and contribute to The Ronald McDonald House Charities.” The event raised $17,000 for The Career Education Scholarship Fund as well as Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicago and Northwest Indiana.

Fashionable Fêters

Among the 1,800 glamour-loving guests who attended, Chicago's fashion royalty included Oscars Designer Challenge Winner 2011 Borris Powell, fashion-handbag designer Michelle Tan and IADT alum and IMAGINE '11 honoree, Nora del Busto - 2008 Latino Fashion Week winner and Macy’s 2009 Fashion Incubator program participant - whose statement-making essentials were also on mannequin display.

Miss Illinois USA 2011 Angela Sparrow and Joel Burton

Diala Joseph, Borris Powell and Bridget Halanski

Randall Hill, Nester Leivas and Michelle Tan

Kim Brodsky, Lisa Cipriani and Chad Jensen

Jordan McDowell and Ashley Zygmunt

For more information about the International Academy of Design & Technology, visit the website HERE.

Captioned photos of guests courtesy of Johnny Porsche Photography

Runway and non-captioned photos courtesy of Dan Tomei

Kristinia DeBarge photo courtesy of Tutto Bene Photography

Posted by Kerry Shorr