Leaders in fashion!

7:20

I’m not going to lie. I’ve got The Great Gatsby on the brain, and I am anticipating bearing witness to our sumptuous little pre-party.

Men and women dressed to the nines, gorgeous plates piled high with delicious bites both savory and sweet, and free-flowing libations—what’s not to love.

I wonder if there will be any Gatsby-inspired attire? Or, for that matter how about some mod looks inspired by this season of Mad Men?

Doors will open for the VIP pre-party sponsored by Nationwide and Justice & Brothers in just a few minutes.

I must note: This space went from garage to club in a matter of days thanks to Ologie, Lasting Impressions, and many, many CCAD staffers (our facilities’ crew are wizards). The food looks amazing (thank you Cameron Mitchell Catering). I saw the menu a few weeks ago—my mouth watered just reading it. And, bartenders are ready to shake up a Vodka Runway (our signature cocktail, thank you Middle West Spirits).

And me? I’m ready to take it all in.

8 p.m.

Um, sorry, I’m afraid I got a little sidetracked. The people watching is just TOO good. When the first wave of partiers arrived, the energy level went from 0 to 60 in less than three minutes. I have a great view of the photo station—where the fashionable show off their looks for our photographer.

So many fun pieces coming through. Fantastic black-and-white patterned dress that definitely has a 20s vibe, and a strappy version of go-go boots with a bright cocktail length dress. Fantastic!

A woman in a stunning off the shoulder deep-blue gown just passed.

I think I just saw a blond version of Megan Draper. Gorgeous 60s-inspired mini that is sooooo Megan.

Our prez, Mr. Denny Griffith has just stopped by to say hello–dapper as always. Speaking of dapper, our head of security Wallace Tanksley is sporting a mighty fine lime green bow tie.

Seeing lots of leg and strappy gladiator shoes. Denim is making a strong showing, which is right on trend with some of the collections that this crowd will see in an hour.

Orange, lime green, and black-and-white are dominating the looks this evening.

To the guy in the hat and vest, thank you. And to all of our bow-tie wearing gentleman, we applaud you.

As I look around I am not disappointed. I’m seeing great fashion, but I”m also seeing women and men that are dressing to suite their unique style—there are no cookie-cutters here.

8:15

And now they are asking everyone to start heading into the tent so the show can begin. Hopefully as they sit, they’ll have a moment to flip through the Lookbook sponsored by Abercrombe & Fitch. It is stunning thanks to the photographic talents of Nick Fancher and the creative direction from Ologie.

Ok, we are going to get some photos up and then head over to the tent to continue …

Thanks to our title sponsor Limited Brands Foundation

7 p.m.

This is my third year live blogging from our fashion event, and each year I have paused, just before the party starts, to give thanks.

This year I want to get straight to the point—to naming names, as it were.

CCAD is honored and grateful to have such wonderful partners. Each year we go out and ask organizations and individuals to support this event and help us raise money for scholarships. Each year we are humbled by the response.

Below are our 2013 partners. These are individuals and companies that not only support CCAD, but they show a real commitment to making the Columbus community a better place.

Title Sponsor: Limited Brands Foundation

Runway Sponsor: EXPRESS

VIP Cocktail Reception Sponsors: Nationwide and Justice & Brothers

Easton Fashion Award Sponsor: Easton Town Center

Fashion Lookbook Sponsor: Abercrombie & Fitch

Couture Sponsors:  Diamond Cellar, Huntington Bank, Lane Bryant, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Polaris Fashion Place, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP,  R.G. Barry/Dearfoams, and THE LIMITED

Host Committee, chaired by Peg Mativi & Donald Dick: Dana & Mitch Acock, Jakki & Jerry Allen, Pam & Jack Beeler, Teresa & Brian Biernat, Kimberly A. Blackwell, W. Daniel Cordray, Loann W. Crane, Bev & Bob Darwin, Steve & Lynnda Maria Davis, Diane & Andrew Dunn, Phaedra & Michael Edwards, Karen & Michael Fiorile, Erica & Micky Fullen, Nedra Patison Hadley & Alissa Hadley Hines, Fran Horowitz & Michael Bonadies, Alexis Jacobs, Andrew Johnson, Patty & Jerry Jurgensen, Stephanie & Adam Lewin, Tim Maurer & Sanito Mendoza, Jamie & Bill Reinbolt, Arlene & Michael Weiss, and Lyn Williams

Creative Direction: Ologie

Media Sponsors: CD102.5 and Capital Style

In-Kind Sponsors: Baesman Group, Cameron Mitchell Catering, Details and Florabunda Designs Inc., Heidelberg Distributing Company, Lasting Impressions Event Rental, Live! Technologies, LLC, Mukha Custom Cosmetics, Mumm Napa, and Nick Fancher

In-Kind Supporters: Jolie Laide, Middle West Spirits, Pepsi Cola Bottling of Columbus, and Rainer/S77

Check out the 2012 show!

The fashion show tickets are here!

The fashion show tickets are here!

Ok, I got that out of my system (and I swear I wasn’t just jumping around my office shouting that. Really). But seriously, tickets are now on sale for CCAD’s May 10 fashion EVENT. That’s right, I said event, because it is so much more than a show (haven’t been? Check out the video).

The three most important things you need to know right-this-second are:

1. We are once again offering a special advance-purchase price. Buy now, and not only do you save a few bucks but you ensure that you actually get a ticket—we keep selling out and we’ve run out of places to add seats (believe me we’ve tried).
2. Limited Brands Foundation has once again stepped up as our title sponsor. This generous sponsorship is further evidence of the foundation’s commitment to and investment in our creative community.
3. This event raises funds for scholarships—every attendee and sponsor is investing in a CCAD student’s education while having an amazing night on our campus.

Each year we strive to top the year before. This year we have a larger senior class. With so much talent to tap into we are planning to extend the show; however, with so many designers, each allowed to present for consideration up to six garments, there is going to be even more fierce competition to impress the jury and get those looks on the runway.

We’ve brought back fashion blogger Kristen Foley, and she recently shared another exciting twist to this year’s runway show.  Each designer will be truly presenting their own collection. That is, there is no overarching theme. The work we see this year will be a pure reflection of the designer’s inspiration. Soon, Kristen will be sitting down with each designer so we can learn a little bit more about what they have planned for this May.

Each year we are thrilled and humbled by the support we get from our business partners through sponsorships. Their generosity ensures we produce a great event and still raise those critical scholarship dollars.

If you happen to be checking out this post after the publish date there is a very good chance more partners have joined us, so please take a second to visit the event page for a full list of supporters—and show that you appreciate their support of local causes, by supporting them.

Without further ado, a big thanks to: Runway Sponsor, EXPRESS;  Fashion Lookbook Sponsor, Abercrombie & Fitch; Easton Fashion Award Sponsor, Easton Town Center;  VIP Cocktail Reception Sponsors, Nationwide & Justice; Couture Sponsors, Diamond Cellar, Huntington Bank, Lane Bryant, Macy’s, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, RG Barry/Dearfoams, and THE LIMITED; In-Kind Sponsors, Cameron Mitchell Catering, Heidelberg Distributing Company, Live! Technologies, LLC, Mukha Custom Cosmetics, Mumm Napa, and Ologie; In-Kind Supporters, Middle West Spirits; and Media Sponsor, CD102.5.

While you are heading to our event page to get your tickets, also be sure to check out our ever-growing host committee chaired by the fabulous Peg Mativi and Donald Dick.

A packed crowd.

7:30 p.m.

One of the many things I love about this event is the spectacular people watching it affords. The nature of our event—cocktails, runway show, dancing—is such that our guests are encouraged to have fun with their fashion choices.

There are no rules.

Jeans are fine. (I’ve seen people here make jeans look like high fashion.)

Wanna rock your club wear? Bring it.

Look sassy in a cocktail dress or feeling like full-length couture? Go for it.

Jewelry your thing? Make it shine.

As a spectator, I get to take it all in. The crowd, for me, is as much of a fashion show as what happens on the catwalk.

Don’t worry dear readers, there will be plenty of pictures. This year we set up a photo station thanks to our title sponsor Limitedbrands Foundation to ensure we capture our fashionista guests on their way in to the VIP cocktail reception, which is courtesy of Nationwide. (Let’s face it, the lighting that’s great for a cocktail party is not so great for fashion photos.)

Mayor Michael Coleman and Janelle Simmons.

Guests are starting to arrive and already I am wowed—this year will not disappoint. One shoulder dresses seem to be a favorite pick of some of the ladies. Lot’s of light shimmering fabrics, an ode to the coming summer I suspect. One dress has a harem pant affect at the bottom, it’s subtle and lovely. Sequins are shining and there are even a few gentleman sporting bow ties for the evening. Wait, is that a blue tuxedo jacket I see? That rocks.

The atmosphere here is oddly both charged and relaxed. People are clustered together in groups talking and laughing while sipping their drinks—it’s like they’ve taken a big collective breath after a long week and now they are ready to let loose and have fun.

Lots of local celebs and media are joining the crowd of VIPs. A few high-profile lawyers gather in one corner, perhaps recapping today’s courtroom antics, while competing newscasters trade a few stories and perhaps fashion tips in another. It’s an elite crowd but inviting just the same.

Ok, I have to pause here and pay homage to a stunning cobalt blue dress complimented by big chunkie gold bangles.

As a little preview to the show, there are garments from the designers on mannequins throughout the party space. The Diamond Cellar is also here and once again they are raffling off a piece of exquisite jewelry (the winner will be announced next week). Helping them out is Fine Arts junior Carson Weaver, who was the winner of this year’s Diamond Cellar design contest.

This group certainly appreciates well designed accessories, one woman has a fabulous multitude of black and white beads streaming around her neck.

While lots of ladies, both young and young-at-heart seemed to opt to pull out the pearls and they look stunning.

Wow. Time went fast. They are already urging guests into the tent for the runway show.

I guess I better pack up and get over there.

Click on an image to view a gallery and view them larger.

Back stage chaos.

7 p.m.

It is the calm before the storm.

Well, if you don’t include the backstage area where the storm has already struck in the form of whirling dervish hair dressers, make-up artists, models, and frantic senior designers who are about to see their garments shoot down the runway.

The registration tables are armed and ready for the 800 + guests who will soon come to join us to celebrate another year of amazing art and design—and of course a spectacular runway show.

Thanks to Limitedbrands Foundation, who once again stepped up to be the event’s title sponsor, we truly can celebrate knowing we have raised significant dollars to support the scholarships that help make the dream of a college education a reality.

The VIP pre-show party, sponsored by Nationwide, is set up and ready. The caterers are standing by to share delightful tidbits of nosh that look almost too good to eat. (Almost. There really should be a special bloggers snack plate, don’t ya think?) The bartenders are stocked and ready to pour.

The bartenders are well stocked.

Of course, those bartenders will be extra busy later when all of our guests head back towards our mixologist after the runway show to enjoy a drink and some dancing thanks to our Après Runway Sponsors Capital Style Magazine and Justice. But before the post-show party, there will be one hella-good show as one-of-a-kind fashion struts down the runway, which comes to us thanks to EXPRESS; and, at some point in the proceedings, Easton Town Center will honor one of the fashion students with the inaugural Easton Fashion Award.

But, for now, things are calm. Surrounding the runway are neat rows of seats, each topped with a lookbook, sponsored by Abercrombie & Fitch, and gift provided by Mukha Custom Cosmetics. Soon those seats will be filled by VIP ticket holders.

Sponsors, of course, are crucial to a fundraising event and I really do need to take a moment and be sure we thank every generous business and individual who has helped us build this experience.

Our Couture sponsors are Diamond Cellar, Huntington Bank, Lane Bryant, THE LIMITED, Macy’s, NORDSTROM, Polaris Fashion Place, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, and R.G. Barry/Dearfoams.

Our printing sponsor is Baesman and the General Admission Pre-Party sponsor is Union Café.

This year’s host committee co-chairs are Karen & Michael Fiorile and Ellen & Ed Yen

And our 2012 host committee is: Dana & Mitch Acock, Jakki & Jerry Allen, Jamie & Steve Allen, Trudy & Earl Bartley, Pam & Jack Beeler, Teresa & Brian Biernat, Kimberly A. Blackwell, W. Daniel Cordray, Mary & Colby Crall, Loann W. Crane, Bev Darwin, Phaedra & Michael Edwards, DeeDee & Herb Glimcher, Alexis Jacobs, Patty & Jerry Jurgensen, Charlotte & Jack Kessler, Monica & Doug Kridler, Stephanie & Adam Lewin, Peg Mativi & Donald Dick, Tim Maurer & Sanito Mendoza, Veda Nami, Jamie & Bill Reinbolt, Jody & Jeff Scheiman, Thekla Shackelford, Danielle & George Skestos, Jacqueline & Chris Snell, Arlene & Michael Weiss, and Lyn Williams.

Thank you!

Every aspect of our event is touched by community generosity via in-kind donations for everything from the catering via Cameron Mitchell Catering and the adult beverages from Heidelberg Distributing Company, Mumm Napa, and Middle West Spirits, who designed the event’s signature cocktail ARTini.

Backstage where the pre-show chaos reigns, Mukha Custom Cosmetics is once again making sure our models look fierce on the runway—and they are getting hair support from Studio Fovero.

There are behind the scenes elements (lights, video, sound) that usually go unnoticed other than the feeling the crowd gets when they witness a wonderfully staged event—much of the credit for that goes to Live! Technologies—although the thumping beats that get us from party to runway to party again come via our illustrious DJ Rainer. Oh, and speaking of the post-show party, VJ props go to Rainer and  S77.

And the exquisite lookbook that I mentioned before, well Ologie was a key player in mentoring its production along with the invite and branding for the show.

Flowers, chairs, tables and other event accessories come to us thanks to Lasting Impressions and FLOURISH bespoke floral & event styling.

Yum.

An event isn’t an EVENT, unless we sell tickets. That’s where our our media sponsors Capital Style Magazine and CD101 come in. They have spent the better part of the year helping us get the word out and sell tickets. Did you see our students in the May issue of Capital Style? If not, pick up a copy.

Oh, and despite rumors to the contrary, models need to eat—at least our student models do. Thanks to Donatos and Pepsi Cola Bottling of Columbus for keeping our students fed and hydrated during some long rehearsal hours. Also, walking in those heels…not as easy as it looks. Thanks to Foot Petals, inc for providing shoe inserts.

Big thanks and hearty applause to everyone who helped make this night happen.

Guests are arriving and I hear champagne popping, I wonder if I can sneak a canapé?

Nationwide downtown office

They can be found working on branding or pulling together a commercial or photograph. They’re our alumni, and they work for one of the leading insurance companies in the country, Nationwide. We recently got a chance to chat with four CCAD grads about what it is like to work with fellow alumni at Nationwide.

Meet Brand/Reputation Director Tara Roe (Illustration, 1999), Campaign Manager Pamela Watkins (Advertising & Graphic Design, 1983), Creative Director Marc Lincewicz (Illustration, 1992), and Multimedia Senior Coordinator Mary Kay Kemper (Advertising & Graphic Design, 1991).

Q) What is it like to work with other CCAD alumni?

Tara Roe (TR):  It’s fun! There is a common understanding of design and color because we all had the same foundation courses. CCAD grads have a lot of pride in their work and it helps Nationwide’s design continue to grow and evolve.

Pamela Watkins (PW): It’s great to find out someone is a graduate of CCAD—because of foundation courses and instructors, you immediately have a bond with a co-worker. It is also fun to see where we have landed; our careers can take such diverse courses.

Marc Lincewicz (ML): I guess I would say that when I discover that someone I’m working with has graduated from CCAD it forms sort of an instant bond. We have an understanding that we both went through a similar learning experience and probably have similar levels of understanding with regards to finding creative solutions to complex problems. It’s sort of that unsaid wink and smile that we get each other.

Mary Kay Kemper (MK): It’s great to re-connect with people I went to school with and to meet other alumni. It’s almost like they get it and they have a slightly better work ethic then others (at times).

Q) Why do you think Nationwide has a lot of CCAD alumni?

TR: Nationwide is a great place to work! We have a great creative culture within our design teams and they are encouraged to challenge ideas and push the envelope. There are also a variety of projects and opportunities to move within the company.

PW: There are so many opportunities at Nationwide that incorporate a part of your education from CCAD. We have great creative teams. Having both CCAD and Nationwide as such a big part of Columbus’ culture, it only makes sense that so many of us end up here.

ML:  Some people may be surprised to learn that Nationwide recognizes the impact that strong creativity has on our ability to communicate with our members. In my experience, on the design side of my training, CCAD taught me to always create with users in mind. People may be unaware that Nationwide sells much more than just auto insurance. Our in-house creative also consists of an internal photography department, web and interactive teams, video production, photo retouching, and we’re even moving towards 3D modeling. I also think Nationwide understands that CCAD turns out quality people who are prepared to take on a variety of creative challenges. Finally, the combination of the company wanting to be a creative leader and having a leading creative institution in the same city simply works well together.

MK: A big perk is having Nationwide located conveniently near the school. I was out of state for a while and when I returned to find work in Columbus I knew having a CCAD education on my resume would be a big benefit.

Remodeled Nationwide plaza/lobby

Q) Any advice for current students or fellow alumni who want to become involved at Nationwide?

TR: I started at Nationwide as an intern after attending a job fair just before graduating. My advice is to show up to job fairs and make connections. It truly is a key to building your network. It’s all about who you know. That will help you get the time to prove yourself to a potential employer. Have a strong portfolio, practice interviewing, and continue to push yourself creatively.

PW: Never close the door on what you might bring to the table as a result of your excellent education at CCAD. After a long career in graphic design, my first job at Nationwide was as a print buyer. That opened so many doors, and now I’m a campaign manager for Nationwide Financial, who would have thought!

ML: It can be a long, hard, and competitive process to break into Nationwide. The best approach is to be willing to start in a junior position and work your way up. If you are an alumnus with experience, your book needs to show serious talent and a commitment to your craft. Either way, a candidate’s book needs to be excellent, clean, and professional.

MK: A good way is to start as a contractor and test the water, see if Nationwide is right for you while the company will see if you will work out. I contracted for a while before going full time.

Q) Why do you love your job?

TR: I love managing a team of campaign managers and working daily with designers and writers. Although I’m no longer designing myself, I know that I need to stay close to it. Creative people bring so much more energy to the table.

PW: I still get to be a huge part of the creative process without doing the actual designs. I co-lead projects from strategy through completion. I’m always working on various platforms from collateral to conferences to web presence. I still get to partake in the background I love, while learning new things and developing new relationships every day.

ML: I love that Nationwide offers more creative opportunities than many people realize. I love the variety of creative challenges—there’s something new each day. I’ll be honest, I love a steady paycheck; the freelance world wasn’t for me, although I understand the corporate world is certainly not for everyone. I also like that what I do plays a small part in helping people get their lives back together after a problem. This company believes in the success of our city and our community.

MK: I just love it here and love the people! It’s a great creative environment!

Q) What past experiences do you share and remember from being a student at CCAD? How has this impacted your professional career? 

TR: I do lunch with Marc Lincewicz. We challenge each other to work on our art outside of Nationwide since we are both in management roles. I continue using my Color Concept and 2D skills in creating cards and occasionally selling them at the CCAD Art Sales, and Marc has showed his drawings/paintings in local art galleries. It’s great to have a fun, creative full-time gig, but also express our art on the side.

PW: All nighters! I worked part time, so my time was valuable and every minute counted. That taught me the discipline it takes to run a large campaign, work with so many teams, and balance budgets and deadlines. I also have an eye for what works and what doesn’t from messaging through design and that doesn’t come naturally. My education taught me to look at the details.

ML: My experience at CCAD was about constant work, a ton of pressure, and deadlines. I learned those deadlines had to be met. (Even the time I was at the hospital at 3 a.m. getting stitches for an Exacto knife cut.) It was an endless period of trial and error, of reworking and refining. I remember on my orientation day, President Cazani said to the freshmen, “Look to your left, look to your right, those people will not be with you on graduation day.” I knew at that moment I was probably facing a tough four and half years (it took 4.5 years to earn a BFA when I attended CCAD).  But the program being that tough taught me that I could take on seemingly impossible challenges. While I was never the smartest or the most talented artist, I knew I could hold my own. That core idea has stayed with me during my 17 years with Nationwide. It also applies to my fine art work that I do outside of the office.

Click to view video

I feel like I need a bullhorn—something really dramatic to announce that our fashion show tickets are now available for purchase.

If you’ve attended the fashion show in the past you know three important things about this event:

1. It’s awesome
2.  It’s a fundraiser that supports scholarships for the next generation of creative professionals.
3. It sells out—every year.

Sure you may be thinking:  “No rush. The event isn’t until May. I have plenty of time.” If the possibility of being left out isn’t incentive enough to purchase your ticket today, how about a special offer? Right now there is an advance-purchase opportunity—that is, buy now because the ticket prices will increase on March 15.

OK, now that we’ve talked tickets, I want to take a moment to talk about one more very important thing: Sponsors.

Sponsors make this event spectacular. Without their support there is no event. Their generosity ensures that we raise funds for scholarships. Now more than ever, scholarships are the great equalizer. They ensure that talented students can get the education they need to enter the creative economy.

In particular I want to thank our title sponsor the Limitedbrands Foundation. They have been generous supporters of this event for many years. Their philanthropy is an investment in CCAD. Scholarships lead to education, education develops a creative, competitive workforce.

In addition, big thanks to: Runway Sponsor, EXPRESS;  Fashion Lookbook Sponsor, Abercrombie & Fitch; Easton Fashion Award Sponsor, Easton Town Center;  VIP Cocktail Reception Sponsor, Nationwide; Après-Runway Dance Party Sponsors, alive! & Justice; Couture Sponsors, Diamond Cellar, Huntington Bank, Lane Bryant, Macy’s, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, & RG Barry/Dearfoams; Printing Sponsor, baseman; In-Kind Sponsors, Cameron Mitchell Catering, Heidelberg Distributing Company, Live!, Mukha Custom Cosmetics, & Ologie; In-Kind Supporters, Lasting Impressions, Pepsi Cola Bottling of Columbus, & Studio Fovero; In-Kind Friends, Donatos, Foot Petals, Inc., & Middle West Spirits; and Media Sponsors, Capital Style & CD101.

As you head over to the Fashion Show Event page please take a moment to note the sponsors listed there and our fabulous host committee co-chaired by Karen & Michael Fiorile and Ellen & Ed Yen.

Finally, on a side note, this is my third year blogging about the fashion show; and I am excited to announce a change—I will not be blogging alone. Another writer will be joining me (you’ll meet her later). It will be awesome to bring a new voice to the blog, but I’ll admit—it’s a little bittersweet. This gig is so fun that it’s hard to share even one interview or story.

There’s a lot coming up in the following months. There will be a photo shoot for the lookbook, a team of fashion professionals will come to review the designer’s collection and jury the final garments for the show, and we’ll introduce you to each of the designers.

OK, go get your tickets now.

Final image in Nationwide video, painted by Alan Becker

Twenty-five students in CCAD’s Pipeline Project recently created a video for Nationwide to display in the lobby of their downtown Columbus corporate offices.

The Pipeline Project, now in its sixth year, is an extra curricular program at CCAD that provides students a chance to produce a film in a collaborative, team-oriented manner that mirrors professional practice.

The project was led by Assistant Professor Thomas Richner, who met with executives from Nationwide throughout the process and presented the final 30-second video.

The final video focused on the history of Nationwide. It featured a white eagle flying over different Ohio landscapes and a chronological succession of buildings bearing Nationwide’s logos.

“The Pipeline Project allows students to work with real-world factors such as deadlines, meetings, and client requests,” Richner said.

Mardi Girard, a senior in Animation, has participated in the Pipeline Project twice.

“This project was not only a resume builder, but it also taught me how to work with other animators when trying to make a cohesive animation,” Girard said.

Animation senior Bekah Nunn was excited to work in a large group.

“It modeled what we will be doing when we leave school,” she said. “I was able to network with other students and get more experience in completing a team project start to finish.”

Other students who worked on this year’s project include Animation sophomore Kelly Cumpson; Animation juniors Joann Cundiff, Jonathan Pezzatta, Donald Yoakam, Chris Campbell, and Tyler Crowley; Animation seniors Brittney Kellogg, Victor Dearing, Shannon Beech, and DeJuan McCoy; Media Studies juniors Alan Becker and Manuel Austin; and Media Studies senior Jessica Miera.

What a great party!

7 p.m.

I’m stashed away in my corner, the perfect spot for watching the VIPs as they arrive for the pre-show party sponsored by Justice and Nationwide.

I cannot believe the transformation this space has undergone—from raw garage to hip club, all in a few days. (Check out the pre-show album on our Facebook page to see the  week-long progression.)

Ok, so, I confess I am fighting the urge to run up to people and ask “who” they are wearing, and I am having some serious fashion envy. The DJs later this evening (our new friends from NYC) are Miami-chic in matching (of course) pink suites. Later they will have the perfect accessories—ipads, which they will be mixing with during the apres-runway dance party.

The VIP Pre-Show party

I’m seeing every trend imaginable. Cocktail dresses, floor length, pants with sharp fitted jackets, halters, strapless, bow ties, and full-on suites. Lots of sparkle, red, and layered short cocktail dresses. Shoes are ranging from strappy flats to four-inch stilettos. Seeing awesome jewelry, modern silver pieces and more traditional pearls. I love it.

Third looks by the designers are on mannequins throughout the party space. It’s fun to watch people stroll through and pause, taking in each one and discussing it like they were at the Louvre.

8:00 ish—Ms. Andrea Cambern up on stage trying to get this rowdy crowd’s attention with a little O-H-I-O. She’s thanking our title sponsor Limited Brands and supporting sponsor the Davis Foundation … and saying very nice things about CCAD …  and introducing our own lovable president, one Mr. Denny Griffith—and he just announced he’s going off script. But as usual even when he wings it he gets it done.

Denny just made a great point—funds raised by this event go to the CCAD general scholarship fund. Let me elaborate: Scholarships can be the deciding factor on whether a student can come to CCAD. I hate to pull out an old cliché, but this really is a party with a purpose. (Donations can still be made online).

Now our VP Ms. Stephanie Hightower is taking the stage. She is thanking all of our amazing sponsors and our host committee, including the chairs Danielle & George Skestos, who were the driving force behind turning this event from a brunch to a full-on nighttime PARTAY.

Now for the moment where I find out which lucky VIP I will be jealous of for the rest of the night … they are about to announce the raffle winner for the diamond earrings designed by Stephen Webster—Congrats to Dionna Baker! (No, really, I mean it).

Guests are starting to move to the tent—the show is going to start soon. I love the energy in a room right before a show starts, and with this audience that energy is electric!

(Photos are also available on our Facebook page (and don’t worry we’ll add more next week.)

Thanks to title sponsor Limted Brands Foundation & supporting sponsor Davis Foundation

6:30 p.m.

Very soon our first guests will begin to arrive. I just took a quick walk through of Design Studios on Broad and the big tent. In the “back stage” area all is organized chaos as the models go through hair and make-up. But the front of the house is, for just a moment, pristine and serene.

It’s beautiful.

Every year I am in awe at how all this comes together, and I am reminded of all of the amazing organizations and individuals that make it happen.

This year’s title sponsor is Limited Brands Foundation. Their significant support not only brings this event to life, but ensures that the real purpose of the night is realized—raising money for scholarships. They are joined by our supporting sponsor the William H. Davis, Dorothy M. Davis and William C. Davis Foundation.

As our Designer Ticket guests arrive they will go into an exclusive VIP pre-party thanks to the generosity of Co-Sponsors Justice and Nationwide. They will also enjoy some special perks including a high-end raffle item provided by in-kind sponsor Diamond Cellar.

Serene.

After a few cocktails, all of the guests will gather in the tent for the main event—Masters of Design, the 2011 Senior Fashion Show. And, this is an appropriate time to note our fantastic runway sponsor, EXPRESS.

Following the runway show, all guests are invited to the après-runway dance party sponsored by alive! And as guests leave (much later!) everyone will take home a gorgeous fashion-magazine-style catalog sponsored by Abercrombie & Fitch and created with in-kind sponsor Ologie. Designer Ticket holders will also go home with a bottle of Icon, the signature scent custom blended by in-kind sponsor Mukha Custom Cosmetics just for our event.

In keeping with our theme tonight we also have several couture sponsors: Huntington Bank , Macy’s, R.G. Barry/Dearfoams, State Auto Insurance Companies, and Wells Fargo Insurance Services USA, Inc.

An event is made great by the details and many of these come to us via in-kind sponsors. In addition to the companies I just mentioned,  AKADA Hair Salon joins Mukha in providing hair and makeup for our models; Lasting Impressions Event Rentals  and Live Technologies, Inc., give us that fashion week feel; Cameron Mitchell Catering has created an amazing menu (as always); Heidelberg Distributing Company and Pepsi-Cola Bottling of Columbus join Middle West Spirits in keeping us refreshed—dancing is thirsty work—and FRESH French Floral Boutique brings the ambiance; Scott Cunningham did the amazing photography you will see in the catalog; Rainer Ziehm is our spectacular VJ; and Donatos Pizza made sure our designers, models, and crew were fed during the 5-hour tech rehearsal.

It’s also important to remember that for the last six months our media sponsors, Capital Style, CD101 at 102.5, Radio One, and Fashion Wire Press, have helped us get the word out and sell tickets.

Finally I have to give a shout out to our host committee. They commit themselves to making sure we sell the tickets we need to sell to generate scholarships.

Chairs: George & Danielle Skestos;  Christie Angel & Otto Beatty III, Connie Leal Ballenger, Trudy & Earl Bartley, Pam & Jack Beeler, Bev Bethge, Teresa & Brian Biernat, Kimberly A. Blackwell, W. Daniel Cordray, Mark Corna, Loann W. Crane, Toni M. Cunningham, Bev Darwin, Phaedra & Michael Edwards, Karen & Michael Fiorile, Gigi & Sam Fried, Joy & Mike Gonsiorowski, Patricia R. Hatler & Howard A. Coffin, Joan Hill, Alexis Jacobs, Tad & Nancy Jeffrey, Patty & Jerry Jurgensen, Matt Kallner & Kelly Carter, Gale King, Stephanie & Adam Lewin, Peg Mativi & Donald Dick, Tim Maurer & Sanito Mendoza, Veda Nami, Joel Pizzuti ,Jane & Rich Ramsey, Kara & Scott Razek, Jamie & Bill Reinbolt, Jody & Jeff Scheiman, Eda & David Schottenstein, Thekla Shackelford, Chris & Jacqueline Snell, Jen Walker, Arlene & Michael Weiss, Lyn Williams, and Ed & Ellen Yen.

(And, yes we sold out)

Very soon 700 plus people will enjoy what these supporters have helped to build. And generations of future students will realize their creative potential thanks to the scholarship funds raised tonight.

Thank you, everyone!

I think I see our first guests arriving …

CCAD's Senior Fashion Show is May 13, 2011

CCAD’s annual Senior Fashion Show fundraiser has become THE event to attend in May. This year’s Master’s of Design event will shift from a high-class brunch followed by a runway show to a high-octane runway show capped by two parties. The event is growing and so are the number of community members and companies that want to be a part of it. With tickets going on sale in less than two weeks, CCAD has announced the roster of sponsors and host committee members who are supporting this year’s fundraiser.

“Our runway show is a high-energy and chic experience,” said Stephanie Hightower, CCAD’s vice president for institutional advancement. “But more importantly this is a benefit to raise funds for scholarships, and the support of these sponsors allows us to not only create an exceptional event, but to leverage the college’s educational opportunities for the next generation of creative leaders.”

Limited Brands is leading the pack as title sponsor.

Additional sponsors include: Après-Runway Dance Party Sponsor: alive!; Runway Sponsor: EXPRESS; VIP Pre-Party Sponsor: Nationwide; ICON Award Sponsor: Justice; Catalogue Sponsor: Abercrombie & Fitch; Couture Sponsors: Huntington Bank, Macy’s, and R.G. Barry/Dearfoams; Media Sponsors: Capital Style, CD101 at 102.5, Radio One, Fashion Wire Press; In-kind Sponsors: AKADA Hair Salon, Cameron Mitchell Catering, The Diamond Cellar, Donatos Pizza, FRESH French Floral Boutique, Heidelberg Distributing Company, Lasting Impressions Event Rentals, Live Technologies Inc., Mukha Custom Cosmetics, Ologie, Pepsi-Cola Bottling of Columbus, Scott Cunningham, Tork.

Find these sponsors and the host committee listed at www.ccad.edu/fashion.

Tickets go on sale with special early-purchase pricing on Feb. 1 at www.ccad.edu/fashion.