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.

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.