Department of Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design
Spring Splash '04!
The Department held its first Spring Splash Fundraiser in April to celebrate its ties with the Textile and Fashion Industry. More than 200 people attended what turned out to be a gala evening that raised money to fund guest speakers, field trips, student scholarships and so on.
The evening began with a reception at URI's University Club. Guests then moved to the Memorial Union where they were entertained by a Fashion Show: “Hip Hop Haute”. This was the best of the best of our students’ designs, judged by a panel of industry experts, for prizes of $500, $300 and $200
Following dinner, the Department inaugurated its “Wall of Fame”, celebrating the achievements of its alumnae. Evelyn Kennedy-Commentucci, Claudia Iannuccilli, and Lauren Keach were inducted. We took the opportunity to thank companies who have given support to our program over the years: Cranston Print Works, The Moore Company, and Concordia Manufacturing were the recipients.
After due deliberation by the judges, the winners of the fashion show were announced. The Grand Finale was the "Biggest Splash" award, honoring the achievements of an outstanding person/company over the past year. This year, AEROPOSTALE, represented by their chief merchandising officer, Chris Finazzo, were honored. Chris wowed the audience by donating an additional $1000 to the student prizewinners. Not to be outdone, Advisory Board Chair Glenn Palmer added $5000 to the evening's tally!!
Photos from URI News Bureau and photographer Michael Salerno
| At the Reception....... | ||
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Staff and family from the Dean's Office |
URI Faculty Linda Welters and Art Mead chat with Advisory Board member Hal Bosworth |
Margaret Ordonez checks on Fashion Show Judges Betty Kirke and Christine Laudon |
From the Fashion Show.... |
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Sam Yen and Tracy Freedman designs |
Designed and modeled by Sarah Smith |
Two items by designer Annick Gouin |
Ki Bird designed this |
| The Alumna Hall of Fame. Professors Martin Bide and Abby Lillethun welcomed..... | ||
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Evelyn Commentucci |
Claudia Iannuccilli | Lauren Keach |
| Thanks for support over the years from.... | Meanwhile, the judges are busy...... | ||
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Cranston Print Works and CEO George Shuster |
The Moore Company, and Head of R&D (and URI alum) Laura Parzych |
Betty Kirke, Sirvat Mellian and Chris Laudon tally the results |
| And the winning designs were.... | ||||
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| First Place: May Kue | Second: Samnang Yen | Third: Jenna Casey | Honorable Mention: Kirsten Obermiller |
Honorable Mention: Adenike Omisore |
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The winning designers! From left to right, Jenna Casey, Kirsten Obermiller, Adenike Omisore, Sam Yen and May Kue |
| And finally, the BIG SPLASH. The TMD Department was proud to honor Aeropostale, and its Chief Merchandising Officer, Chris Finazzo | ||
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Chris receives his award |
Delight from the students as Chris announces that Aeropostale will provide $1000 scholarships to each of the winners | |
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| A round of applause for such a magnificent gesture |
And finally, shock and awe as Glenn Palmer donates an additional $5000 to the evening's funds |
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