Fashion Hits the Roadway

Students Draw Design Inspiration from Automobiles

Cutting edge fashion hit the runway this month at the International Academy of Design & Technology's 29th annual fashion show, "Imagine 2008." The most anticipated student fashion show of the year, more than 100 original designs were showcased.

One of this year's most intriguing concepts was to design a garment around an automobile. Students were challenged to take inspiration from a choice of five cars and design for a specific category such as Career, Sportswear, Eveningwear and Avant-garde. The competition challenged designers to think outside of the box, using the car's shape, technology, color and interior as the foundation for their inspiration.

Among the winning entries, a sporty, "armor-like" ensemble emulating the rugged exterior of the Hummer HX Concept; a sleek, one-shoulder cocktail dress reflecting the 3-door design of the Saturn Astra; a jacket with a dramatic neckline reminiscent of the distinctive flared fender of the Pontiac G8 GT; a sophisticated suit adapted from the curvaceous lines of the award-winning Chevrolet Malibu; and a glamorous gown combining the classic beauty and powerful edge of the Saab 9-3 Turbo X.

Produced for General Motors