Orange County Fashion Students Prepare for Their Runway Debut

Many aspiring designers dream of watching their clothing strut down the runway in front of a large crowd that includes leaders in the fashion industry. For a few fashion design students at The Art Institute of California – Orange County, that dream is coming true after only a few quarters of instruction.

On Saturday, May 2, finalists in the Rock Icon scholarship competition will have the chance to have their designs judged by respected members of the fashion community, including editors and local designers, at the second annual Rock the Runway fashion, art and music festival.

“The Rock Icon design competition is a chance for our students to test their skills and go beyond their comfort zone,” said Mary Ann Gale, Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing & Management Academic Director. “Sharing their work with a large audience, including judges that are influential leaders in the fashion world, is a learning experience that will drive them as they continue to grow into professional designers.”

The students are competing for a $2,000 tuition scholarship. To add to the pressure, over 2,000 people are expected to attend Rock the Runway this year.

Sharing the runway with the students are well established brands Miss Me Jeans, Elmer Ave. and Oakley.

In 2008, Rock the Runway celebrated the launch of the Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing & Management programs at The Art Institute of California – Orange County. This year the event recognizes the progress of its newest students and the continued success of the school’s 14 other creative programs in the design, media and culinary fields.

“We were overwhelmed by the positive response we received for the inaugural Rock the Runway,” said Daniel Levinson, President of The Art Institute of California – Orange County. “This year, we want to exceed everyone’s expectations and put on an even better show.”

For a complete schedule of events at Rock the Runway or to learn how to help raise scholarship funds for competitions like Rock Icon, visit www.airocktherunway.com.