UK Teams 'Make it Work' at 'Product Runway'
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov 3, 2011) − An exhibition of the University of Kentucky School of Interior Design's award-winning work from "Product Runway" comes to campus this week. UK's winning garments from the annual event sponsored by the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) were among 17 pieces featured in the competition. The UK teams took first place and the competition's Da Vinci award. Locals can get a closer look at the university's couture entries at the "Product Runway Exhibition" on display through Nov. 10, at the Peace Gallery, 103 Funkhouser Building. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
On Oct. 20, at Louisville's Henry Clay Beaux Arts Ballroom, the Louisville/Lexington City Center of the Ohio/Kentucky chapter of IIDA hosted "Product Runway." As part of the competition, a firm or team of designers was paired with a manufacturer of interior finish materials, like carpet, tile, wall covering, etc. Then, emulating the popular TV reality show "Project Runway," each team was charged with creating a couture ensemble that was constructed of and showcased the products of their specified manufacturer. After weeks of design and fabrication, the competition culminated in a fashion show of each team’s garment walking a runway in front of a panel of judges.
Seventeen teams competed in Kentucky's "Product Runway," including two teams featuring students from UK College of Design's School of Interior Design. Both teams earned top awards. Team #3, paired with OM Workspace and Teknion, was presented with the Da Vinci award. Team #4, paired with Deborah Drury Interior Design and Johnsonite, took first place, the highest honor of the competition.
Team #3 was comprised of Cathy Johnson and Maria Bowling, of OM Workspace; Angie Clayton, of Teknion; and UK interior design students Jessica Brake, Meredith Jones, Carrie Marcum, Sabrina Mason, Taylor Moore, Veronica Polinedrio, Angela Russo, Shannon Senderling and Olivia Steitz. Steitz modeled the piece at the runway event.
Team #4 consisted of Deborah Drury, UK alumna and owner of Deborah Drury Interior Design; Lori Gibson, of CDC Distributers Inc. representing manufacturer Johnsonite; and UK interior design students Rula Al-Obaidi, Lexie Foellger, Elizabeth Harr, Abby Hyland, McKenzie Jolly and Gracie Vinyard.
IIDA strives to create a strong niche for the most talented and visionary interior design professionals, to elevate the profession to the level it warrants, and to lead the way for the next generation of interior design innovators. The association provides a forum to demonstrate design professionals’ impact on the health, safety, well-being and virtual soul of the public, balancing passion for good design and strategy for best business practices.
MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Hale, (859) 257-8716 or whitney.hale@uky.edu