Student Vision Drives Designs at Imagine 2005

General Motors Awards Winners from Annual International Academy of Design and Technology Student Fashion Show at Cadillac Palace Theatre

CHICAGO, May 20, 2005; An athletic outfit inspired by the Pontiac G6's unique, four-panel panoramic roof ... a light, one-piece suit to complement the open-air design of the 2007 Saturn Sky roadster ... and a sexy, high-class coat reflect the lines of the all-new Chevrolet Cobalt SS. These were some of the inspirations for the winning designs revealed at "Imagine 2005," the International Academy of Design and Technology's (IADT) annual fashion show, held last night at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. The designs were the creations of five IADT students who participated in the competition, featuring General Motors as the event's title sponsor.

"The students put their talents to work and created some unique fashions that really captured the essence of the featured vehicles," said Christopher Webb, Manager of GM Color Trends. "Automotive design relies on many of the trends set in the fashion industry, but 'Imagine' is an event where enterprising students can reverse those roles."

More than 100 designs from IADT-Chicago students were submitted based on the five focal vehicles, including the Cadillac CTS-V, Chevrolet Cobalt SS, HUMMER H3, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Sky. This year's winners were selected by a panel of experts in automotive design, marketing and fashion. They include:

* Kevin Chancellor - Cadillac CTS-V * Mandy Leger - Chevrolet Cobalt SS * Joi Katskee - HUMMER H3 * Vernita Skinner - Pontiac G6 * Anna Pers - Saturn Sky

The winners received a $500 cash award from GM and a $200 gift certificate from an industry wholesale source.

"Imagine 2004 was a big success, and we were very excited to continue our partnership with General Motors for this year's event," said Kathy Embry, Fashion Design Program Director for IADT. "The Cadillac Palace was an outstanding venue for this exhibition of original fashions inspired by modern automotive design."

About IADT's Annual Fashion Show - Imagine 2005

Imagine 2005 brought together student works from all IADT design and technology programs such as fashion design, advertising, visual communications, information technology and merchandise management. This year, IADT celebrated the 26th anniversary of this annual student-run event.

IADT Background

Located at 1 N. State St., IADT-Chicago is an accredited, four-year college that offers bachelor and associate degrees in a variety of disciplines based on a strong heritage in fashion and an expanding emphasis on high technology education.

General Motors' Sponsorship of Imagine 2005

General Motors was the title sponsor of Imagine for the third consecutive year. In conjunction with the sponsorship, GM and IADT joined forces to create the special design competition to help IADT students stretch their creative abilities and draw inspiration from GM vehicles. The sponsorship was created and executed by GM's North Central Region, located in Naperville, Ill.