DECA/FIDM Runway Challenge Winners Visit Los Angeles

2011-04-08

FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising welcomed three high school students who won the FIDM Runway Challenge, a competition sponsored by FIDM and open to DECA students during which students were asked to create a runway-worthy garment out of previously worn materials. The winning students were Amanda Andre, Cassidy Maksy, and Brooke Rezendes of Apponequet Regional High School in Lakeville, Massachusetts.

Under the direction of DECA advisor Frank Rosa, the three students designed a strapless dress made out of men’s neckties. Working in teams of up to three, all of the competition participants were given a spending limit of $20 and were required to develop a 10-minute video to present their ideas to FIDM executives and instructors via Youtube. [Watch the winning team’s video presentation here].

FIDM offered the overall winning team and its advisor a trip to Los Angeles to attend FIDM’s Debut 2011 Fashion Show, and the opportunity for the winning garment to be modeled in FIDM’s traveling Debut Fashion Show at the DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando.

The final garment took about three months to develop and the students thought that using neckties was a unique idea that would give their dress an edge, says Rezendes. After sketching out several versions of their design, the students decided to develop a dress with a strapless bodice and ties that lay diagonally across the bottom to create a skirt. “In the end the dress came out better than we ever dreamed,” says Andre.

Under Rosa’s direction, Andre, Maksy, and Rezendes learned the value of marketing strategies in addition to design. “This project was of value because it was a hands-on experience where [the students] were able to see the marketing wheel beyond the pages of a textbook. They learned what was required to put together a marketing plan from the beginning to the end,” says Rosa. “They had a sense of accomplishment because they had actually created a garment.”

When FIDM announced their design as the overall FIDM Runway Challenge winner, the students were “jumping for joy,” says Rosa. “It was truly priceless!” he says. “All their hard work had paid off and they could enjoy the fruits of their labor.”

The students and Rosa visited Los Angeles from March 16 through March 19 during which they toured Los Angeles visiting various attractions including FIDM’s Los Angeles campus. The students also found time to shop, and were special guests at FIDM’s Fashion Club Party, and FIDM’s Debut 2011 Fashion Show.

Andre’s teammates shared in her enthusiasm about the trip. “My favorite part about the trip was definitely the entire day of the fashion show,” says Maksy. “We had so much fun and it was incredible to see what FIDM really is about– and the designs were all amazing. It was such a new and exciting experience for me.”

The students all encouraged other DECA students to participate in future competitions. “Participating in the FIDM Runway Challenge, I took away knowledge of fashion. I learned how much I love the fashion industry and it really persuaded me to think about it as a future career,” says Andre. “Also, it reminded me of how I am able to do anything I put my mind to… it was everything I ever hoped for, and I'm honored that I got to see how this really could impact my life.”

Maksy says that she would encourage other DECA students to participate in competitions such as the FIDM Runway Challenge. “The challenge seems a little bit intimidating at first because there are so many components and requirements, but it is totally worth it to see your name in the first place spot!,” she says. “Don’t leave anything for chance. You have to go above and beyond and incorporate anything that you think may be beneficial to your plan.”

Rezendes also suggests to future DECA members to go above and beyond what you are asked, while making sure you are following the rules. “Don't be afraid to get creative and just have fun with it,” she says.

Rosa thanked FIDM and DECA’s National Advisory Board for implementing the FIDM Runway Challenge, stating, “By providing DECA students with opportunities like this, students have a new way to use their talents to showcase their great abilities as future business leaders.”

“We want to extend a special ‘thank you’ to the high schools who participated in this year’s challenge. We know you all worked very hard to bring your designs to fruition. Brooke, Amanda and Cassidy were delightful guests and so deserving as this year’s winners,” says Marlene Dunn, Chairperson, FIDM Merchandise Marketing major, and member, DECA NAB Executive Committee.