GM FYI Blog

Tonight, students from the International Academy of Design & Technology will unveil clothing they designed based on GM cars and trucks during the annual Imagine Fashion show in Chicago. The students attended the Chicago Auto Show in February and based their designs on their impressions of five vehicles – the Hummer HX Concept, the Chevrolet Malibu LTZ, the Pontiac G8 GT, the Saturn Astra 3-Door and the Saab Turbo X. Winning designs will be chosen during tonight’s show and the winners will receive $500 cash prizes from GM.

We checked in with Ana Cantillano, a 2006 winner for her jacket based on the Cadillac Escalade front grill, to see how the event shaped her own design career. – Will Stewart, blog editor

By Ana Cantillano

It seems like yesterday that I was caught in a whirlwind of media frenzy after winning the 2006 GM Student Design Competition for the Cadillac Escalade. Constructing the outfit I designed was very challenging, but nonetheless super fun. The fully lined quilted jacket was created after the car’s bold textured chrome grille, while the fitted skinny pants borrowed elements from the sleek angles of the vehicle. This ensemble had a massive amount of details even for the most talented students out there. From an over-sized notched collar and an adjustable belt to hand embroidery and matching jewelry, this was for sure an ambitious project, but in the end, I have to say, it looked absolutely perfect!

The GM Award has opened several doors for me in the fashion industry because of the press it receives, and employers are always impressed to learn that I have been the recipient of such distinctive prize.

On the same note, I have to mention that I haven’t stopped working since graduating with a Fashion Design degree from the International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT). I started out my career in Indianapolis as a Product Development Assistant working for Motionwear and soon after moved Fort Wayne, also in Indiana, to work as the Head Designer for Cleo and Dot, a children’s wear company. With Cleo and Dot I have been exposed to all aspects of the business. From the first steps of product development, trend and market analyzes, to sourcing, fittings, prototypes, production, model scouting, and photo shoot. And I used to think Fashion Design was all about having fun and being glamorous 100 percent of my time. Actually, it turns out to be hard work, but don’t get me wrong, I still love every bit of it.

I have recently started working on a line of my own, also for kids, think boho-chic twirly girl, called Pixie-Chix, and it feels like graduating for a second time. I have always loved the word freedom, and to me this is exactly what is ahead for me. Being my own boss has always been a dream of mine.

For now, don’t forget to check the designs of the most recent GM Student Design Competition winners. I am sure these up-and-coming designers will be causing a stir in the fashion industry in a very near future.

Next time you are in Las Vegas or LA attending an apparel trade show we could not only end up rubbing elbows, but also exchanging ideas about what’s hot and what’s not for next seasons most sensational fashionistas (and their fabulous kids!).