General Motors Place

General Motors Place

General Motors Gets Inspiration From Iadt Student Designers

General Motors has invited its five-year partner the International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT) to take a sneak peek at GM’s concept cars and new production vehicles at the upcoming 2007 Chicago Auto Show. More than fifty IADT fashion design students will visit General Motors’ exhibit on February 9, 2007 during the first public day of the Chicago Auto Show. The theme of the show is “Runway to future Design and Technology”.

Aside from watching the exhibit, the fifty fashion design students will also create sketches of garment designs inspired by the five GM featured vehicles.

The five vehicles that General Motors will introduce at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show are the following:

- Chevrolet Volt Concept – GM’s electric-driven advanced technology vehicle

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Concept – A sport coupe loaded with exciting high performance features, equipped with the best quality auto parts like GM exhaust system and oozing with dramatic designs.

- 2008 Cadillac CTS – a luxurious and elegant sedan with the charm of a sports car

- 2008 Buick Enclave – Buick’s first luxury crossover SUV that exudes athletic spirit, romantic forms and premium interior

- 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid – voted North American Car of the Year with a demonstration of its environmental commitment.

The sketches or impression gathered and created by the students during the auto show will be used in producing the garments for General Motors for the next two months. Five winning designs are to be chosen and will be showcased at Imagine 2007, an annual fashion show produced by IADT and sponsored by General Motors. The fashion show will take place on May 17 at Chicago’s Union Station. Each of the student winners will receive a $500 cash award from GM.

According to General Motors director of advanced design who led the design team of the Chevrolet Volt Concept car, “Automotive design and fashion inspire and influence each other. Collaboration between GM and IADT, a school with a strong heritage in fashion, highlights opportunities to expand design vision and fresh ideas.”

Kathy Embry, Dean, School of Design Studies at IADT said, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with GM for the fifth consecutive year. We can see a lot of energy in the emotionally compelling designs of all new GM vehicles. The GM Student Design Competition will provide a great opportunity to showcase the talent of future Chicago designers.”

Amber Lindlom, senior fashion design student at IADT has also expressed her excitement on the opportunity provided by GM, “General Motors’ exclusive design opportunity is a thrilling chance for IADT students. The challenge to draw inspiration from GM’s innovative vehicles and translate them into one-of-a-kind fashion design solutions is a fantastic experience for aspiring fashion designers.”

About the Author

Noah Scott is a 30 year old native of New Jersey, writer, and car fan - having grown up with both parents being auto enthusiasts. He works for an automotive consultancy firm and regularly contributes articles to car magazines.