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Fashion Tea at GCC to focus on trends, careers in fashion industry - RSVP deadline Feb. 5

By Billie Owens

Press release:

"Sew, what's happening" in the world of fashion?" Genesee Community College Fashion Design, Business and Computer Information Systems Professor Donna Ehrhart is bringing leading voices together to share insights with students and the community at a Fashion Tea on Friday, Feb. 8.

It takes place from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Room T119 at the Batavia campus. Tea and light refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public, but advance reservations are required by Tuesday, Feb. 5.

Ehrhart has lined up a panel of diverse experts from around Western New York to talk about fashion trends and careers. The following guest speakers bring a wealth of expertise from a dynamic array different backgrounds and professions:

•    Jill Bates, of Jill Bates Fashion, a formalwear expert and "fashion physician," Rochester

•    Donald M. Brown, vice president of Charles Men's Shop, Batavia

•    Candace Cooper, a GCC student who has started her own clothing line "Can'de Couture"

•    Raul Siro Ferreira, owner of Each 1 Stitch 1 Fabric Store and Design Studio, Rochester

•    Kathy Healey, owner of Healey Wear, a sworn "fabri-holic" and designer of garments and window treatments, Greece

•    Kristine Iannazzi, CEO of Embrasse-Moi, a lingerie designer, Pittsford

•    Karen Schimpf, president of Sew On-Sew Forth, Depew

The event is specifically developed to give all the attendees, from the guest panelists, to students, and community members the chance to network, mingle and share ideas and information about fashion news, trends and opportunities.

Learning about GCC's new Fashion Design concentration and the upcoming annual GCC Fashion Show, entitled "Fashion Forward" is also part of the agenda.

"I want people to realize what a vibrant fashion community there is in Western New York," Ehrhart said. "This event will be an opportunity for students and the community-at-large to learn, share, and connect with the many outstanding resources we have in our region."

Those interested in attending the tea are asked to RSVP to Professor Donna Ehrhart by Tuesday, Feb. 5 at djehrhart@genesee.edu or 330-9877.

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