$10,000 Fashion Design Competition
Nina Garcia of the Emmy-nominated series “Project Runway” is calling upon designer hopefuls everywhere to submit contemporary and fashionable packaging concepts for the oral contraceptive YAZ(R) (drospirenone & ethinyl estradiol). In partnership with Step Up Women’s Network, a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to mentoring and empowering young women for advancement, and Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Garcia announced today the launch of the “YAZ: Step Up and Go Beyond” contest. The grand prize winner will receive $10,000 to help jumpstart a career in design.
“Whether you are an aspiring designer, graphic artist or simply the office fashionista with a flair for what’s chic, now is the chance to put your talent to the test and turn your visions into reality,” said Nina Garcia.
Like many young women, Garcia dreamed of being in the fashion industry. She started her career working in the public relations department for Perry Ellis and its then head designer, Marc Jacobs. She then moved to Mirabella magazine and later to Elle, gradually rising up the ranks, and today, she is one of the world’s foremost fashion trendsetters.
“The design challenge we’re posing is a fashion transformation unlike any other,” said Garcia. “We’re taking an iconic accessory — the birth control case — and asking aspiring designers to take a shot at redesigning it into a chic, more sophisticated carrying case that they could slip into their purses.”
Contestants can enter the contest online at www.PillPackMakeover.com. Design submissions will be accepted until June 30, 2008. On behalf of Garcia, Step Up Women’s Network and Bayer HealthCare, one lucky winner will receive $10,000 to invest in design classes or for the purchase of special design materials and software. The contest winner will be announced around the time of Fall Fashion Week 2008.
“At Step Up Women’s Network, we are dedicated to providing women with opportunities for advancement — whether that’s in their careers, education or just their everyday lives,” said Danielle Carrig, Executive Director of Step Up Women’s Network. “In tandem with our mission, we are pleased to be part of this unique and inspiring contest, which will tap the potential of creative designers, and spotlight their talents that may otherwise have gone unrecognized.”
Putting a Spotlight on Health
YAZ is the first and only oral contraceptive approved to treat the emotional and physical premenstrual symptoms severe enough to impact a woman’s life. These symptoms, called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), can include irritability, fatigue, moodiness, feeling anxious and bloating. These symptoms can also significantly impact a woman’s quality of life interfering with school, work or personal relationships with others. YAZ is the only oral contraceptive (OC) that has been shown to be effective in clinical studies to reduce monthly menstrual symptoms and improve quality of life in women with PMDD.
In addition, YAZ is proven effective in treating moderate acne in women seeking contraception. In recent studies, nine out of 10 women taking YAZ saw improvement in their moderate acne. YAZ is the first and only oral contraceptive on the market clinically proven to treat both PMDD and moderate acne, providing women with health benefits beyond birth control.
About the “YAZ: Step Up and Go Beyond” Contest
The “YAZ: Step Up and Go Beyond” contest is a design competition open to people age 18 or older. Registration is available online at www.PillPackMakeover.com. Here, designers will be asked to fill out a registration form and submit an electronic file of their design along with a 100-word description. Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
– Most embodies the theme of female empowerment (25%)
– Most creative and original (25%)
– Most discreet (25%)
– Most fashion forward and stylish (25%)
Judges of the contest include Nina Garcia of “Project Runway”, Executive Director of Step Up Women’s Network Danielle Carrig and Lauren Streicher, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University, Chicago. The contest is sponsored by Bayer HealthCare, in partnership with Nina Garcia and Step Up Women’s Network.
Related to $10,000 Fashion Design Competition:
If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment, subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader or follow us on Twitter.
MY NAME IS NICOLE GLASPIE JUST TRYING TO FIND, MY WAY IN THE WORLD OF FASHION. I ATTEND FASHION INSTIUTUE OF TECHNOLOGY, IN WHICH I TAKE ONE CLASS PER SEMESTER. I AM A GREAT DESIGNER, TOO. MY DESIGNS ARE SEXY, CLASSY AND UNIQUE! I KIND OF FEELING STUCK, NOT SURE HOW TO GET TO THE NEXT STEP. EVERYONE SAY I BELONG ON PROJECT RUNWAY, CAN YOU GIVE ME SOME ADVICE!