Ware Malcomb and AIS Win “From Runway to Street Chic” Award at IIDA PA/NJ/DE Chapter’s Fourth Annual Fashion Show

By Gina Cangialosi

Project Manager, Ware Malcomb NJ

On June 25, 2015, the International Interior Design Association PA/NJ/DE Chapter (www.iida-panjde.org) held the “From Fashion to Finish” Fashion Show to benefit design programs located in New Jersey. Each of the sixteen competing design firms was paired with an industry vendor to create a look representing one of the Seven Deadly Sins.

Inspired by a design sketched by Gina Cangialosi, the Ware Malcomb team voted for a look representing “Lust”. To embody the exotic nature of the look, the group selected the team name “Kama”, the Sanskrit word meaning desire, wish and longing in Indian literature.

For approximately two months, Ware Malcomb’s New Jersey and New York offices met weekly (over Skype when necessary) to discuss their progress with team leaders Cangialosi, Senior Project Manager Helen Geller and Project Manager Tina Gadhia. From choosing furniture material to selecting the runway music, every team member of the New Jersey and New York offices played a part in creating the look. The team also met with AIS representative Cathy Daler several times to learn about the manufacturer, review product lines, discuss the capabilities of materials, sketch and modify the design.

To satisfy the requirement of creating a look at least 90% comprised of materials provided by the sponsoring vendor, the team worked with AIS to determine the best use of materials. The designers incorporated a variety of materials from AIS into the final look including:

•Nuts and bolts from the furniture systems for jewelry
•The internal copper wiring of the power input cables from the systems furniture to craft the hat
•Fabric webbing from the back of chairs for the side shear strips in the dress and the hat
•Foam padding from a chair seat cushion to stiffen the collar on the dress

After months of preparation, New York actress Alison Saltz strutted down the runway as Team Kama’s model. Celebrity judges Tyler Wisler (HGTV), Helen Castillo (Lifetime) and Vanessa DeLeon (HGTV/Food Network) evaluated each look on creativity, craftsmanship, use of manufacturer’s materials, wear-ability, use of sustainable products and model presence, and awarded points for different categories. When the points were totaled, Ware Malcomb and AIS’ look was named the winner of the “From Runway to Street Chic” award! Team Kama’s final look perfectly embodied the creative elements of the sketch.

Bianca Garcia, a friend of Daler, and a MAC makeup artist did Alison’s makeup backstage.

Heather Groff, Studio Manager, Interior Design for Ware Malcomb’s New York City office volunteered to sew the dress.

Ware Malcomb was proud to be part of the IIDA Fashion Show, which showcased our designers’ talents, while benefitting a great cause. Selling over 500 tickets, the event raised approximately $12,000 for Kean University, the New Jersey Institute of Technology and Brookdale Community College IIDA campus centers. Events like the IDDA PA/NJ/DE annual Fashion Show contribute to the continued success of design students.

Gina Cangialosi
Project Manager, Ware Malcomb NJ
GCangialosi@waremalcomb.com