Here come da judge!

I had the honor and privilege of judging conceptual window designs for Pointe Orlando shopping center created by students from the International Academy of Design and Technology in Orlando.  There were three windows to be done by the teams:  Shopping, Entertainment and Dining.

It was so impressive to meet these talented young people who obviously did research into the businesses in the center before creating their designs.  And one more important point:  the final products would be done in re-purposed cardboard.

The first team (Entertainment) was comprised of a young man named Isaias, who did laser tag guns with film rolls to highlight the two businesses there which provide that sort of fun; a young lady named Melanie, who did cutouts of a film camera, reels of film, and popcorn, etc. promoting the movie theater; and another young lady named Eva, who did rectangular boxes with words promoting "fun" at the shopping center.  


The second team (Shopping) was comprised of a young lady named Shantel, who did large cutout letters of LOVE and colorful shopping bags to promote the love of shopping there; another young lady named Vanity, who did a silhouette cutout of a woman at a table with shopping bags all around her on the ground while surrounded by garlands and a big palm tree; and another young lady named Sophea, who did a cutout of a car with the trunk open filled with shopping bags from the shopping center.

The third team (Food) was comprised of a young lady named Aliana, who did a color filled "under the sea" with a giant lobster holding cutlery, while the coral was filled with tiny dishes and undersea life; another young lady named Megan, did a silhouette of stars, hanging strings of lights, a waiter holding a tray and a couple sitting at a formal table for two; a young man named Pedro did not have a presentation but was a part of the team.

These talented young people were dressed professionally and provided a professional presence to their efforts.

I got to work with Lisa (the Specialty Leasing Manager) from Pointe Orlando on selecting the presentations that best met the goals of what the Center wanted to achieve and give feedback to each presentation. It certainly was amazing to see what these young people came up with, their enthusiasm and willingness to do the work to make this project successful.

Why me, you ask?  Well, I have a dear friend, Susan, who is the general manager who asked me, based upon this blog, my love for fashion and design and her faith that I would be helpful to these students.  And I really look forward to the finalized windows.

So which concepts won?  I'm glad you asked.  Entertainment was the winning one that Eva designed with ideas from Melanie's concept.  Shopping was won by Shantel's design with ideas from Sophea's concept. And the Food winner was Megan's because it didn't highlight any particular type of restaurant but showcased the elegance of dining there at the many restaurants available.

I'll let you know when the windows are finished so you can go out to Pointe Orlando, shop and dine and maybe take in a movie...or laser tag!  Go online to see the stores, restaurants and what's fun to do there. There's even valet parking if you want!

I loved being around that much energy and talent and hope my input helped them. And this wonderful quote is something we can all benefit by:
In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.
Bill Cosby



Until next week, I remain,

Stylistically yours,

Sooz