Splash tickets for the formal affair are now on sale

KINGSTON, R.I — April 6, 2006 — The University of Rhode Island’s Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design (TMD) department will present its third annual “Spring Splash” fashion show on Thursday, April 20. The event will build on the previous show’s tremendous success, celebrate the accomplishments of alumni and industry partners, and showcase selected fashions created by URI students.

Called “Passion for Fashion,” the Spring Splash fashion show will feature the best of the students’ designs as judged by a panel of faculty and industry experts. Winners of four scholarships funded by last year’s Splash event will be named at the show.

The evening will begin with a reception and formal dinner at the University Club on Upper College Rd. from 5-6 p.m., sponsored by Glenn Palmer and his wife, Jaroslava. Glenn Palmer, a 1975 URI alumnus, is president and CEO of Rafaella Apparel Group, Inc., headquartered in New York City. Palmer is also president of the TMD Textile Advisory Board. The reception will be followed by dinner from 6-7:45 p.m.

At 8 p.m., a formal runway show of the year’s select student designs will be featured for the first time at Edwards Auditorium. The show is sponsored by Aeropostale, the fast-growing mall-based specialty retailer of casual apparel for youth, based in N.Y.

Tickets for the formal affair are $125 per person or $1,000 per table of eight are now on sale. Tickets for the show are $50 each. All proceeds will help to support and improve TMD student education, and be used guest speakers, field trips, and scholarship support. Last year more than 150 people attended the event that raised about $40,000. For tickets and more information, please call 874-4574.

The evening will also feature induction of new members into the department’s “Wall of Fame” in recognition of the achievements in the textiles, fashion and marketing fields, and awards to businesses that have partnered with the TMD Department.