For Immediate Release

Date:  November 2, 2006

BLOOMSBURG— A Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania student learned what the fashion industry is really like from some top designers during Teen Vogue Fashion University Weekend.

Cortney Sandore, a native of Pine City, N.Y., near Elmira, is a sophomore with a major in art studio. Sandore attended the Teen Vogue University during the last weekend in October, after applying a month earlier. The application process involved submitting sketches, a photo of herself and essays on why she wanted to attend. She also was asked to identify her role model and describe her personal style. 

“I was scared that I wouldn’t get accepted because I’m not attending a fashion school,” Sandore said.

The weekend’s events started with a concert by the up-and-coming band, OK Go, on Friday, Oct. 27, and continued with seminars on Saturday, Oct. 28, and a runway show at Bloomingdale’s on Sunday, Oct 29. Sandore attended seminars with the designers of Dooney and Bourke handbags and Tiffany and Co. jewelry, fashion designer Derek Lam and “Project Runway’s” Tim Gunn.

“I was just in awe when the designers walked into the room,” said Sandore.

Although Sandore is a fan of Tim Gunn from “Project Runway,” her favorite seminar involved the designers of Dooney and Bourke handbags. She was able to view the 2007 styles of handbags before they reach the market. 

The weekend involved high school and college students from across the country as well as four other countries. “Everyone there wanted to do something with fashion. People wanted to be fashion designers, journalists or fashion marketers,” said Sandore.

Sandore believes she learned a lot from the weekend. She was advised on where she could further her education and on internship possibilities. As far as Sandore is concerned, she has decided she wants to continue her education at an art or fashion school after graduating from BU.

“The designers got me inspired, they told me to go out there and do it,” said Sandore.

Bloomsburg University is one of 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The university serves approximately 8,000 students, offering comprehensive programs of study in the colleges of Professional Studies, Business, Liberal Arts and Science and Technology.