Raquel Zimmerman's CFDA Cameo

Plus! FIT students invited to design a T-Mobile Sidekick accessory
Tuesday, May 27, 2008

(NEW YORK) Raquel Zimmerman will be omnipresent come Monday's CFDA Awards gala. That's because the Brazilian supermodel has been photographed exclusively by Mikael Jansson for a special book that will be handed out to attendees at this year's black-tie affair.

Spearheaded by CFDA president Diane von Furstenberg, the book was created in a four-day shoot under the direction of creative director Trey Laird and Karl Templer, who styled the fashion-forward images. In a twist on past traditions of one model per look, Zimmerman, at the suggestion of Templer, wore the designs of all 25 nominees--both for CFDA and Swarovski Awards--regardless of gender.

The results portray the brunette as an imposing athlete in Michael Bastian's men's wear, a stylish corporate fellow in Tom Ford, and a Marc Jacobs-ed sprite (hate-it-or-love-it headband in tow).

Special honorees Dries Van Noten, Carolina Herrera and Candy Pratts Price were also shot by Jansson. Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who is said to be receiving his award from Ralph Lauren, could not participate due to a scheduling conflict. David Colman of the New York Times penned the complementary essays about each distinguished individual.

Kenji Toma was asked to photograph close-ups of abstract flowers that have been intermittently placed throughout the book. The floral accent is a continuation of the fresh peonies that accompanied the gala invitations, as well as a new CFDA logo Laird designed that will be affixed to the book's cover.

In related CFDA Awards gala news, Fashion Institute of Technology students will be treated to a simulcast party on Monday night at the school's Haft Auditorium. Sponsored by Target, the student-only event is in addition to the Upstairs at the Library party immediately following the awards ceremony and before dinner.

As part of this new initiative, T-Mobile has invited students confirmed to attend the viewing party to enter a contest to "Design a Sidekick Accessory," such as a case, a bag, a belt.

Submissions are due via email no later than June 27.  The winner will be selected by a jury and announced in July. The winner will receive a T-Mobile Sidekick LX, one year of free service from T-Mobile, and a $1,000 cash prize. Students whose sketches were submitted by May 23 will see them featured at the gala.