Journalism Student Wins National Design Contest

Camille Styles

Columbia, Mo. (April 18, 2004) -- An original sketch of a design concept for the 2004 Dooney & Bourke It Bag line won Missouri School of Journalism junior Camille Styles a trip to New York and Florence and Milan, Italy.

Styles, of Dallas, is studying Strategic Communications at the School. She was one of eight national winners in the Teen Vogue/Dooney & Bourke It Bag Contest. Her concept was selected from nearly 500 entries.

"Having the opportunity to assist Dooney & Bourke gave me new insight into the public relations and advertising strategies that go into building a major brand, Styles said.  "The company's designers placed a lot of value in our ability to forecast trends because of the necessity for fashion labels to effectively reach the teen and college-age markets."

Styles and the other winners visited the flagship Dooney & Bourke store in New York before flying to Italy. While there they attended trade shows devoted to handbags and leather, visited factories where handbags are made and met with the It Bag design team.

It Bag concept by Camille Styles

Advertising and graphic design borrow heavily from the trends seen in fashion as well as architecture and interior design, noted Larry Powell, an assistant professor who teaches visual communication.

"It's not uncommon to see the latest lines, forms, colors and textures that are seen on the runways of Paris and Milan or from the interiors and exteriors of a contemporary city like Miami to show up in ads and brochures," Powell said. "We are very excited for Camille."

Upon graduation Styles plans to work in advertising or public relations for a major fashion brand.