News

Cleveland Institute of Art graduate Valerie Mayen ’05 is one of 16 contestants in the upcoming Season 8 of Lifetime’s Project Runway.

Valerie graduated from CIA in Illustration and started her own fashion label, Yellowcake, soon afterward. Working out of her studio space in downtown Cleveland, Valerie designs and makes apparel and accessories for her line.

She is also a Cleveland advocate - winning a number of local fellowships and grants to keep her business alive and grow the fashion industry in northeast Ohio (including a Creative Workforce Fellowship in 2009 and a COSE Arts Business and Innovation Award in 2010).

After reaching the final selection round to compete on Season 7, Valerie was invited back for a second try this year. Tune in to the show’s premiere on Thursday, July 29 at 9pm EST to watch the CIA grad and talented designer in action.