Level 257 Ends Pac-Man Anniversary Year With Student Fashion Show Oct 8

FASHION FORWARD:Students from the Illinois Institute of Art-Schaumburg will strut their creative stuff with a series of Pac-Man-themed efforts that include a fashion show.

The Pac-Man inspired family entertainment center has been promoting the anniversary of the 1980 arcade videogame by holding different events, including a birthday party in May and various "Party Like It's 1980" promotions. Oct. 8's "Art, Fashion & Arcade" spectacular will cap the year of Pac-Man in high fashion.

Art students will highlight designs in such disciplines as fashion, graphic arts, Web and animation. "Our students are all so excited," said Andrea Kolasinski Marcinkus, the institute's fashion program coordinator. "Level 257's desire for something artistically out-of-the-box has opened up the possibilities for some incredibly exciting work. I really can't wait to see how they create the event and the amazing pieces."

Level 257, which opened in March here, bills itself as a "multifaceted urban-chic space where food takes center stage and play is encouraged." The name is a playful next-level reference to the Pac-Man's legendary 256 split-screen level.

"We are so happy with the wonderful reaction from the students to this idea," said Level 257 marketing manager Natalie Couzens. "A lot of people around the world are excited about such a unique show."

Tickets for the Oct. 8 finale party start at $8 and go up to $20 for a luxury VIP front-row seat. For additional information, contact Level 257 at (847) 805-0257.