Welcome to our news site. We are happy to announce that we have a new Chapter name and a new website. Welcome to AICIWEST.
Our history:
In 1981, 1982, and 1983, the color and image industry exploded with new entrants.
Since these consultants needed support and education, it made sense to form an image
association. In 1983, that step was taken simultaneously on both the East and West
Coast by AIC and AFIC, AICI’s founding associations.
Brenda York began the Association of Fashion & Image Consultants (AFIC) in
Washington DC. Alyce Klussman and Jean De Forest developed an extensive
certification program, first offered to members in 1987. Annual conventions were held
on Kiawah Island, SC in February 1985; in New York in August 1986 and August 1987;
and in McLean, VA in February 1990. AFIC's presidents were Brenda York, 1983-1987;
Alyce Klussman, 1987-1988; Carole Jackson, 1988-1989; and Jennifer Morris, 1989-
1990. AFIC brought 300 members and nine chapters to the merger with AIC. Chapters
included the Carolinas, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New England, New York/Tri-State,
Washington DC, Washington State, London, and Tokyo.
The Association of Image Consultants (AIC) had at its roots a San Francisco meeting of
three consultants in 1981. The formation of the organization began with five consultants
meeting for a year during 1982. The first general meeting of interested consultants was
held in the fall of 1982.
By 1983, AIC was a formalized association. Their goal of professionalizing the image
industry led to stringent screening of applicants and a provisional year of membership.
AIC's conventions were held in San Francisco in July 1986, and Palo Alto in July 1989.
AIC’s presidents were Diane Parente, 1983-1985; Alyce Parsons, 1985-1986; Sharon
Parsons, 1986-1987; Lynn Farris, 1987-1988; Sue Weinman, 1988-1989; and Bay
Alexander, 1989-1991. AIC brought 100 members and four chapters to the merger. AIC
chapters included Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. Founding
members were Joan Hales, Jeane Johnson, Carolyn Lundell, Suzie Woodward Morris,
and Diane Parente.
The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) developed from the merger of
AFIC and AIC in 1990 and chose as its description, "The premier international image
association." This motto was chosen because it represented a merger of the two oldest
image associations, had the largest membership, and was dedicated to being first and
best.
By 1993, there were chapters in Fresno, Houston, Los Angeles, New England, New
York, San Francisco, Washington DC, and Tokyo. The Toronto Chapter was formed in
1994, and the Basel, Switzerland Chapter was formed in 1995. By 2019 AICI had spread across the globe and now has 35 chapters throughout Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, Mexico, South America and the USA.
AICI members represent the image industry throughout the world and continues to grow each and every year.
If you are also interested in becoming a member click the JOIN US link. You do NOT have to be a certified consultant to become a member.