We’re excited to announce that MFA Textile Design student Xing Liu has won first place and BFA Textile Design student Karina Rasmussen has won third place in the Stylesight International Prints and Graphics Contest! Xing will receive a Stylesight commission and both of Xing and Karina will be featured on Stylesight.

The winning prints and graphics of Xing and Karina for Stylesight Competition. 

“This competition began as a small initiative to introduce the industry to young, talented designers,” said Isham Sardouk, Senior Vice President of Trend Forecasting at Stylesight.

Stylesight hosts a seasonal prints and graphics student contest to showcase fresh talent and support emerging artists. The contest searches for work that combines this season’s trends and color palettes with fresh and interesting designs. Winners are marked on originality, cohesiveness of the print collection and technical accuracy.

This season’s contest went international, with students competing from schools from the United States and the United Kingdom. At Academy of Art University, the Stylesight contest was given to students as an individual project in their Textile Portfolio classes, where each student picked one out of the four megatrends—Confluence, Dissonance, Existence, and Essence—to produce six original prints and graphics for Fall/Winter 2015.

First Place Winner | Xing Liu

Born in Dalian, China, Xing Liu moved to San Francisco to pursue her MFA in Textile Design at Academy of Art University. Liu chose Stylesight’s Confluence megatrend for the contest, taking inspiration from traditional tribal craftsmanship and patterns. Her textiles reimagine these classic patterns in a bold and modern manner, focusing on the splicing of geometrics to create lively, dynamic prints.

With the passion in textile design, Xing sets her future goal to be a textile designer and hope to build her own company and brand after accumulating years experience in the industry. Good luck Xing!

Using Stylesight’s trends and forecasts as creative and technical guidelines, Xing created a series of exclusive prints and graphics.

Third Place Winner | Karina Rasmussen

Karina Rasmussen is a recent BFA graduate specializing in Textile Design. Rasmussen chose the Existence megatrend for the contest, drawing inspiration from the natural habitat and landscapes of the Arctic. Her collection of textural prints and graphics is featured elements of snowy peak mountains, crystalized ice, and morning frost, along with a floral contrast of midsummer blooms.

Over the past few years, Karina’s interest within the study of textiles has developed into a passion of creating dynamic designs while exploring innovative techniques. She’s open to a variety of possible fields, such as fashion or interiors. Her goal is to continue to grow within the exciting industry; she plans to enhance her skills and discover new design practices through experience and face new challenges. Good luck Karina!

2014 Stylesight International Prints and Graphics Contest Winner, Karina Rasmussen

Written by Doreen Du

The exorbitant cost of wedding dresses is something society seems to accept unquestioningly. Wedding dresses can cost thousands of dollars, and it’s not only the production cost that drives up the price- perception plays a huge role as well.

Wall Street Journal editor Monika Vosough spoke to School of Fashion Director Simon Ungless and SF-based wedding gown designer Trish Lee to get insights into why bridal designers can sell their gowns at high markups.

Check out the video here!

Bay Area-based non-profit, Fashion on the Square, hosts fashion shows and awards ceremony honoring exceptional local creatives.

Bay Area-based non-profit, Fashion on the Square, hosts fashion shows and awards ceremony honoring exceptional local creatives.

On the evening of July 20^th, Bay Area-based nonprofit Fashion on the Square (FOTS) brought together a collective of some of the Bay’s finest up-and-coming talent to kick off the tenth anniversary of FOTS Week. FOTS Week is celebrating the success of being one of the largest and longest running fashion shows on the West Coast with a whole week of events, happening throughout the Bay Area at various venues from July 19 – 27, 2014. In attendance to help celebrate a decade of fashion were local fashion editors, beauty professionals and musicians.

FOTS + The Arts, founded by Y’Anad Burrell, is a non-profit organization that was created to give a platform to local artists, designers and visionaries to showcase their work to the masses. The space and opportunity for these creatives is prime, as attendees of Sunday’s event included multiple press outlets including the editors/founders of Fashion Xchange Magazine.

Stylish attendees help kick off FOTS Week

This event was also a preview of what to expect of the coming week’s events. Some of the highlights to keep an eye out for? On July 27th at the finale runway show, FOTS will be honoring Wilkes Bashford with the FOTS Fashion Icon Award. Wilkes has defined Bay Area style for close to 50 years and he continues to be the go-to man when it comes to making a statement in fashion and standing out in the crowd.

Fierce runway poses at the FOTS Week kick off event

Also of note is Academy of Art University alumna  and fashion and jewelry designer Cindy Quach, who will be showing her collection during the FOTS finale runway show.  In August 2014, Cindy will be celebrating the opening of her first boutique, which will carry both couture and ready-to-wear designs.

The acknowledgement of up-and-coming talent and established professionals by the FOTS team is a monumental achievement for the advancement individuals awarded, a moment that Academy of Art University students and alumni can surely relate to amidst their personal roads to success.

For more information on FOTS and to get tickets for the remainder of events this week (including the finale show featuring Cindy Quach!) please visit www.fashiononthesquare.com.

Images courtesy of Fashion Xchange Magazine by Robert Silver Photography

Written by Alexa Palacios

Blog: http://idressthereforeiamla.com

Instagram: @IDressThereforeIAm

Luxury dress rental service StyleLend hosts an intimate gathering for customers in new location.

StyleLend founder and CEO, Lona Duncan

On Tuesday, July 22, luxury dress rental company StyleLend’s founder Lona Ducan, along with her small yet mighty team, hosted a shop-and-ship-esque Style Soiree event to christen StyleLend’s new office space. StyleLend’s new location is in the SOMA district of San Francisco. StyleLend is one of many companies to move to the neighborhood, which has become a bit of a creative hub that reflects the growing fashion and technology collaborations that are taking an ever stronger hold in the Bay area.

During the party, new and returning customers gained the opportunity to shop new products available, bring in their own dresses for rent, and mix and mingle with fellow San Francisco fashion and bargain lovers.

StyleLend founder Lona Duncan with her employees and guests of the Style Soiree event

Style Soirees are an ongoing event hosted by StyleLend. These cocktail get-togethers are aimed at community building within the fashion industry, and specifically arranged to give Style Lend fashionistas the opportunity to meet one another in person.

Written by Alexa Palacios, all photos by Alexa Palacios

Blog – http://idressthereforeiamla.com

Instagram: @IDressThereforeIAm

Academy of Art University MFA Fashion Design alumna, Jie Jessie Liu, filled us in on her Spring ’15 Collection and her goals for her label Simple Pair. She plans to present her collection at the New York Coterie show this September. This show will give her the chance to meet with some of the worlds top department store buyers—her sights are set high on Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Jessie balances her passion for designing and being a mother to her nineteenth month old son. For Jessie, being a new mother doesn’t mean settling down, rather her son brings more joy to her life and motivates her to keep creating.

What does the brand name ‘Simple Pair’ mean to you?

In the early days of the company, my partner and I founded this studio with a simple philosophy: to enable all women to freely express their ideals of beauty.  We wanted to manifest the various forms of beauty using simple yet tasteful cuts, patterns, and prints throughout our collections.

What does a regular workday look like for you?

I work out of our  humble 400 square-foot studio in bustling downtown San Francisco. Besides working on designs and patterns, I often spend hours coordinating with various supplier or venders.  No matter how busy or tired I get, I still try to browse magazines and online resources for new inspirations and ideas. I also keep up with apparel industry news, fashion shows, and new sources for fabrics and manufactures.

What inspired your Spring ’15 Collection?

Our design philosophy is to infuse the abstract artworks into wearable designs.

For this collection, I collaborated with a Chinese artist whose name is GuoFeng. We used his artworks as our inspiration; we especially loved the vibrant colors of his works. His art is defined by its abstract nature, featuring the use of mosaic images with pixilated strokes. We took parts from his artworks and reconstructed them into new motifs for our collection.

Because the emphasis of this collection is on prints, we invested a lot of time and energy into organizing, transforming, and designing the prints.  Since we were printing on silk there were a number of technical hurdles.  Not every vendor could do it because we had so many colors on each print and we have a very high standard of consistency

What was your design process?

We first created a mood board, the color story, and sketches.  We then sourced the appropriate fabrics, made patterns, and produced our initial samples.  The first sample collection was then altered after model fittings.

Who does your brand appeal to?

A woman with unique tastes, who is curious about the world, and lives a sophisticated lifestyle.  She is not afraid to go for what she wants. She may be a company executive or a vegan chef.  She desires freedom and independence and does not judge nor want to be judged.

What are your goals for your company?

My immediate goals are to expand my company with the help of potential investors and get in touch with various potential buyers.  For the long run, I would like to make my line an internationally recognized label synonymous with elegance and acceptance.

Most designers are clustered in New York or Southern California.  San Francisco is one of the top cities in the US—I love the culture and the weather here.  I often wonder why San Francisco isn’t as fashion-forward of city as New York. I wish I could bring more job opportunities for the people here in fashion industry, and I would like to take on a leadership role to help transform the city into a fashion capital. I know it’s a long shot, but I am willing to try it. 

You helped run your families electrical business, does your experience in the electrical power industry play a role in your design methods?

My background in the electrical power industry and former stint as an accountant definitely helped me in my current company.  Most young fashion graduates probably won’t know how to operate a company, nor about setting up its infrastructure.  I was fortunate enough to have previously acquired the skills to negotiate, delegate, and communicate effectively.

What advice can you give to aspiring fashion designers?

Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. You can and you will, as long as you persevere. The job market for fashion designers is tough, but keep trying and you will succeed. Don’t do five internships simply because people tell you that’s what it takes. Be judicious with your choices.

Written by Ashley Castanos

In the recent years of my career development, I have often wrestled with one question:

What would I really love to do in the future?

My name is Doreen Du, born in Paris and raised in Taipei, Taiwan. It’s been a pleasure to working as an intern in the School of Fashion Public Relations department for the past 10 weeks. Time flies when you’re having fun… and working hard! Sure, it’s one thing to hear everyone in the office is talented, diligent and supportive, but it’s amazing to experience it. So please sit back and take a breath as you get the inside scoop on what School of Fashion PR interns are actually doing.

As a graduate Fashion Merchandising major, I found an astounding lack of PR resources for entry-level professionals and still fewer comprehensive definitions of public relations as a field. To me accepting an editorial internship with the School of Fashion PR department was simultaneously thrilling and nerve-wracking.

The internship started in June; I cannot begin to describe how much I’ve learned in only two months. I’ve been given a hands-on role in operations with a chance to ask questions, get involved and build a portfolio of actual work by blogging on Fashion School Daily. Everyday at the office I am expanding my skill set and acquiring knowledge about the industry that I just can’t learn in the classroom!

About ninety percent of my work involves some type of writing or presentation creation on FSD and social media outlets, which means being detail oriented is not only an asset, it is a necessity. My experience has been nothing but welcoming and educational. This internship has provided me with more insight to this side of the industry, as well as endless opportunities and better communication skills to develop my abilities as an aspiring public relations professional.

In my own experience, PR has been a learn-as-you-go type of industry, requiring a quick mind, excellent attention to detail and a strong ability to multi-task. I would say lots of energy and a great attitude are a must! What I’ve learned in these past few months is irreplaceable, and will no doubt help to jumpstart my career.

To answer the question I posed at the beginning of this post— now I know that I love PR in and of itself—communicating and creating!

I believe that a major part of life is learning. A challenge keeps you fresh whether it’s learning new skills or learning about new industries. Currently, I am looking forward to the next internship, confident that I am building a solid foundation for a career in public relations.

Written by Doreen Du

It seems as though everyone is gearing up for this weekend’s musical festivities, and rightfully so… we’ve only been waiting all summer long! Outside Lands kicks off in just two days, but there’s still time to look like a star amongst Kanye West and the Haim sisters with these must haves for Outside Lands.

GAL’S GEAR

DUDE’S DUDS

GAL’S

1. Urban Outfitters::http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=25993940&color=046#/

2. Urban Outfitters::http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=32085391&parentid=A_BED_TAPESTRIES#/

3. Opening Ceremony::https://www.solestruck.com/opening-ceremony-grunge-oxford-black-patent/index.html

4. Oliver Peoples::http://www.oliverpeoples.com/shop/product/omalleysun?color=1210

5. Joie::http://www.joie.com/joie/outerwear/rosamonde-jacket-dark-spicy-orange

6. Scotch and Soda::http://webstore-us.scotch-soda.com/women/sweaters/patch-sweater/14240740882.html?dwvar_14240740882_color=combo%20H#start=13&cgid=27

7. Will Leather Goods::http://www.revolveclothing.com/will-leather-goods-douglas-postal-bag-in-tan/dp/WLEA-UA16/

8. Free People::http://www.freepeople.com/accessories-jewelry/tuaregcollar/

9. Philip B::http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/337484/Philip_B/anti-frizz-formula-57-60ml

10. Lovely Bird::http://www.revolveclothing.com/lovely-bird-san-miguel-gold-concho-hat-in-cactus/dp/LOVB-WH4/

11. Hansel from Basel::https://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/ACCESSORIES/socks/PRDOVR~B2409/B2409.jsp?color_name=cobalt-blue

12. Zara::http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/knitwear/sweaters/jacquard-sweater-c498028p2106010.html

13. Equipment::http://www.equipmentfr.com/shop/shirts/long-sleeve/slim-signature-stark-multi-engineered-audacious-plaid-print

14. Jbrand::http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/462904/J_Brand/l8001-stretch-leather-skinny-pants

GUY’S

1. Best Made Co::http://www.bestmadeco.com/collections/camp-supplies/products/8-oz-flask-waxed-canvas-case

2. Stance Socks::http://www.stance.com/shop/holga

3. Pendelton::http://www.pendleton-usa.com/product/Home-Blankets/Blankets/NATIONAL-PARKS-BLANKETS/BADLANDS-NATIONAL-PARK-BLANKET/170513/sc/1839/c/1821/pc/1816.uts

4. Dsquared::http://www.farfetch.com/shopping/men/dsquared2-knitted-hat-item-10752897.aspx?storeid=9336&ffref=lp_34_

5. Folk::http://www.welcomestranger.com/outerwear/1533-Padded-Decio-Jacket.html

6. Velour::http://www.welcomestranger.com/bottoms/1547-Adan-Chino.html

7. Garrett Leight::http://www.welcomestranger.com/accessories/1099-Hampton-Sunglasses.html

8. Scotch and Soda::http://www.revolveclothing.com/scotch-soda-crewneck-pullover-w-felpa-sleeve-in-navymulti/dp/STCX-MK17/

9. Polo Ralph Lauren::http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/polo-ralph-lauren-leather-gym-bag/3776794?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=971&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_3_C

10. Levis::http://www.revolveclothing.com/levis-made-crafted-mountain-crew-sweater-in-buckthorne-brown/dp/LEVI-MK5/

11. Fujifilm Instax::http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=27913557&parentid=APARTMENT_MEDIA&color=045#/

12. Brixton::http://www.revolveclothing.com/brixton-cadet-shirt-in-black-cream/dp/BRIX-MS11/

13. Tsovet::http://www.tsovet.com/shop/classic/qs771312-40.html

14. New Balance::http://www.revolveclothing.com/new-balance-cm620-in-blue/dp/NEWB-MZ108/

Written and designed by Brittany Caldwell

AAU Alumna Mariana Vidal Escabi

awindow is launching with a residency at New York’s Hotel Particulier from July 29 to August 12, 2014. Concept designer and creative director Mariana Vidal Escabi, a former Fashion Design and Textile Design MFA student at the School of Fashion, conceived the project with digital marketing executive Diego Cristancho.

awindow is a design gallery project exploring the process of consumption. It is made to resemble a literal shop window installation, with limited edition design objects. The installation functions both as a display window and design piece and will also be available as a collector’s item. The awindow editions project will continue with nomadic bi-annual editions aimed at design-minded people appearing throughout New York City.

The first edition titled “Subtleties and Nuances” explores the idea of quiet beauty by referencing trompe l’oeil, camouflage and the experience of intimacy and anticipation that accompanies a long-awaited arrival. It explores the power of objects that are not immediately accessible, transforming the hectic pace of fast consumption into a restrained and elegant shopping experience that provides a sense of anticipation, discovery and surprise.

awindow, Photo by: Ana Peñalba

awindow, Photo by: Sebastián Pinzón

awindow, Photo by: Sebastián Pinzón

awindow, Photo by: Sebastián Pinzón

awindow, Photo by: Ana Peñalba

Artists and designers who contributed work to the first edition include Ana Peñalba, Quoc Lieu, Neil Gilks, Wes Carnes, Daniel Reynolds and Dean Sidaway.

Each item will be available in a limited edition for individual purchase. In keeping with awindow’s interest in the way online platforms have re-evaluated the experience of consuming, items will only be available for purchase through awindow’s digital platform.

awindow intends to use this unusual shopping experience as a way for people to reflect on the loss of excitement and surprise in a hyper-connected and oversaturated market.

Mariana Vidal Escabi is originally from Colombia and has worked for established fashion brands such as Zero+Maria Cornejo, Diane Von Furstenberg, Banana Republic, Comptoir des Cotonniers and Coach. She is also currently a part-time online instructor for the School of Fashion at the Academy of Art University. During her attendance at the School of Fashion, Escabi provided the opening collection of the first Academy of Art University Fashion show at New York Fashion Week in September of 2005.

Find out more about awindow here:

Website: www.awindownyc.com

Instagram: @awindownyc

Location: Hotel Particulier, 4 Grand Street, NY, NY 10013, Mon-Fri 12-7PM until August 12^th, 2014.

Fashion on The Square’s 10^th Anniversary week ended with a multi-designer fashion show and gave honors to San Francisco fashion staple Wilkes Bashford.

Cindy Quach walking with her finale model to end the show.

Fashion On The Square closed out their 10^th anniversary week with a multi-designer fashion show and awards ceremony honoring the renowned SF-fashion great Wilkes Bashford. The finale event, which was packed to the gills with an audience made up of San Francisco socialites and fashion elite, was a fitting ending to a week celebrating some of the best and the brightest in Bay Area fashion, arts and culture

Cindy Quach’s show opening model in her couture collection.

Among the designers who showed their collections was Academy of Art University alumna Cindy Quach, noted Bay Area based apparel and jewelry designer and previous contestant on Project Runway. Cindy’s distinctive taste and influence stems from her rich upbringing in Vietnam, as well as her entrepreneurial spirit. Raised in a family full of self-starters, Cindy ran her own successful business for three years, prior to chasing her life-long dream of becoming a fashion designer.

One of Cindy Quach’s final looks from her Fall/Winter couture collection.

This was Cindy’s second consecutive year participating in Fashion On The Square’s finale runway show. Her standout collection gave the show added drama and high-energy volume, an important factor in Cindy’s design process.

Adding to Cindy’s success, she celebrated the opening of her first namesake flagship boutique in Los Altos, which will house both her couture and ready-to-wear designs along with her jewelry.

Fashion on The Square’s 10^th anniversary week was nothing short of a celebration. It was lively, invigorating and impactful to witness the budding talent that is dwells in the surrounding area. And as an Academy of Art University student, I love seeing how my fellow students and alumni use their talents to go out and take the fashion world by storm!

Written by Alexa Palacios

Instagram: @IDressThereforeIAm

Website: http://www.idressthereforeiamla.com

Images Courtesy of Robert Silver Photography

Another Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is nearly upon us! As our September 6th Spring 2015 fashion show draws nearer we’ll be featuring profiles of the designers on the blog. Tune in weekly as we share the designers’ backgrounds, inspiration and illustrated lineups, plus their words of wisdom!

Mia Jianxia Ji Photo by Bob Toy

Mia Jianxia Ji, M.F.A. Fashion and Knitwear Design, grew up in Shangrao in the Jiangxi province of China. Mia’s design skills have earned her recognition in many different occasions. In 2010 she won an honorary award in an international design competition held by the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) and Paris American Academy (PAA), and in 2008 she was a second degree scholarship winner in the Creative Sketch Competition held by her B.F.A. alma mater, the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology. Mia’s collection, which she has named “SILHOUKNIT,” uses the texture of knitted fabrics to evoke the shapes and feelings of Ana Rajcevic’s art collection, “Animal – The Other Side Of Evolution.”

Mia’s design process for her Spring 2015 Collection.

Illustration Lineup for her Spring 2015 Collection.

What advice would you give students who want to do a collection?

Just be prepared for everything. Once you decide to do it, never think of giving it up.

Ignoring the cost, what item of clothing / bag / designer would you buy right now?

Balenciaga/Haider Ackermann/Mason Martin Margiela.

Which items in your closet do you most use?

Black silk shirts.

What is your style motto?

All black with a red lip on.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Always think outside of the box.

Who are your favorite fashion icons and why?

Cristobal Balenciaga. He is really good at designing the silhouette.

Written By: Doreen Du 

Wei Bei, Photo By Bob Toy

Wei Bai, M.F.A. Fashion Design, grew up in Chongqing, China. Having completed a B.F.A. in Fine Arts and Graphic and Web Design, Wei worked as a graphic designer before undertaking her graduate degree in Fashion Design. Her Spring 2015 collection is a mix of causal sportswear and neo-Edwardian Teddy Boy style that became popular in the 1950’s in England. Garments are constructed in one piece, although many give the illusion that they are separates.

Wei Bai’s inspiration board for her Spring 2015 Collection.

Illustration Lineup for her Spring 2015 Collection.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Make your time and money valuable.

What is your favorite memory of being in the School of Fashion?

The time I spent with my friends, the instructors and of course the moment that I picked up some design skills.

What advice would you give students who want to do a collection?

Work hard.

Ignoring the cost, what item of clothing / bag / designer would you buy right now?

Alexander Mcqueen embellished gown and an Ann Demeulemeester feather pendant necklace.

Which items in your closet do you most use?

T-shirt, black pants & jeans, Sneakers & boots.

What is your style motto?

Wear what you want to wear and have fun!

Which talent would you most like to have?

The ability to speak multiple languages.

Written By: Dorren Du 

Model sporting the floral-block Artful Gentleman suit. Photo by Robert Silver.

Last Thursday evening, San Francisco custom suit design and tailoring connoisseur Artful Gentleman hosted “Suit Up for Equality,” a charity fashion show to benefit the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) in their efforts to support marriage equality.

The exclusive location was in the upstairs portion of The Mattress Factory Loft + Penthouse McRoskey Mattress Co., and was taken over by over 100 “suited up” guests. Guests’ attire not only represented the evening’s theme, which was one of “fun and fashion,” but also reflected their effervescent excitement, which bubbled throughout the evening.

Model wearing a color-block shift dress by designer sounthavong. Photo by Robert Silver.

This air of excitement was amplified during the fashion show, when some of the seasons most noted women’s and men’s trends were shown. The men’s and women’s suiting trend was an apparent and consistent staple on the runway, infiltrated with distinct touches like floral print color-blocking on men’s blazers. Fabric mixing and head-to-toe monochromatic color looks were also a constant, with black and white meshed with warm tones as a palette throughout. There was also a 50s and 60s vintage inspiration and feel to some garments.

Model wearing a vintage inspired suit look from Artful Gentleman’s Fall collection. Photo by Robert Silver.

The charitable cause of the evening was not over-shadowed by the glitzy runway show. Every custom made bite and drink were donated by Vigilate Hospitality and Chef Jamie Falvo of hit television show “Top Chef.” The spirit of giving made an evening of fashion mean so much more!

To learn more about how to get involved in the continual progressive fight for equality with the Human Rights Campaign or where to purchase the coveted Artful Gentleman designs, please visit www.hrc.org and www.artfulgentleman.com.

Written by Alexa Palacios

Blog: www.idressthereforeiamla.com; Instagram: @IDressThereforeIAm

Photography by Robert Silver Photography

Madison Detro, photo by Bob Toy

Madison Detro, M.F.A. Fashion Design, was born and raised in Los Altos, California. Before pursuing her graduate degree in fashion, she earned her B.A in Architecture in Paris. During her fashion design internship at Yigal Azrouel, Madison gained experience designing, styling and prepping the Fall 2014 collections. Madison’s Spring 2015 collection is fabricated mostly from lambskin leathers and calf suede, and the garments reflect the designer’s exploration of geometry and imbalance as a catalyst for beauty. Intrigued by the oddities in Le Corbusier‘s architectural work, Madison’s designs are reminiscent of the angles found in the architect’s famous chapel Notre Dame du Haut de Ronchamp.

Inspiration and process for Detro’s Spring 2015 Collection.

Illustrated Lineup of Detro’s Spring 2015 Collection

What is the best advice you have ever received?

If it feels wrong, it is wrong.

What is your favorite memory of being in the School of Fashion?

Producing my collection, the first of (hopefully) many.

What advice would you give students who want to do a collection?

Inspire yourself every day.

Ignoring the cost, what item of clothing / bag / designer would you buy right now?

The entire Fresh store.

What is your greatest style regret?

Bangs.

Which items in your closet do you most use?

My tinted glasses.

What is your style motto?

No repeats.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Be a chameleon.

Who are your favorite fashion icons and why?

Diana Vreeland, hands down. What a brilliant, real woman.

Written by Doreen Du

Although collaboration is not unusual between designers showing at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, this season an unprecedented seven MFA Fashion Design students brought together their individual talents and perspectives to create one stunning menswear collection.

Designing a collection can be stressful, often requiring weeks or even months of preparation. Countless hours of hard work pay off, though, when designers see the fruits of their labor come to fruition in their finished collections. The Spring 2015 menswear design team consists of seven designers: Asiyat Tsalikova, Jihyun Kim, Jingci Wang, Liz Li, Max Lu, Yaqiong Zhou and Yin Yang, who pooled their talents and resources to realize a shared goal— showcasing at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

Photo by Bob Toy.

Asiyat Tsalikova was born and raised in Baku, Azerbaijan Republic. Before attending Academy of Art University, she held a BFA degree in Fashion Design from Accademia Italiana, in Florence, Italy. She is not afraid to try something new and crazy or make a mistake, “Because that is how I learn.”

Photo by Bob Toy.

Jihyun Kim hails from Seoul, Korea. Once an instructor at Kyungpook National University Sangju Campus for Fashion Design and Fashion Illustration, Jihyun has valuable experience that has influenced how she thinks about patterns and silhouettes. She looks up to her favorite fashion icon/designer, Rei Kawakubo, to feed her experimental mind inspiration to keep creating innovative designs.

Photo by Bob Toy.

Jingci Wang was born and raised in China. Her design skills have earned her recognition on many different occasions. In 2008 she was named as a finalist in the OKAWA textile competition, and she was also a second-degree scholarship winner in the BOSIDENG Scholarship. Jingci is constantly looking for new inspirations and ways to improve her projects by discussing her ideas and fabric selections with instructors and classmates.

Liz Li was born in Wenzhou but raised in Shanghai, China. Before pursuing her graduate degree in fashion, Liz earned her undergraduate degree in Fashion Design and Engineering, which helps her develop a creative vision for clothing construction.

Photo by Bob Toy.

Max Lu hails from Taipei, Taiwan, where, before coming to the Academy he completed a BFA in Fashion Design. With a year of experience as a freelance fashion stylist, Max has a great eye for up-and-coming trends, which he incorporated into his ideas for the collection.

Photo by Bob Toy.

Yaqiong Zhou grew up in Hunan, China. Before enrolling at Academy of Art University Yaqiong earned her BFA Degree in Interior Design, and while working toward her MFA she also held a position as a design assistant at Hunan Palette Garment Co Ltd. She never gives up on her own design style; instead, when people give her other suggestions she finds a way to incorporate them into her own ideas.

Photo by Bob Toy.

Yin Yang is from Chongqing, China. Yin earned a BS Degree in Engineering from Shanghai University of Engineering Science before pursuing his graduate degree in fashion. There is no rule when it comes to his style motto— “Just wear what I want and be myself.”

It is both motivational and fascinating to see collaboration between designers who come from completely diverse occupational and educational backgrounds. How did such a large, varied group work together? The team exchanged ideas and visions and brainstormed to find solutions to problems. While they might clash over some details, the menswear designers have formed a really strong team—made even stronger by their unique a mix of talents and love for their shared art.

“To perfectly collaborate with each person, it is important that the other creatives in your team understand the universal vision,” said Liz Li.

The designers worked together on all of menswear designs, and when it came to finding the fabrics for the collection, each member of the team contributed ideas. Inspired by the concept of “imagination traveling,” the collection is a series of beautiful, eye-popping mash-ups, including playful fabric combinations, vibrant color palettes and strong pattern mixing. The aim is to play—not shock—with possibilities.

“By working together on this menswear collection, we hope to instill in men everywhere a sense of playfulness and friskiness for their wardrobes,” Max Lu explained.

The team used many different resources when forming their designs, including trend forecasting sites, magazines, music culture, and vintage shops, and took inspiration from traveling and street wear. After the designs were decided upon they each went out into San Francisco to source fabric, come back together to discuss what they’d found and what they might need for a certain piece.

“We really formed a cohesive team and approached this together! At times, it was hard to tell which idea was from whom or how much effort an individual has put in. . . it was one big melding of ideas,” said Yaqiong Zhou.

Everyone was committed to the final goal, everyone contributed to the team effort, and they all worked tightly together to ensure that the final project was amazing. The team members challenged, but also supported, one another and weren’t afraid to pitch in and do whatever it took to keep things moving along.

“Faith and belief were prerequisites in this collaboration. Knowing when to speak and when to listen,” said Jingci Wang.

It is important that everyone involved believes in the project that everyone be open, listens and respects each other’s opinions and skills. You have to trust your team and have them trust you. Teamwork is about having your own vision yet letting it develop collectively through the team. There is something really powerful about working with different creative minds and the collaboration can only be as strong as the sum of its parts.

“Teamwork is about support, trust, and laughs. For a team to be successful, everyone in it needs to have individual respect and appreciation for each others’ work. That, and laughs!” said the design team.

“We worked extremely hard, and yet it was so much fun. The collection we produced was great,“ Jihyun Kim continued.

Even when one designer works 24/7 on a collection it can be extremely stressful, and in a different scenario adding team members to that process might multiply the stress. Not so for the Spring 2015 menswear design team. The key elements to this particular collaboration running smoothly were working as a team instead of individually, playing to team members’ strengths and weakness, and clear communication.

This inspiring collaboration highlights the power of teamwork. When it works, it is incredible!

Written by Doreen Du

The suitcases are ready to be filled, closet is full of clothes and yet…oh no, you have NOTHING to wear to New York Fashion Week! Don’t worry- we’ve got you covered. From skirt suits to culottes, here’s some outfit inspiration to keep you looking chic while you watch the Spring 2015 collections walk the runway.

Trend board by Brittany Caldwell.

DAY 1

Skirt suit and cross body// Proenza Schouler 

Sunnies// Tom Ford

Heels// Saint Laurent

DAY 2

Dress// Derek Lam

Cross body// 3.1 Phillip Lim

Necklace// Shourouk

Heels// Gianvito Rossi

DAY 3

Dress// Oscar de la Renta

Sunnies// Miu Miu

iPad case// Marc by Marc Jacobs

Necklace// Tom Bins

Heels// Givenchy 

DAY 4

Dress and jacket// DKNY

Sunnies// Illesteva

iPad case// Comme des Garcon

Ear cuff// Vikisarge 

Heels// Alejandro Ingelmo

DAY 5

Skirt suit// A.L.C.

Google Glass// Diane von Furstenberg

Clutch// Stella McCartney

Heels// Joie

DAY 6

Top and shoes// Opening Ceremony 

Culottes// Philosophy 

Cross body// Roland Mouret

Watch// Larsson & Jennings 

DAY 7 

Skirt suit and jacket// Helmut Lang

Clutch// McQ- Alexander McQueen

Heels// Proenza Schouler

DAY 8

Dress// Prabal Gurung

Sunnies// House of Holland

Necklace// Etro

Cross body// Diane von Furstenberg

Shoes// Alexander Wang

Trend board by Brittany Caldwell 

Image courtesy of Zimbio

We’re just over a week away from our Spring 2015 runway show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week! This season’s twelve designers are putting the final touches on their collections, eagerly anticipating the moment all of their hard work will come to life on the runway.

Can’t make it to New York for the show? No problem! Put on your fiercest outfit, get your popcorn ready and tune in to watch the show live on Saturday, September 6th at 7pm EST/4pm PST. Watch the live webcast here.

Szu Chi Huang, By Bob Toy

Szu Chi Huang, M.F.A. Fashion Design, hails from Taiwan where, before attending Academy of Art University, she completed a B.A. in Costume Design. Her background in costumes led Szu to be inspired by traditional Japanese samurai armor. Szu’s collection translates her inspiration into modern fashion by using conventional construction techniques— origami pleating instead of 3D printing. This helps her achieve the three-dimensional feeling of armor that is compiled from many small pieces. Szu used leather and mesh woven to mimic the texture of samurai garments. The simple black and white color palette of her collection is a nod to traditional Japanese ink paintings and calligraphy.

Szu Chi Huang was inspired by the Japanese samurai armor.

Illustration Lineup for her Spring 2015 Collection.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

“If you do not like the thing you created, then why should other people like it.”

What is your favorite memory of being in the School of Fashion?

Every final presentation at the end of the semester.

What advice would you give students who want to do a collection?

Listen to people’s suggestions and implement those suggestions in your life.

Ignoring the cost, what item of clothing / bag / designer would you buy right now?

COMME des GARCONS Bow Shirt.

What is your greatest style regret?

I had orange baggy pants that I used to wear in high school. It made me look like a firefighter when I look back at the class yearbook.

Which items in your closet do you most use?

White shirts (I have more than ten white shirts in my closet).

Who are your favorite fashion icons and why?

Susi Bubble, I like her style (mixing classic and avant-garde items is so modern). I also like how she introduces many new designers in her blog.

Written By: Doreen Du 

Apparel sizing has been a hot topic as of late, and with Fall right around the corner we’re already planning which pair of crisp new jeans will take us through the season. But as many of us know, finding the right pair of jeans can be a monumental task. Trying to find the right size can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

Why is sizing inconsistent across different jean brands? ABC’s Good Morning America delved into the issue, and Academy of Art University School of Fashion instructors Hersha Steinbock and Terhi Ketola-Stutch chimed in! Watch the segment on Good Morning America here!

Die Zhou, photo by Bob Toy

Die Zhou, M.F.A. Fashion Design, hails from Wuhan, China. Die holds a B.S. Degree in Engineering in Gem and Material Technology, and before beginning work on her M.F.A. Degree she worked as Executive Editor for Blue Sock Publishing Company in Taiwan. For her Spring 2015 collection, Die took her inspiration from nature, translating the lines and shapes associated with butterflies into the silhouettes of her garments. The collection is focused around a light, fresh pastel color story and is executed in cotton-blend twill.

Die Zhou drew inspiration from nature for her collection.

Illustrated Lineup for Zhou’s Spring 2015 Collection.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Keep trying what you really like and be who you are.

What is your favorite memory of being in the School of Fashion?

Meeting good friends for life and getting some really helpful advice from several instructors.

What advice would you give students who want to do a collection?

Just try it.

Ignoring the cost, what item of clothing / bag / designer would you buy right now?

Chanel and Balenciaga.

Which items in your closet do you most use?

T-shirts and jeans.

Which talent would you most like to have?

The ability to deeply analyze colors.

Who are your favorite fashion icons and why?

The Olsen twins. They dress fresh and young.

Written by Doreen Du

As New York Fashion Week draws nearer it seems that everyone in the fashion industry is consumed with planning what shows and parties they’ll attend while in NYC. Don’t fill your calendar up too fast, though, because we have an event you won’t want to miss.

Photo courtesy of Nigel Barker.

This year is a special one for Academy of Art University– not only does it mark our tenth year showing collections, but it will also be the first time that Academy of Art University will host a fashion symposium in advance of our runway show.

The symposium, entitled 180 Degrees of Style, will be held on September 6^th at 3:00 PM at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts located at Lincoln Center. Keanan Duffty, Senior Director of Fashion Merchandising, will be joined by internationally renowned fashion photographer Nigel Barker for a discussion on their experiences in the fashion industry, building a brand, and key takeaways for success in the world of fashion.

Keanan Duffty, shot by Nigel Barker.

This event is open to the public and admission is free– but seats are limited so get there early to get tickets. For more information visit http://on.nypl.org/1lRSlwm.

Also don’t forget to tune in to watch the Academy of Art University Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week show LIVE! The show is Saturday, September 6th at 7:00 PM EST and will be live streamed here.

The Library for the Performing Arts is proud to offer free admission to programs on a first come, first served basis. Admission lines form one hour prior to each program.  At that time one ticket is provided per person. Tickets are not available for advance reservation and saving seats is not permitted. General admission seating. Call 212.642.0142 for more detailed information. All programs are subject to last minute change or cancellation.