The School of Fashion at Academy of Art University honored Kate and Laura Mulleavy, founders of Rodarte, at the 2016 Graduation Fashion Show on Wednesday, May 11, 2016.

Kate and Laura Mulleavy were each presented with an Honorary Doctorate degree from Academy of Art University by University President, Dr. Elisa Stephens, as well as a Certificate of Honor from the Office of the Mayor of San Francisco, Mayor Edwin M. Lee.

Fashion Design and Textile Design Collaboration by Regina J. Yoon & Jadi Haynes,
Photo by Randy Brooke Courtesy of AAU.

“My goal has always been to bring visionaries to School of Fashion, people who have changed the landscape. Kate and Laura Mulleavy have done just that with Rodarte; they have brought attention back to beautiful, considered, and thought provoking clothing in American fashion,” said Simon Ungless, Executive Director of the School of Fashion.

“All of our past Honorary Doctors have gone against the flow and made monumental changes to the way we dress and the way we think. McQueen, Westwood, Gaultier and Alaïa have all broken the rules at some point, and I see the Mulleavys doing that now.”

The fashion show featured collections from students who majored in the areas of Fashion Design, Knitwear Design, Menswear Design, Technical Design, Textile Design and Jewelry/Metal Arts. Select M.F.A. and B.F.A. graduating students will present their work to industry professionals and recruiters at the President’s Reception and Portfolio Review before the fashion show.

Design by Vanessa Nash-Spangler, Photo by Randy Brooke Courtesy of AAU.

In advance of the fashion show, the School of Fashion hosted two discussions for students. The first was moderated by Academy of Art University Director of Social Media Center & Fashion Journalism Stephan Rabimov and feature special guests Mickey Boardman, Editorial Director of Paper Magazine, and Lars Byrresen Petersen, Digital Director of Visionaire. The second discussion was moderated by Simon Ungless and Christine Suppes, couture collector and co-author of Skira-Rizzoli’s Electric Fashion, and featured guests of honor Kate and Laura Mulleavy.

With our ongoing commitment to providing real world experience in the studio for our students, the show featured collaborative collections beginning with the SHOP657 Collection which is a private label collaborative collection between Fashion Design, Textile Design, Jewelry & Metal Arts, and Fashion Merchandising students. SHOP657 is the School of Fashion’s retail store that features student, alumni, and faculty product. The store is located at 657 Sutter Street, near Union Square, in San Francisco.

In addition to the SHOP657 Collaborative Collection, other collaborations include:
• A Fashion Design and Knitwear Design collaboration
• Three Fashion and Textile Design collaborations – two of which are Menswear Collections
• Two Fashion Design and Jewelry & Metal Arts collaborations
• Two collections with beading by students who studied Tambour Beading

SHOP657 Private Label Collaborative Collection

This private label collection embraces concepts of sustainability by repurposing the backing cloth from the textile lab print tables combined with locally sourced materials.

Photo by Randy Brooke Courtesy of AAU.

After the show, Fashion Merchandising students will select pieces for local production to be sold at the Academy of Art University retail story SHOP657, located at 657 Sutter Street, in September. The students who worked together on creating the collection were inspired by the commute downtown through the Tenderloin, and the animated classic Alice in Wonderland, as both are quite the journey…READ MORE

Wen Jiang Collection

Wen Jiang, B.F.A. Fashion Design, was born and raised in Shen Yang. Architecture was Jiang’s main source of inspiration. While developing her concept, Jiang envisioned the linear and angular designs of some of the world’s most breathtaking structures…READ MORE

Photo by Randy Brooke Courtesy of AAU.

Menswear Design and Textile Design Collaboration

Annie Yang, B.F.A. Menswear Design, was born and raised in Taiwan. Inspired by the illusionary work of Brazil-based artist Daniel Steegmann, Yang’s mission was to design a trompe l’oeil collection that imparts the beauty and relativity of space. With the help of BFA Textile Design…READ MORE

Photo by Randy Brooke Courtesy of AAU.

Xiuzhen Li Collection

Xiuzhen Li, B.F.A. Fashion Design, was born in Wenzhou and raised in Xiangtan. During her studies, Li interned at Simple Pair, a San Francisco based fashion label launched by 2012 MFA Fashion Design alumna Jessie Liu. For her collection, Li was infatuated with the notion of decay…READ MORE

Photo by Randy Brooke Courtesy of AAU.

Vanessa Nash-Spangler Collection

Vanessa Nash-Spangler, B.F.A. Fashion Design, was born in Germany and was raised in Chandler, Arizona. Her collection was inspired by the Fibonacci Sequence and hexagons. Nash-Spangler is very familiar with textiles as she worked with Britex for a period of time while in school. With a mathematical inspiration and a focus on craftsmanship, the garments all relate back to geometry…READ MORE

Photo by Randy Brooke Courtesy of AAU.

Fashion Design and Jewelry & Metal Arts Collaboration

Busara Boussard, B.F.A. Fashion Design, was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand. Her accomplishments include being selected as a winner of the YMA FSF Young Menswear Association Fashion Scholarship Fund in 2015 & 2016. Winning the scholarship in 2015 led her to acquire a summer internship with Ralph Lauren in New York. For her collection, entitled “Rude Locker”, Boussard was influenced by the colors, shapes and architectural details of the EPM Museum in Seattle…READ MORE

Photo by Randy Brooke Courtesy of AAU.

Ben Ellis Collection

Ben Ellis, B.F.A. Menswear Design, is an artist and adventurer, a free spirit with a diverse skillset who has traveled all over the world. Born and raised in the breathtaking landscape of Anchorage, Alaska, Ellis has strong ties to his community and environment…READ MORE

Photo by Randy Brooke Courtesy of AAU.

Sophie Cheng Collection

Sophie Cheng, B.F.A. Fashion Design, was born and raised in Hong Kong. During her time at the Academy of Art University, Sophie completed a design assistant internship with Powell & Mason. For her debut collection, entitled “Elusive”, Sophie found inspiration from the Antelope Canyon and the Hopi Tribe…READ MORE

Photo by Randy Brooke Courtesy of AAU.

Karin Kate Wong Collection

Karin Kate Wong, B.F.A. Fashion Design, was born in Macau, China. After earning an Associate of Arts in Fashion Design in 2013, Wong decided to further her fashion career pursuit at the Academy of Art University. While working towards her degree, she interned at both gr.dano in Sausalito, a line by 2004 B.F.A. Fashion Design alumna Jill Giordano…READ MORE

Photo by Randy Brooke Courtesy of AAU.

Ke Zhang Collection

Ke Zhang, B.F.A. Menswear Design, was born in Taizhou in Zhejiang China and grew up in Taizhou, Beijing, and Guangzhou. While at the Academy of Art University, Zhang completed a paid internship with the North Face. His technical ability paired with his knowledge of fabrics has been a driving factor for his design career thus far…READ MORE

Photo by Randy Brooke Courtesy of AAU.

Fashion Design and Knitwear Design Collaboration

Febri Artha Jayanti, B.F.A. Fashion Design, is from Jakarta, Indonesia. In 2013, Jayanti interned at Jakarta- based fashion retailer, Valino Donna, and worked backstage at Jakarta Fashion Week. For her collection, Jayanti collaborated with B.F.A. Knitwear Design student Rebecca Dovenryd Almberg. Jayanti’s designs are inspired by the burnt and ravaged artworks by American artist Valerie Hegarty…READ MORE

Photo by Randy Brooke Courtesy of AAU.

Fashion Design and Textile Design Collaboration

Regina J. Yoon, B.F.A. Fashion Design, was born and raised in Busan, South Korea. During her time at the School of Fashion, Yoon interned at San Francisco-based fashion boutique, Harputs’ Own. Her design philosophy is centered on creating something new, yet timeless, as she aims to infuse a neo-futuristic element into all of her creations. For her collection, Yoon collaborated with B.F.A. Textile Designer Jadi Haynes…READ MORE

Photo by Randy Brooke Courtesy of AAU.

Brandon Kee Collection

Brandon Kee, B.F.A. Menswear Design, grew up in Murray, Utah. Kee’s menswear collection is a combination of oversized baggy cuts mixed with aviation inspired details that pay homage to 90s hip hop and Chinese anti-gravity pilot suits of the 1970s…READ MORE

Photo by Randy Brooke Courtesy of AAU.

Jiaqi Lu Collection

Jiaqi Lu, B.F.A. Fashion Design, was born and raised in Zhengzhou, China. In spirit of 3D printing, Lu incorporated dimensional, geometric shapes evocative of origami into her dynamic collection…READ MORE

Photo by Randy Brooke Courtesy of AAU.

Menswear Design and Textile Design Collaboration

Justin Moreno, B.F.A. Menswear Design, is a San Francisco native. His designs combine a dichotomy of Eastern and Western traditions as well as blending the lines between masculine and feminine. Drawstring pants bring a sporty edge, while oversized and distressed garments provide a laid back ease…READ MORE

Photo by Randy Brooke Courtesy of AAU.

Fashion Design and Jewelry & Metal Arts Collaboration

Celine Sohrabian, B.F.A. Fashion Design, was born and raised in Los Angeles. Her concept for her collection was all about distortion of shape, obscurity, and a play on unconventional fabrics. Her collection was worked backwards. From draping and working on the form, she was able to play with misplacements of regular seams and openings to create obscure shapes. The collection is anything but conventional, with unexpected textiles…READ MORE

Photo by Randy Brooke Courtesy of AAU.

Social Media Channels

Fashion School Daily: www.fashionschooldaily.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/academyufashion/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/aaufashion
Instagram: academyufashion
Hashtag: #AcademyUFashion #AcademyArtU

About Academy of Art University 

Academy of Art University, the largest private university of art and design in the United States, is educating students for the art and design jobs of the 21st century. Established in 1929, the Academy is an output-based higher education model that provides an inclusive admissions policy to all students, but imposes a rigorous curriculum that requires the students to produce a portfolio of work that demonstrates a mastery of their field in order to graduate. Students are taught by a faculty of professionals from the existing marketplace, both online and on campus in San Francisco, who provide them with an understanding of what it takes to succeed in today’s business environment. The Academy’s hands-on curriculum produces graduates who possess outstanding artistic and design skills and equally as important, the ability to put those talents to work immediately after graduation.

For more information please visit: www.academyart.edu

About the School of Fashion at Academy of Art University

Approximately 2,500 fashion students study under the guidance of experienced fashion professionals in the School of Fashion, which houses the following areas of specialization: Fashion Design for Womenswear, Menswear, and Childrenswear; Technical Design; Textile Design; Knitwear Design; Accessory Design; Costume Design; Fashion Illustration; Fashion Journalism; Fashion Marketing; Fashion Styling; Fashion Merchandising; and Visual Merchandising.

79 New Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
Call 800.544.2787 (U.S. only) or 415.274.2200
For more information please visit: www.academyart.edu/academics/fashion

The University works with international brands and recruitment agencies on internships and job placement. Graduates have gone on to such companies as Abercrombie & Fitch, Adidas, Alexander McQueen, Azzedine Alaïa, Banana Republic, BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP, Blanc de Chine, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Corso Como 10, Chloë, Diane von Fürstenberg, Donna Karan, Gap, Kate Spade, Kiton, L.A.M.B., L’Ecole Lesage Paris–Atelier de Broderie, Liz Claiborne, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Martin Margiela, Martine Sitbon, Missoni, Nike, Nordstrom, The North Face, Old Navy, Oscar de la Renta, Phillip Lim, Pottery Barn, Ralph Lauren, Reebok, Roland Mouret, St. John, Threeasfour, Tocca, Viktor & Rolf, and Williams-Sonoma. Guests to the School of Fashion include Azzedine Alaïa, Prosper and Martine Assouline, Max and Lubov Azria of BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP, Yigal Azrouël, Geoffrey Beene, Rose Marie Bravo, Sarah Burton, Andrew Buckler, Julie Chaiken, The Honorable Bertrand Delanoë Mayor of Paris, David Downton, Steven Cox and Daniel Silver of Duckie Brown, Patrik Ervell, Loulou de la Falaise, James Galanos, Neil Gilks of the CFDA, Joan Kaner, Humberto Leon and Carol Lim of Opening Ceremony, Antonio Lopez, Fern Mallis, Alexander McQueen, Rosita and Tai Missoni, Angela Missoni, Margherita Maccapani Missoni, Isaac Mizrahi, Josie Natori, Christina Neault of IMG Fashion, Ian Hannula and Joe Haller of N.I.C.E. Collective, Elisa Palomino, Laure du Pavillon, Zac Posen, Oscar de la Renta, Zandra Rhodes CBE, Ralph Rucci, Nathalie Rykiel, HRH Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, Jeremy Scott, Carla Sozzani, Philip Treacy, Walter Van Beirendonck, Dirk van Saene, and Dame Vivienne Westwood DBE, as well as Christophe Girard Director of Fashion Strategy of LVMH Fashion Group, Robin Givhan, Cathy Horyn, and Suzy Menkes.

About School of Fashion Directors

Simon Ungless, Executive Director of the School of Fashion, graduated from Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design in 1992 and was awarded the prestigious M.A. Degree in Fashion with Distinction. He collaborated with Alexander McQueen on the first 10 collections shown in London and New York, and personally introduced Sarah Burton, Creative Director of Alexander McQueen, to the late designer. In 2002, he was named Creative Director of Member Holiday, a Korean-based contemporary brand, launching both men’s and women’s collections with 37 freestanding stores. His work experience spans fashion design, textile design, forecasting, brand development, and marketing for such clients as Givenchy, Paul Smith, and Versace. In addition to his duties as the Executive Director of the School of Fashion overseeing both M.F.A. and B.F.A. programs, he is the editorial director of the School of Fashion’s 180 magazine, as well as the executive producer of the annual Graduation Fashion Show and Awards Ceremony in San Francisco and the biannual fashion shows during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center in New York City. Currently, Ungless operates two artisanal design companies, When Simon Met Ralph, which focuses on apparel, and Blackened, which centers on accessories and home. Both projects are the culmination of Ungless’ inspirational development work over his career.

Gary Miller, Director of Fashion, has more than 16 years of experience in New York and London as a fashion director. His design scope encompasses building and maintaining a brand’s identity, initiating a start- up concept, reinvigorating an existing line, and nurturing an ongoing successful brand. For many years, he worked as a Design Director for men’s sportswear division at Macy’s Merchandising Group in New York. Previously, he worked at The Men’s Wearhouse, Wilke-Rodriguez, Here and There (now part of The Doneger Group), and Michiko Koshino. He holds a B.A. in Fashion Design with Textiles from Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication in the U.K.

Jayne Foster, Graduate Director of Fashion, graduated from The Royal College of Art with a M.A. in Womenswear. She has designed for a private label that showed in London, Paris, and New York. Her freelance clients included House of Fraser, Urban Outfitters, and Whistles. She created a collection of concept designs for Burton Snowboards for both the main women’s range and the younger B by Burton range, designed textiles for Hop Lun Lingerie, and her fashion illustration work has been exhibited in London galleries. Before joining the School of Fashion in 2012, she taught design for eight years in London and designed for the British brand Monsoon.

Sharon Murphy, Graduate Director of Fashion Merchandising, graduated with a B.A. from Ohio State University, and has held management positions in product development, sourcing, manufacturing, and fashion retailing. She worked for Esprit de Corp on domestic and international levels with a focus on the development of fabrics and apparel for contemporary, junior, and children’s markets. Murphy joined the School of Fashion as an instructor in 2001. She continues to work with Venice Collaborative, sourcing textiles and related materials for the group’s architecturally and artistically expressive residential projects in Venice, California.

Jinah Oh, Director of Fashion Merchandising, earned her M.B.A. in Marketing at Golden Gate University in San Francisco, as well as a B.S. in Clothing and Textiles and a B.A. in Philosophy from EWHA Women’s University in Seoul, Korea. She has extensive experience in international fashion and luxury brands. With Escada Asia, she developed business and market strategies, managed merchandising and buying for multiple brands, pioneered and initiated brick and mortar and e-commerce channel development. Later with Cartier, Richemont Korea Ltd., she oversaw retail operations and all aspects of retail marketing activities for the Korean market.

Iliana Ricketts, Director of Online Fashion, was appointed to Director of Online Fashion in 2014, Assistant Director of Online Fashion in 2009, and previously held the position of Fashion Department Coordinator since 2005. Prior to coming to the United States, Iliana had established herself as a recognized designer in her country of Bulgaria. She received her M.F.A. in Fashion Design from Academy of Art University. In 2002, she launched ‘ILYA,’ a designer ready-to-wear label sold nationally in stores such as Henri Bendel. Her line was also seen on the HBO television series, Sex And The City. In 2004, she became head designer of the boutique and golf line GGblue. Under her creative direction, GGblue became one of the most successful and fashion-forward brands in the golf and leisure industry.

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