The Academy of Art University fashion show featured the best and brightest talent of its graduating class of designers during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Not only did these new designers show some of the most wearable fashion offerings for fall 2012, but they also showed some very modern, contemporary alternatives to avant-garde couture fashion.
Most of the fall fashions spotlighted in the show were wearable, and I could see many Staten Island working women wearing these fashions appropriate to wear from day to evening.
In addition to an exciting fashion show, the offerings included a complimentary copy of the University’s interesting and artistic issue of its “180” magazine which was distributed to the press and retailers who attended the show. The glossy magazine also featured a letter from Academy of Art University’s President Dr. Elisa Stephens. Dr. Stephens stated in her letter: “The educational experience is one of exploration – students forge their way into the future, while at the same time learning from what has come before. So it’s fitting that in this, the sixth issue of "180," we take a look at what has been lost.” Dr., Stephens is aware of the traditional craftsmanship that makes fashion unique and powerful, and this sense of design and craftsmanship was evident in the creativity that went into the design efforts of Wu Di, Xiang Zhang, Jeanette Au, among other standouts.
This season, San Francisco’s Academy of Art University featured nine designers, each displaying their own visions for fall 2012. Now that the show has been offered by Academy of Art University during Mercedes-Benz fashion week at Lincoln Center since 2005, it is obvious that its professionalism and marketability has increased. Even since last year, I have witnessed an increased twist in marketable and wearable fashion. Wu Di features standout geometric-inspired versions of the power suit, while Amy Bond showcased modern, easy, techno fabrics that worked. Deanna Pei-Ju Lo showed her version of sexy urban chic. Donghyuk Dan Kim showed the guys just what they have been missing, featuring some unexpected fur-trimmed collars for men’s outerwear.
Farida Khan showed some skin, with women’s vinyl dresses, interesting geometric shapes and glamorous night meets easy work to evening comfort. Jeanette Au showed romantic fashion inspired by Sergei Diagliav’s Ballet Russe and the paintings of Leon Bakst. Her collection was pure artistry as her fashions came alive in floating texture, patterns, and a rich color palette this season. Her fashions were not as wearable as some, but much more inventive. She is a designer in the true sense of the word, with her romantic sensibilities blending with modern, inventive, metallic textured fabrics. Last but not least, Jade Juanyu Liu showed cool, copper vests and futuristic evening chic that made for an interesting approach to wearable glamour.
All in all, Academy of Art University’s fall 2012 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center did not dissappoint. Staten Islanders interested in exploring the world of fashion can take online and in-person classes in San Francisco, CA. For more information visit www.fashionschooldaily.com, www.facebook.com/academyofartartfashion and www.twitter.com/aaufashion.
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