The Academy of Art University's annual fashion show was this Thursday at the historic Cannery Building in the North Beach district of San Francisco. Students from the BFA Senior classes were able to showcase the collections that culminated after five years of hard work and lots of dedication. The show, which was the third one I have been able to attend to, was nothing less than spectacular. The talent displayed was truly inspiring, making many future candidates like myself gasp in awe, excitement, and even a little anxiety.
The show started with a bang; a collaboration between a Fashion Design and a Textile major. The prints, which were inspired by vintage noir photography, gracefully complimented the overall design of the carefully constructed A-line silhouettes. The graphic imagery created illusions of depth and added excitement and movement to the entire collection. Tones were muted, but definitely not boring. The finishing touches included printed tights and closed Victorian booties that complete and created an retro-new look.
The show continued with one of my favorites collections of the day. Inspired heavily by menswear, this collection featured coats, blazers, and pants with strong tailoring details. Even though the feeling was very masculine, the designer was able to keep a very feminine look with the use of loose-fitting pants and long outerwear. The look ultimately translated a sense of strength and fearlessness that many women appreciate.
Another of my favorite collections was a collaboration between a Fashion Design, a Textile and Knitwear major. This collection was a mix of printed, loose-fitted dresses and muted, tight knits. The designers were able to collaborate successfully, creating a look that was delicate, yet strong. The mix between solid and transparent fabrics created a sense of sexiness that was very refreshing. The knits were perfectly constructed with intricate techniques that added texture and elegance to the overall look. This collection was a perfect example of a real-world scenario which every fashion designer faces in their career. It is never easy having so many minds working on a single project, but it is comforting to know that it can definitely be done.
This year the fashion show displayed two menswear collections. These were very different from each other, but were just as strong. The first collection featured light colors, mostly grey and white, with fabrics that ranged from leather to knitted jersey. What was most impressive about this collection was the use and placement of the fabrics. It is an usual combination to have jersey and leather in the same garment, but here it works perfectly. This designer clearly understood the concept of design and executed it into a look that was simple, yet very refined.
Although the second menswear collection featured some of the same silhouettes as the previous, this one had a completely different take. The colors, mostly black, navy and teal, complimented the overall cool look of the boys. Coats and blazers featured interesting collar and lapel details, which added depth and complexity to the collection. The designer also used an usual mix of leather and woven fabrics, creating a sort-of color-blocking experience.
Even though the collections were predominately in darker, muted colors, there were still some prints. This collection, which was a collaboration between a Fashion Design, a Knitwear and a Fine Arts major, featured an array of mixed prints in bright colors, such as red, yellow, blue and green. The prints ranged from geometric graphics to simple splashes of color. The combination turned out spectacular, finished with bags, necklaces and bracelets that were just as colorful and intricate as the knitted and woven pieces.
As a student currently enrolled in the Fashion Design/Knitwear program in the Academy of Art, it was truly an honor to have been able to attend an event that showcased the work of my fellow classmates. It is not very common to be in a situation where you have the opportunity to do something like this in your entire life. Being there made me realize how much work it takes to be a great fashion designer and even though it may scare me a little bit, it encourages me to keep going strong in all of my classes. The entire show was amazing. All collections were very strong, featuring details and techniques that have completely impressed me. My most sincere congratulations to all the Seniors and everyone else who made this show happen.
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