Each February and September, San Francisco’s very own Academy of Art is the only school to show at New York Fashion Week. This week, the school announced the lineup for the upcoming Feb. 10 at the Lincoln Center. Read on to meet these new talents below (and don’t forget to watch the show via livestream next week).
Deanna Pei-Ju Lo
Deanna's subtle tomboy feel is self-described as “a modern Teddy Boy.” Soft, luxurious fabrics such as lambskin, silk organza and cotton velvet add a subtle femininity to the collection.
Jade Juanyu Liu
Jade' s prior experience working as a pattern maker for gr.dano is easy to see through her innovative construction. Her collection was inspired by the French collage artist Damien Blottiere, known for a unique layering technique that creates shadows and empty space.
Donghyuk Dan Kim
When designing his collection, Kim chose a color palette inspired by the military and employed themes from the American West. His prior experience as assistant pattern maker to Bay Area designer Bacca da Silva shines through with his innovative tailoring.
Xiang Zhang
Zhang's collection utilizes delicate fabrics such as silk, mohair and cashmere. His designs are inspired by Plato's understanding that the highest form of beauty can be explained by the principles of mathematics.
Amy Bond
Hailing from Pocatello, Idaho, Amy completed the MFA Fashion Design program online. Her collection was inspired by complex shapes in which she juxtaposes the use of lightweight and unique fabrics.
Jeanette Au
Jeanette incorporates mohair, wool, synthetic yarns and metallic threads into her knit fabrics. Her blend of color and texture was motivated by by Sergei Diagliav’s Ballet Russe and the paintings of Leon Bakst.
Wu Di
Wu's collection uses geometric shapes that are inspired by printmaker Aaron Coleman. She reinforces asymmetric silhouettes and bold patterns with her use of cashmere knits and double-faced wool.
Kate Y.K. Lee
Kate's Fall 2012 collection is inspired by the sculptural elements of architecture and features rounded silhouettes offset by defined lines and sharp, angled seams.
Farida Khan
While her collection has not yet been released, Farida completed the MFA program online while residing in Doha, Qatar. She honed her design skills working as an assistant designer at Ali Khan and as a technical designer at the Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar. Her highly anticipated womenswear collection is inspired by the idea of unconventional beauty. She constructed bold silhouettes using wool, cotton, coated denim, polyurethane and punched leather.
Since 2005, AAU has selected its best and brightest graduating M.F.A. students to showcase their collections on the catwalk. These students have gone on to win coveted C.F.D.A. scholarships and launch their own fashion lines. Watch the AAU fashion show live here on February 10 at 5 p.m.
Photography by Bob Toy
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