A: Is for Academy of Art!

One of the most impressive shows at Fashion Week was Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Not because it was the best but because it was the most innovative. These are the designers of tomorrow and it is great to see their take. Since September 2005, the university has showcased graduate work during New York Fashion Week in the areas of womenswear, menswear, accessory, knitwear and textile design. This year for the first time, two online degree graduates were also included. It also had one of the best moments. Making the point of what I have been saying about the shoes that are way too high. During the show the models were wearing these chunky heels that were obviously too big for them and the shoes actually began falling off them as they paraded down the runaway! Well instead of becoming fashion roadkill the models began whipping their shoes off in unison right in the middle of the runway. The crowd erupted in applause and cheers for the models! Maybe the models at Peter Som's show should of taken this same tact and they would of stayed upright.

First up was Russian on line student Elena Akoulova who completed her degree online while in Marietta, GA. She has created a womenswear collection of simple, oversized A-line linen dresses with draping techniques and colors inspired by orchids. Petticoats in pastel purples, yellows and pink, reminding me of flower pot children. She even top that all off with big bows in the hair. They were like costumes for the characters in little girl books. Elena plans to go into production with her RTW line here in the U.S.

Tara Bradley gave us tailored looks of white cotton shirts and silk pants that had feminine appeal with a tinge of masculine tailoring.

Eric Tan's mens wear was a interesting look of thermal pajama's and that rolled out of bed look that I am sure collage students are going to love.Inspired by prisoners mending their clothing with patches - and the story comes through. With a muted palette and layered silhouettes of cotton shirts and pants, these are some stylishly grungy prisoners.

Anna Jones and Michele Clark's idea to pull tights over the shoes captures a look that I am sure will catch on.

Desire Daniels sheer inserts were beautiful and I loved the lavender silk pleated dress.


Warot Subsrisunjai and Mike Feeney created the most interesting concept. Accessories, like a sci-fi film. With works in acrylic, bronze and nickel. In a strange way they reminded me of the "Hellraiser" poster but I could easily see them in the MoMA.

Ali Kahn completed his degree online while in Pakistan. He has created a clever mix of classic wearability in his shapes and color-scheme with avant-garde surface textures and details. His humor shows through in his slogan Caution: For External Use Only. Ali shipped his menswear collection to San Francisco for his thesis presentation, which was held by videoconference. Sadly to say he was not allowed to attend the Fashion Week show.

Daniel Armosilla’s knit wear bordered on over the top but this bathing suit and poncho was completely stunning and I loved the ties up the leg.


Kara Laricks decided to take the concept of the "morning after" dress shirt and create a sexy collection of garments that are not only brilliant but also wearable for those ladies who stay ahead of the fashion curve. All I know is if this shirt dress had been for sale I would of been first in line to buy it.

Students are the way of the future and that is an artistic F.A.C.T.