A: Is for Art Academy

The Academy of Art University in San Francisco has re-invented knitwear and corduroy at Fashion Week. Showing since 2005, the promising designs are highly watched by the fashion elite who came out in support of this young talent. Among the front row celebrities were actress Nia Long, Miss J from America's Next Top Model, Project Runway's Jack Mackenroth, top model, Asia Iman who also walked the show. This show is one of the standouts; every garment was meticulously cut, simple and stunning. The Britex Fabrics Project created oversized plaids and wool guaze with a standout mohair coat and wool crepe dress. Qianya Martin, Heather Howard & Cat Janky's figurative and sometimes-macabre prints were based on photographs of Native American life in the 1800s. Creating a modern play on traditional silkscreen prints of stripes, checks and polka dots. Whimsical prints of mossy-green trees, pale faces onto shirtdresses, and their textured, burnout print pea coat showed technical savvy. Scott Mafarland mens wear collection was the only disappointment. I can't really see any man I know in pinks and blues in a pastel hue. I-shan Liou (designer) and Myoung Kim (textiles) have a definate point of view trying to capture the essence of “fire, water, air and earth.”The design team, of Emily Melville and Ivanka Georgieva draped silhouettes and self-designed textiles were like pieces of Japanese wall art. Key looks were in subtle voluminous shapes in pale wintry tones and creamy whites.

This was one of my favorite shows last season and it did not disappoint this season and that is a F.A.C.T.

Don't forget to enter the Barbie giveaway. You have until April 1st to send me your Barbie design and a brief letter as to why you want to win. E-mail me at suzanna@xplorefacts.com. The contest is open to ages 6-20. Prize will be awarded in time for Easter.