The School of Fashion at Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California presented collections from graduating students at the 2012 Graduation Fashion Show and Awards Ceremony. At the invitation only event on Thursday, May 3rd, Dr. Elisa Stephens, president of the University gave the degree of Honorary Doctorate to Sarah Burton, creative director of Alexander McQueen, milliner Philip Treacy, and H.R.H. Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, who has extensive experience in luxury retail and is the CEO of the ALFA and AL HAMA companies that own and operate Harvey Nichols Department Store, Donna Karan, and DKNY stores in Saudi Arabia.
In addition to Sarah Burton, Philip Treacy, and H.R.H. Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, Suzy Menkes the fashion editor of International Herald Tribune, Cathy Horyn the fashion critic of The New York Times, Stephan Rabimov the editor in chief of DEPESHA, and Jayne Seward the fashion editor of Apparel News visited classrooms to speak to students and view their work.
Preceding the Fashion Show and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 3rd, graduating students from the School of Fashion presented their portfolios to industry professionals, recruiters, and guests. The Portfolio Review is an opportunity for students from specializations including Fashion Merchandising, Visual Merchandising, Fashion Illustration, Textile Design, Knitwear Design, and Fashion Design to showcase their work, encouraging consideration for internship placements.
Sharon Lu, M.F.A. Fashion Merchandising, was offered an internship by Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud. Lu will work with Princess Reema on her newest venture, Bara Boux, a collection of accessories for the modern Bedouin Woman. Jacqueline Michie, B.F.A. Costume Design, was awarded an internship with Philip Treacy at his millinery studio in London.
