BFA Womenswear Design student Wen Jiang lives and breathes fashion design. The School of Fashion’s design labs are like a second home for the Shen Yang native who spends the majority of her days and nights there creating and developing her craft. All of her dedication has paid off though as she’s set to present her designs in the graduation show.

Architecture was Jiang’s main source of inspiration. While developing her concept, Jiang envisioned the linear and angular designs of some of the world’s most breathtaking structures. This graphic approach prompted her to construct her collection entirely out of wool. Perhaps one of the most striking elements in her garments are the color blocked, hand-pressed pleating that pays homage to Munich based photography Nick Frank’s vivid geometric images.

Illustrated lineup courtesy of Wen Jiang

Fashion School Daily: What is your favorite memory of being in the School of Fashion?

Wen Jiang: Working on collections with my friends from 8AM-11PM, seven days a week.

FSD: What is the best advice you have ever received?

WJ: Do what you think is right.

FSD: Which item in your closet do you most use?

WJ: My sneakers.

Written by Angela Han, BA Fashion Journalism.

As part of the Academy of Art University’s Spring 2016 Graduation Show, a crop of design students came together to work on a capsule collection that’ll be presented on the School of Fashion runway on May 11^th. After the show, the designs will be available for purchase at our beloved SHOP657 store located on 657 Sutter Street.

Inspired by Alice in Wonderland and the adventurous journey through the Tenderloin, the graduating fashion design students used bold prints, obscure proportions, and dynamic shapes to capture and express the grit and grime of the infamous neighborhood and its rich history and an irrepressible vibe. Following the eco-friendly adage “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure,” the designers chose to repurpose the old into the new with recycled canvas courtesy of the School of Fashion textile department.

Yun Ling Tham Timmy, BFA Textile Design

Fashion School Daily: What is your style motto?

Yun Ling Tham Timmy: It could always be worse, so be thankful for what you do have.

Mood board courtesy of Yun Ling Tham Timmy

Sketchbook courtesy of Yun Ling Tham Timmy

Cherish Bai, BFA Womenswear Design 

FSD: What advice would you give student who want to do collection?

Cherish Bai: No pain, no gain.

Illustrated lineup courtesy of Cherish Bai

Meeneshwer Madhu, BFA Menswear Design

FSD: Ignoring the cost, what item would you buy right now?

Meeneshwer Madhu: A pint of Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Therapy.

Illustrated lineup courtesy of Meeneshwer Madhu

Sylvia Rivera, BFA Womenswear Design

FSD: Which talent would you most like to have?

Sylvia Rivera: The ability to “read” someone as fast as a drag queen.

Illustrated lineup courtesy of Sylvia Rivera

Jayme Goodman, BFA Womenswear Design

FSD: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Jayme Goodman: My mom once said, “just try it, you might end up liking sewing.”

Illustrated lineup courtesy of Jayme Goodman

Soji Solarin, BFA Menswear Design

FSD: Which talent would you most like to have?

Soji Solarin: Never-ending patience.

Illustrated lineup courtesy of Soji Solarin

Yuki Zhang, BFA Womenswear Design

FSD: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Yuki Zhang: Maya Angelou’s saying: “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”

Illustrated lineup courtesy of Yuki Zhang

Neysa Makizuru, BFA Jewelry Design

Written by Angela Han, BA Fashion Journalism.

Not all trips have to be payed for. Anyone looking for an alternative route to traveling can apply for a scholarship program that includes a travel bonus! One of the best and most rewarding opportunities I ever received was from the YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund.  They gave me a chance to both travel and showcase my talent in a new and exciting way.

Image Source: Ward Roberts, courtesy of SCAD

The YMA scholarship fund, established in 1937, works with professionals in the fashion industry to give opportunities to students from around the globe. Scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 are given out annually to hard working students who participate in YMA’s case studies. They also provide internships, mentorship programs and valuable networking events in which new winners and alumni can participate.

Thanks to Keanan Duffty, former Senior Director of Fashion Merchandising at the Academy of Art University and currently Senior Design Director for John Varvatos Enterprises’s Star USA line, whom informed our class about this scholarship program. We were encouraged to apply and Duffty helped me develop my ideas for the case study and point me in the right direction. The case study required developing either a business plan or a new line of products for the beauty and lifestyle company Birchbox. After our case studies were submitted, seven lucky students from our school were chosen to receive an all inclusive trip to New York that included hotel accommodations, a special gala to celebrate all of the scholarship winners and a $5,000 check.

Image Source: twitter.com/ymafsf

The winners were flown to New York City for a stay at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square which is located near famous landmarks, great restaurants and all the best shopping. The Marriott Hotel was very impressive inside.  We stayed in a large suite with a perfect view of Times Square. During our last night in town, the YMA held a very large gala party in one of the Marriott’s banquet halls. The event was filled with well known industry professionals and more extravagant outfits than one could ever imagine. It was the perfect evening event to end our vacation.

Dinner Marriott Marquis Times Square #dinner #cena #marriott #marquis #timesquare #hotel #albergo #trip #usa #holiday #vacanze #relax #figlia #shopping #citta #instagram #instamoment #like4like #instalike #foto #beautiful

A photo posted by Lenka Vesela (@lenkavesela79) on Feb 13, 2016 at 8:10pm PST

Traveling doesn’t always have to be a stressful penny pincher. With a little hard work and determination, the YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund provided the opportunity of a lifetime for a trip that no other trip could equal. Thanks to the Academy of Art University and the YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund, I can share this experience and hope that it provides inspiration to look into applying for a scholarship which will reward you with a travel opportunity.

Author: Kathleen O’Heron

This story was produced as part of FSH/LA 218 Blogging Content Creation & Promotion course. Originally published on katoheron.tumblr.com

What brings you here?

Investing in higher education is one of the best decisions a person can make for their future. It is the foundation on which dream jobs and successful careers are built. For Fashion Journalism students Dwaine Hill, Marisa Tania, Brianna Wooten, and Faye Harris, pursuing a higher education at Academy of Art University has been a fundamental stepping stone on their journeys toward becoming the next generation of successful fashion journalism and social media professionals. Fashion School Daily sat down with each student to find out what brought them to the program and what keeps them coming back for more (fashion).

The Freshman: DWAINE HILL, BA Fashion Journalism

Name: Dwaine Hill
Academic Year: 1^st Year Undergraduate – Onsite
Follows: Judson Harmon, High Snobiety, McSweeny’s, Carine Roitfeld
Dream Interview: Lady GaGa & Lana del Ray
Social Media: IG –@dweezyhillz

FSD: Why did you decide to study Fashion Journalism at Academy of Art University?

DWAINE HILL: Academy of Art University was first on my mind about 9 years ago, after I graduated from high school. I wanted to come here for Fashion Design, but opted for a community college close to my hometown. I soon knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do so I jumped into retail. When I reconsidered going back to school, the Academy was it! I came upon the Fashion Journalism program, spoke to an advisor and went over the curriculum. It was such a different program, in every sense. It’s a great way to become a well-rounded student or professional, in general.

FSD: How did you prepare to be a Fashion Journalism student at the Academy?

DH: Working in fashion retail for several years and being in New York gave me a lot of perspective. Meeting designers, making friends in the fashion community, we all had great connections and experiences. Coming back to school, I felt a little bit ahead of the curve, so to say, which was good. It helped me to have a better understanding of what I was learning.

FSD: How challenging is the Fashion Journalism program? How are you dealing with these challenges?

DH: My biggest challenge is that I want to get as much as possible from this experience. I’m pushing myself to reach the deeper into what I’m being taught. I’m reaching out to my professors and seeing if they have more, more, more to give me. Looking at my coursework, at my mood boards in the design class, I’m constantly thinking: “How can this this take me farther than where I am now?”

FSD: What are your post-Academy professional aspirations?

DH: I’m a workaholic! I’ve been working since I was fifteen and I want to jump in as fast as possible. CR Fashion Book is absolutely my favorite publication right now. Since the first issue, I was in love. In terms of editorials, Carine Roitfeld has one of the most creative mindsets out there. The way she sets everything up gets me so excited every time. My goal is to intern at CR Fashion Book. It’s my dream job, too.

The Sophomore: MARISA TANIA, BA Fashion Journalism

Name: Marisa Tania
Academic Year: 2^nd Year Undergraduate – Onsite
Follows: Vanessa Friedman, Tim Blanks
Dream Interview: The late Bill Cunningham
Social Media: www.marisatania.weebly.com

FSD: Why did you decide to study Fashion Journalism at Academy of Art University?

MARISA TANIA: I did an internship with Dewi Magazine, one of the most prominent fashion magazines in Indonesia. I enjoyed every moment of it which surprised me. I’d never considered being a critic or a stylist. My understanding of the industry was limited to the title “designer.” I never saw any other possibilities to work in fashion. From then on, I realized that I want to write for a fashion magazine full-time. Academy of Art University is the only school I could find with a designated and accredited fashion journalism undergraduate program and I couldn’t be happier!

FSD: How did you prepare to be a Fashion Journalism student at the Academy?

MT: I took courses in fashion design at the Raffles Design Institute in Singapore. I learned a lot about the language of fashion and the design of the various products. It helps a lot in telling a story about clothing. Plus, I have a better eye now for what looks good.

FSD: How challenging is the Fashion Journalism program? How are you dealing with these challenges?

MT: Ah, grammar is my biggest challenge. Luckily, the school provides writing labs for those who need help. I also need to learn more about working in groups, delegating, being a team player. Sometimes, I feel it’s hard to keep up with technology. As a Millennial, I experienced this transition from “old school” to social media. You must write a perfect article and think about the visual content and then tweet it, post it, repost it, keep in mind the SEO (search engine optimization). Blogging class [at Academy] has been really helpful and now I am looking forward to the social & mobile reporting course.

FSD: What are your post-Academy professional aspirations?

MT: I honestly no longer believe in a long-term goal. I live to do my best each day. I feel like people are focusing too much on the past or the future and they forget to live in the moment. It’s exciting to discover different opportunities that media life has to offer. My aspiration in ten years is to look back and be able to say that I did well.

The 1^st Year Graduate Student: BRIANNA WOOTEN

Name: Brianna Wooten
Academic Year: 1^st Year Graduate – Onsite
Follows: Robin Givhan
Dream Interview: Shiona Turini
Social Media: Nizhoni Moon

FSD: Why did you decide to study Fashion Journalism at Academy of Art University?

BRIANNA WOOTEN: I picked Academy of Art University because of its first-hand connections to real world careers. For example, my instructors are from the industry that I am interested in breaking into and they are here for me one on one. I chose fashion journalism because I want to enter the world of fashion public relations and I love writing. Perfect match!

FSD: How did you prepare to be a Fashion Journalism student at the Academy?

BW: I wanted to form meaningful relationships with my fellow classmates and instructors that will be beneficial moving forward in our careers. Hopefully, I will be able to provide them with some insight and opportunities as well. More importantly, I hope to grow as a writer here.

FSD: How challenging is the Fashion Journalism program? How are you dealing with these challenges?

BW: What I find most challenging about my experience as a new student in the Fashion Journalism program is having to rediscover myself as a writer. It is a different form in comparison with research papers on Shakespeare! I am beginning to develop my voice and enjoy this process. In addition, being a recent transplant to San Francisco, I feel like I’m learning the city bit by bit.

FSD: What are your post-Academy professional aspirations?

BW:  I’m an overachiever at heart. I want to be the editor-in-chief at a major publication such as Cosmopolitan. Or have my own publication!

The 2^nd Year Graduate Student: FAYE HARRIS

Name: Faye Harris
Academic Year: 2^nd Year Graduate – Onsite
Follows: Oliver Zahm, Pat McGrath, Alex Box, Bil Donovan, StreetArtGlobe, BOF, AlwaysJudging, ManRepeller, Caroline Daur, Louise Roe
Dream Interview: Meryl Streep
Social Media: www.fayeharris.tumblr.com

FSD: Why did you decide to study Fashion Journalism at Academy of Art University?

FAYE HARRIS: I was already working in public relations for a beauty company and had done internships at fashion/beauty magazines in London. Being a foreign student, I had to think seriously about my choices. I know a few people who had studied Fine Arts and Styling at the Academy and loved it, so it was one of the first places I looked. After some research, it was a no brainer. I am really excited to be creating my own magazine and online presence.

FSD: How did you prepare to be a Fashion Journalism student at the Academy?

FH: At this level, I know I am only going to get out of it as much as I am putting in. Self-motivation is important and to constantly think bigger than the classroom. Don’t just do the required, go above and beyond! That will help you to stand out.

FSD: How challenging is the Fashion Journalism program? How are you dealing with these challenges?

FH: I’d say the most challenging part of being a student is time management; especially, if you’re working while studying. Some people use their phones and apps for reminders, but I like to use a good old fashioned planner and write absolutely everything down. Crossing out those completed tasks feels so good! Styling class was a big challenge because it’s not something I’ve ever done, but I “let go” and got my hands “dirty” and met some great people, too.

FSD: What are your post-Academy dreams and aspirations?

FH: After graduation, I’ll be working full-time at Juice Beauty as creative producer of digital content. I’d like to continue writing freelance and eventually to have my own online publication, creating and curating content.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in fashion media, consider enrolling in the Fashion Journalism program at the Academy of Art University; to speak with someone about this program today just fill out this form. 

Interviews conducted by Kahea Montgomery, MA Fashion Journalism.

The post Why Fashion Journalism: Dwaine, Marisa, Brianna & Faye appeared first on Fashion School Daily, School of Fashion Blog at Academy of Art University.

Every semester few ambitious students secure coveted internship positions within different departments at the School of Fashion. In the coming weeks, Fashion School Daily will profile the talented group working alongside Academy staff this spring. Meet Nhu Dao, a Fashion Styling major and an intern with the School of Fashion Public Relations office.  

Courtesy of Nhu Dao

Instagram – @quynhu22
Website – www.nhudaoq.com

FSD: What brought you to the Academy?

Dao: Seven years ago, I moved with my family from Vietnam to San Jose. I just assumed my parents wouldn’t approve of me studying the arts, so I was majoring in Psychology. Then I chose styling because you can be creative with clothes, make something new out something existing. My family wholeheartedly supported my decision. The transition wasn’t difficult. I think I was too well dressed to study anything else!

FSD: What brought you to this internship?

Dao: I learned about it from Elena Eberhard who is the Public Relations and Special Events Manager. I quickly realized this is something I’d want to do in the future. Networking is key. This internship is a great way to get self-organized and make connections. My task is to keep track of everything that happens in relation to the School of Fashion. I collect articles and work with the press section of the website. It’s primarily documenting, maintaining contacts of our alumni and compiling reports on InDesign.

FSD: How does a Fashion Styling student dress for a PR internship?

Dao: If I could wear one thing every day, it would be culottes! I usually wear oversized clothes and I can never step out my house without plenty of rings on my fingers. There’s something delicate and feminine about rings that attracts me.

FSD: Describe your Dream Team scenario for an editorial shoot…

Dao: Grace Coddington, Tim Walker, Steven Meisel. One of my favorite brands is Maison Margiela. Considering that the great John Galliano is its current Creative Director, it stands out. Brands like that aren’t really for everyone, which is interesting to me. I also think Jacquemus aesthetic is fresh and exciting. He’s brave to try something new.

Courtesy of Nhu Dao

FSD: Anyone you wish you could’ve dressed?

Dao: Oh, that’s a tough one! Off the top of my head, Jane Birkin or Audrey Hepburn.

FSD: Where do you see yourself after graduation?

Dao: Working on editorials for any magazine in New York, London or Paris is the ultimate dream. I love the voice of Vogue and i-D magazines. To be able to work in their styling department would be surreal.

FSD: Any advice for fellow aspiring stylists?

Dao: DIY is the smart way to style. Whenever you can, just DIY.

Interview by Nivetha Sundar (MA Fashion Journalism)

The post Meet the School of Fashion Interns: Nhu Dao @ Public Relations appeared first on Fashion School Daily, School of Fashion Blog at Academy of Art University.

Every semester, a few ambitious students secure coveted internship positions within different departments at the School of Fashion. Fashion School Daily is excited to profile the talented group working alongside Academy staff this spring. Meet Nivetha Sundar, the Fashion School Daily intern who is a Fashion Journalism MA student with a passion for celebrity gossip and all things Beatlemania.

Nivetha Sundar (right) with haute couture collector, Tatiana Sorokko (left) | Image Source : Nivetha Sundar

Instagram: @dunsar_15 and @lldunsarll

FSD: What brought you to the Academy?

NS: There was an exchange student from the Academy coming to my school in India. It was in the back of my mind ever since. I got a degree in textile design and thought that if I were to do graduate studies, it’d be here. I knew my parents wanted me to live with them and would not let me sign up. So, I went ahead and applied anyway. They only found out after I got the acceptance letter. I took a semester online and now I’m happy with my decision to come to San Francisco.

FSD: What do you like the most about it?

NS: The instructors I’ve met so far, every single one, are already working in the industry. They know what “real life” is like in the arts. The Academy is a good place to express yourself. There’s something new and interesting every day. I see San Francisco itself as a work of art as well. If you want to be an unapologetic artist, come here. Those who live here don’t judge you. They are open to new things. Sometimes elsewhere people take themselves too seriously.

Image Source : Nivetha Sundar

FSD: What brought you to this internship?

NS: I received an email about it and decided to take a chance. I took it because I’m working directly with Stephan Rabimov (Director of Social Media Center and Fashion Journalism) which is really great. He’s in the type of position I want to be in in a few years. With a mentor like that, I’m going to learn a lot more than just from taking a class.

FSD: What does a fashion journalism student read?

NS: Personally, I read anything and everything I see. It’s not only about the clothes for me. I want to understand why people wear what they wear. I love reading about the process of designing, the art direction, and so on. For example, My favorite writer is Vanessa Friedman, Fashion Director and Chief Fashion Critic at The New York Times. I recently watched a TED Talk by Tavi Gevinson, who was the youngest fashion blogger when she started Rookie magazine at the age of 13. That’s really cool. I’m not a big fan of blogs, but I like Susie Bubble. Her style of writing really interests me.

FSD: What does your day off look like?

NS: I would love to be hanging out in a park with my friends. Or catching up on celebrity gossip and listening to music; I’m obsessed with classical Indian music and music from the ‘60s, especially The Beatles. However, to be honest, I’ll probably end up sleeping all day. I love seeing my friends, but I really love sleeping more. Being a student, I have to sacrifice sleep a lot. Believe it or not, I could sleep anywhere at any time. Just give me a clean space and a good temperature, that’s enough.

Interview by Nhu Dao (BA Fashion Styling)

The post Meet the School of Fashion Interns: Nivetha Sundar @ The Fashion School Daily appeared first on Fashion School Daily, School of Fashion Blog at Academy of Art University.

Anita Szu-Yi Chen presented her graduate collection (MFA Knitwear Design) at New York Fashion Week during the Academy of Art University Spring 2017 showcase. Writer Jia Yang (MA Fashion Journalism) caught up with the designer to reflect on her Academy experience.

We are sitting in a Starbucks recalling that final walk through and curtain call. I remember Chen vividly: gray shoulder-length straight hair and deep red lipstick in an all-black outfit. I remark that, at the time, she looked unapproachable to me. She laughs and says, “My friends always say I am a case of cold hands, warm heart.” She grew up in Taiwan and studied Material Arts and Design as an undergrad. Then she worked as an assistant designer at several apparel companies in Taipei. Slowly, she came to appreciate the design process more than she ever thought plausible. “I began to ask myself, is design what I am willing to spend all my time and energy on?” An internal emphatic yes made her quit her job and enroll at the Academy. A knitwear designer must stay extremely focused to hand-make each shape, instead of cutting a pattern. Chen enjoyed the challenge and the chance to design her own textiles. “I never gave up on my dream!”

The beautiful thing is always about details #knitweardesign #collections #unexpected #details #theloveofmylife

A post shared by Anita Szu Yi Chen (@anitaszuyichen) on Mar 28, 2017 at 12:51pm PDT

For Chen, creative inspiration is everywhere: a fabulous painting, a beautiful melody, a good book. Sometimes the most insignificant things can become a special part of her work. The important matter is how to capture them. Playing with construction and deconstruction, she sourced her design elements from product packaging to structure the angular shapes in her thesis collection. She also crafted the reversible fabric with patterns representing opposing feelings on either side. “I was thinking about the difference between what something seems to be and what is unexpected at the beginning.”

Watching one’s design ideas take shape and turn into garments is a worthwhile process. Hard work and dedication are always rewarded. The School of Fashion has been presenting student collections during NYFW since September 2005 and being selected to show is a serious milestone for an Academy student. Chen cites time management as the most important skill in preparation for the showcase. “Until you can manage time, you can’t manage anything else.” According to Chen, the designers worked together helping each other to complete final touches during the last days before the big show. “We shared this wonderful moment together and we are all proud of it. I’ve learned many things and NYFW made me grow up quickly.”

Text by Jia Yang (MA Fashion Journalism)

The post Cold Hands, Warm Heart: Anita Szu-Yi Chen @ NYFW appeared first on Fashion School Daily, School of Fashion Blog at Academy of Art University.

Every semester, a few ambitious students secure coveted internship positions within different departments at the School of Fashion. Fashion School Daily is excited to profile the talented group working alongside Academy staff this spring. Meet Jenny Truong, BFA Advertising student and the Social Media Center intern who happily traded Lake Ontario for the Bay Area following the ebb and flow of Zodiac charts.

Instagram: @jenfactory

Website: http://jenfactory.com

FSD: What brought you to the Academy?

Truong: I am pursuing my BFA in Advertising with a direct focus on art. I was originally going to choose Graphic Design, but knew if I went into Advertising, I would be taking Graphic Design courses as well as learning about concepts and the business side of Advertising. I am glad I picked it. I have definitely found my passion.

FSD: What inspires you the most about advertising?

Truong: Creating something that reaches so many people. Sometimes people think of advertising in negative ways such as manipulation or brainwashing. I feel that advertising can influence people positively by connecting on a deeper personal level and not just trying to sell a product.

FSD: What was it like to move from Canada to the US?

Truong: Toronto (where I’m from) is pretty similar to San Francisco. The only thing that shocked me was the weather. I assumed there would be sun, warmth, pools, and bathing suits because that is what I associated with California. San Francisco turned out to be colder than I had imagined.

FSD: Describe your perfect San Francisco day…

Truong: It would start off waking up super early (obviously, not if I am feeling too tired or cranky). I would find a cool café to sit in with my laptop and plan out my week on Google Calendar. I don’t know why but that is what excites me for some reason.

FSD: What brings you to the Academy’s Social Media Center internship?

Truong: Learning about social media as there is so much that you wouldn’t normally even think about. Stephan Rabimov (Director of Social Media Center and Fashion Journalism) has taught me that there is a strategy behind everything being shared on social, plus I was able to bring the knowledge from FSH 218 Blogging Content Creation and Promotion with me to this internship. I work mostly on the Facebook and Twitter accounts for Social Media Center and we also developed a new blog on Medium. It’s really cool because I will be able to apply all that knowledge at my future job(s) within advertising industry. 

Courtesy of Jenny Truong

FSD:  What are your post-graduation plans after graduation?

Truong: I plan on moving to New York City and hope to work for one of my favorite ad agencies. I enjoy working at a fast pace and taking on multiple projects. I love that in New York everyone has so much ambition. Everyone on the street has somewhere to go. I want to be part of that energy. My dream job would combine work and travel as I would like to go all over the world and see everything. I also love all the 24-hour food places!

FSD: How does your interest in astrology impact your life?

Truong: I am an Aries, a fire sign. It is associated with intense curiosity. I enjoy reading about astrology, Zodiac signs, and spirituality. I believe, learning how the stars impact our energy, mood and habits has given me perspective and made me a more open minded, positive person. 

FSD: Who or what has had the biggest impact on you at the Academy?

Truong: My teacher Roger Muller who taught “Ideations for Campaigns.” In that class, we had to create a campaign. I came up with the concept, created all the content, all the images, all the writing. I had the magazine printed and bound. I was so proud of it. At critique day, he flipped through it putting x’s on all the things I did wrong; which seemed like everything, by the way. What I thought was amazing about my project, wasn’t. Roger showed me that it’s not about working hard but more about working smart. It was a defining moment for me at the Academy. Now I’m trying to learn and grow more. This is my last semester and it hasn’t been a walk in the park. I want everyone that feels like quitting to know not to ever give up. Past your breaking point, it where the work you put in pays off in the end.

Interview by Robert Bala (BFA Fashion Styling)

The post Meet Our Interns: Jenny Truong @ The Social Media Center appeared first on Fashion School Daily, School of Fashion Blog at Academy of Art University.

Every semester, a few ambitious students secure coveted internship positions within different departments at the School of Fashion. Fashion School Daily is excited to profile the talented group working alongside Academy staff this spring. Meet public relations intern Robert Bala. This Academy sophomore from Rhode Island has Hugo Boss and an award-winning magazine already on his resume and uses “a leaf in the wind” to describe himself.

Image courtesy of Robert Bala

FSD: What brought you to the Academy?

RB: I’ve had small styling successes here and there. People see and appreciate the little things that I’ve done, but the main thing that’s always holding me back is no degree. Being at the Academy is helping me blossom my passion into a true career. I once bought an amazing leather jacket at a consignment store in Florida. It became my favorite and I later discovered it was made by a San Francisco brand. It’s almost fate that I would be styling in the Bay one day.

FSD: How did you get into fashion styling?

RB: Back at Florida State University in Tallahassee I ran a magazine. Diverse World Fashion. I was in charge of everything [laughs], but the styling aspect was always my favorite. I loved seeing how much life you could bring to a situation with a right look. I still love creating stories for people through clothing. When I interned at Hugo Boss in New York, I was wearing suits to work every day and meeting people like Adrian Brody, Jared Leto, Lance Bass, Kit Harington… Could not ask for anything better than that! I was 19, a young kid; it changed who I was and who I’ve become.

FSD: Do you have a favorite designer or a trend?

RB: Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne of Public School NYC. They’re just two guys from Brooklyn with simple, beautiful designs. Everything about what they do is specifically how I style. No bold, bright colors. It’s very minimal, yet it says so much. My style icons are Jimmy Hendrix, Nick Wooster, Johnny Depp and Lenny Kravitz. I think denim on denim is really cool. Personally, I can’t really pinpoint my trend because there’s just so much going on at any one time and I can only do me. I do love bandanas, though!

Self-Portrait by @brianakranz . . . . #art #portrait #portraitphotography #painting #popupshop #fashion #fashionmodel #fashionshoot #fashionstylist #artists #artist #love #style #stylist #cali #california #bayarea #sanfrancisco #sf #streetstyle #leatherjacket #leather #allblack #allblackeverything

A post shared by Robert Bala (@bala_x_robert) on Apr 8, 2017 at 7:45pm PDT

FSD: What brought you to this internship?

RB: Public relations was always interesting to me. I love the creative part of fashion, and want to learn more of the business side of the industry while here at the Academy. I love getting to meet people, to socialize, to see the ins and outs of an actual team effort. I know my styling, but I needed to see how companies formulate events, budgets, campaigns. This is the direction I want to continue in.

FSD: Allegedly, you have a Martha Stewart run-in story…

RB: I saw her in an elevator three times because her office is right above Hugo Boss. And um… I bumped into her with a clothing rack which I should not have had it in that elevator in the first place. She gave me a look I will remember for the rest of my life. You best do right by Martha Stewart is all I’m saying. [laughs]

FSD: What’s your advice for those aspiring to enter the fashion industry?

RB: Don’t be afraid to do something. Don’t be closed-minded, take all opportunities because you never know what that can do for you in the future. Do things. Don’t stay idle. Go for it.

Interview by Jenny Truong (BFA Advertising)

The post Meet the School of Fashion Interns: Robert Bala @ PR appeared first on Fashion School Daily, School of Fashion Blog at Academy of Art University.

Are you dreaming of styling an editorial photo shoot with a top-notch production team at an exceptional location? You will get the chance on April 4 at the Apple store in Union Square, San Francisco. Academy of Art University Fashion Styling students, alumni, and faculty will discuss the creative process of crafting a fashion image, from concept, styling development, creating a creative team, to the rundown of the photo shoot day.  Flore Morton, Associate Director of the School of Fashion, and […]

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Academy of Art University’s footwear and accessory design students have been afforded an exciting opportunity to have their designs produced and sold by the ethical shoe brand The Root Collective. Tasked with designing shoes in five styles; a women’s flat, a women’s heel, a women’s boot, a fashion sneaker, and a men’s shoe, the student with the winning entry got one pair of each of their creations manufactured and received a $200 Visa gift card.  Founded by entrepreneur Bethany Tran, […]

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In the world of fashion, a designer needs to have a creative mind to succeed, while in knitwear design, you need to have both a creative and a technical mindset. Knitwear design student Mingyang Zhang discusses the technical side of knitwear and the importance of balancing creativity and technicality.  “You need tools to make art. When you make an oil painting, the brushes and the oil paint are the tools. For the art of knitwear, the yarn and the machines […]

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The idea of working in fashion is more often than not simplified to sartorial creations. While the artistic designs are an essential part of this business, it is but one piece to a very complicated puzzle. Jason Mok, a 2018 B.F.A. Fashion Marketing graduate from the Academy of Art University, can attest that fashion is a universal commodity that requires a plethora of mindsets, values, and visions.  Upon arriving at the Academy, Mok started out as a styling major but […]

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UK-based independent media platform Fashion United interviewed Christopher Cabalona, BFA Fashion Design. as one of four standouts from this year CFDA Fashion Future Graduate Showcase which presented onto the fashion landscape 52 graduates from 12 schools across the nation: What inspired your graduate collection? My graduate collection was inspired by the purity of clowns from the early 1900s. My collection is not envisioned to be humorous or childlike, rather, I want to show the contradiction of being enthusiastic while presenting […]

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Following a stalled start as a Fashion Design major, Colombia native Liliana Mei Wu found a new direction, pursuing a degree in Product Development. An underappreciated component of the fashion business, product development involves the creation of garments, collections and other products that appeal to consumers. Wu found her way to the major after three years in Fashion Design. “I got into level three, and at that point, I realized that fashion design was not what I wanted to do,” […]

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Since its launch in 2013 in collaboration with the School of Photography, the Fashion Styling Meet-up event became the must-attend bi-annual rendez-vous for aspiring stylists and photographers. Styling students were able to meet and build their network to produce fashion photoshoots for their classes or personal projects. Teaming up with students from other majors improved the production quality of their fashion photography at the industry level while still at school. Models, makeup artists, hairstylists are also invited to collaborate with styling students, […]

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By Kailyn Chadwick, MA Fashion Art Direction Image by Danielle Rueda There is something special to be said about the students of the Academy of Art University. Not only is the student body dedicated to pursuing their own individual talents in the creative field, but they are persistent in their mission to deliver unique works of art to inspire industry professionals and their peers. What better way for our design students to share their creations than at our Academy of […]

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The Council of Fashion Designers of America has long been devoted to supporting and nurturing new and emerging design talent. Their Educational Initiatives were established to assist aspiring designers in the high school, collegiate, post-graduate, and early stages of their careers. This year, BFA Fashion Design senior Lydia Buesgens was awarded the Coach X CFDA Dream It Real Scholarship. This scholarship is dedicated to supporting under-resourced students from underrepresented backgrounds studying fashion design. Students whose portfolio work demonstrated potential and interest […]

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The Council of Fashion Designers of America has long been devoted to supporting and nurturing new and emerging design talent. Their Educational Initiatives were established to assist aspiring designers in the high school, collegiate, post-graduate, and early stages of their careers. This year, BFA Fashion Design senior Lydia Buesgens was awarded the Coach X CFDA Dream It Real Scholarship. This scholarship is dedicated to supporting under-resourced students from underrepresented backgrounds studying fashion design. Students whose portfolio work demonstrated potential and interest […]

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