As a student in the Academy’s School of Fashion, you will be exposed to the entirety of the industry, with opportunities to learn about everything from fabric selection and fashion and textile design, to illustration and brand creation. You’ll be working with the best tools and equipment in the industry. On any given day, you may find yourself modeling in a live runway show, writing a press release for a fashion brand launch, or collaborating on a strategy for sustainability.
Our student-run fashion club, Beyond the Front Row, will give incredible networking opportunities with San Francisco’s fashion community. The vaunted “In Conversation” guest speaker series will expose you to some of today’s most influential fashion icons. The school’s 180 magazine and Fashion School Daily blog offer great opportunities for exploring all aspects of fashion; you can get involved with both from day one of your educational journey.
All of this takes place in one of San Francisco’s designated landmark buildings with a rich cultural heritage. You will be surrounded by the history of San Francisco’s creative community while forging your own fabulous fashion future
The Industry Advisory Board is a visionary initiative designed to strengthen the School of Fashion’s connection with leading professionals in design, communication, and business. The Board shares key insights into current and emerging industry practices, helps shape the Fashion curriculum, and provides students with valuable access to workshops, seminars, and career opportunities. Discover the accomplished professionals who make up our Fashion Advisory Board and gain valuable insights into their expertise.
We believe that to provide our students with a well-rounded fashion education, there must be a balance between classroom academics and real-world experiences. This is why we actively participate in a number of fashion shows and exhibitions, allowing our enrollees to showcase their designs and network with other professionals in the greater fashion community.
Nothing strengthens the confidence of a designer more than putting themselves to the ultimate test and sharing their collection with the audience at a bonafide fashion show. The fast-paced environment, hectic behind-the-scenes coordination efforts, and exhilarating moments of reveal are all lessons you can’t learn in a classroom. They must be experienced!
Since 2005, the School of Fashion has presented collections created by select students and recent graduates during New York Fashion Week and shows hosted by the Academy of Art University itself. One of the most impressive parts of these shows are the collections created through collaborations in textile, knitwear, and fashion design.
Through the Exchange Program, the School of Fashion selects two students each year to study at the Kingston University Fashion Department right outside of London.
Students selected can study one semester or a full year at Kingston; living and travel expenses are the responsibility of the student.
As a School of Fashion student, you can broaden your education by experiencing the art and culture of Italy during our annual Summer Study Abroad program. Our program is focused on expanding material sourcing skills, understanding the fabric manufacturing industry, and learning the ins and outs of trade show operations.”
This immersive experience offers incredible networking opportunities with international industry professionals, exposure to local fashion labels, crafts, manufacturing, and culture, and many hands-on experiences. You’ll also be earning college credit applicable to any major.
SHOP657 is an innovative concept store that carries brands and products designed and produced by Academy of Art University alumni, students, and faculty.
Run by the School of Fashion, SHOP657 is located in the heart of San Francisco, creating a collaborative platform for you to experience the real world of commerce while also providing you the opportunity to launch and promote your fashion products.
You can buy school merchandise at SHOP657 locations:
625 Polk Street (Room 122), San Francisco, CA 94102
2801 Leavenworth Street (Room 106), San Francisco, CA 94133
To shop online or find store hours, visit artushop657.com.
The Graduation Fashion Show is an annual showcase of collections by graduating students from the MFA and BFA programs. Top student work in womenswear, menswear, and textile design are presented on the runway in a professional show attended by press and fashion industry professionals.
Academy of Art University challenges students to Defy the Ordinary and take a creative leap into the Extraordinary. The work in this showcase displays the art and design that our students created as their response.
In Conversation is a series of talks, presentations, demonstrations, and workshops held throughout the semester and hosted by industry members, alumni, and faculty.
Antonella Almonte
BFA Fashion Design