BACK TO THIS: For the first time in two years, the Academy of Art University School of Fashion will host an in-person fashion show for its BFA and MFA graduates.
The May 12 evening will also pay tribute to fashion designer Giles Deacon, who is a familiar face to Simon Ungless, executive director of the academy’s fashion school. Ungless and Deacon were classmates at Central Saint Martins. The school appreciates the work Deacon has put forth in fashion, costume design, illustration and more, a school spokesperson said.
The London-based designer and illustrator mixes fashion, fine art, theater and glamor in his designs. His creations can be found in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Deacon partnered with IWG, a leading operator of office and flexible workspaces, last year to design the WFA (work from anywhere) capsule collection. He also made Pippa Middleton’s wedding dress and Billy Porter’s 24k gold leaf feather ensemble at the 2020 Oscars. His portfolio includes designs for Marvel, Lions Gate Films, Fox Searchlight, the New York City Ballet and Kyle Abraham’s AIM dance company.
For next month’s show at St. Brigid’s Church, Ungless will orchestrate the works of 30 current and recent BFA and MFA graduates on a diverse lineup of models. Deacon will receive her honorary doctorate — a Doctor of Humane Letters — for her fashion achievements from Academy of Art University president Elise Stephens. She described the upcoming event as “more than just a showcase of our students’ journey through their craft”, but also as “an insight into the next generation of fashion, art and design”.
Ungless and other faculty worked virtually and in-person with the students to create a fashion week-inspired runway show that will feature womenswear, menswear and knitwear. Special consideration was given to students who graduated during the pandemic lockdown and were unable to present their creations to the public and to their peers. The parade program will include an accompanying choral performance.
The fashion show for 450 will be closed to the general public, but it will be broadcast live. Prior to the main event, Deacon will host a drawing lesson at the academy for the students which will also be streamed live.