Academy of Art University debuted the work of ten recent graduates at Skylight Clarkson Square. The show featured five womenswear collections, and two menswear collections.
The first collection, consisting of six looks, was created by Chinese designer Hailun Zhou. The looks featured rounded shoulders that fell into wide silhouettes, bringing umbrellas and raincoats to mind. The heavy metallics and clear vinyl was complimented by the pops of color seen throughout the line. Makeup followed a dewy, damp look, paired with wet slicked back hair and natural textures, completing the “fresh out of the rain” look.
Eden Slezin, a Bay Area native, produced a menswear line with a denim focus. Slezin’s collection ranged from dark denims to utility grays. Constructed patterns were created with light blue and bright white detailing. The line was constructed using sustainable, organic fabrics. Inspired by vintage denim, Slezin’s pieces hit fall trends perfectly.
The third collection was a collaboration between three graduate designers, Dina Marie Lim, Carlos Rodriguez, and Rheanna Oliver-Palanca. Made up of white and cream garments, the eye catching embroidery was the main focus of the seven piece collection. Long strands of yarn flowed from yellow, purple, and orange flowers, dancing during their stunt down the runway. Thick quilted cream coats sat over structured white layers.
Saya Shen called to stormy landscapes for her collection. Thick, quilted pieces were constructed in abstracts shapes, mirroring heavy clouds and thick snow. Brilliant whites often dripped into dark shades of gray and black. Nature becomes wearable through Shen.
The fifth line is the work of Joanna Jadallah from Chicago, Illinois, and Cana Klebanoff of Queens, New York. The pair created a eight piece menswear line, that looks something out of Game of Thrones. Leather belts strapped over knits and bulky sweaters layered over wide leg trousers added to the dark vibe of the collection.
Ryan Yu brings us an abstract collection. The China born designer captures the balance between light and dark in his pieces. Yu constructed geometric patent leather paneling in glossy white and black, topping jersey and wool garments.
Jelly Shan crafted a feminine collection inspired by religious garments. Skillfully knotted rope was the focal point of Shan’s eight piece line, coming together to create artful silhouettes, ranging from straight line dresses, to chunky sweaters. Delicate shades of pink, blue, and yellow brought a subtleness to the collection.
Check out the presentation here.
