Daily Front Row

2009 March 31

Back to School

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(NEW YORK) Academy of Art University’s School of Fashion has honored the likes of Oscar de la Renta, Azzedine Alaïa, Carla Sozzani, Alexander McQueen, Robin Givhan, Vivienne Westwood, and many other illustrious names of the fashion flock as recepients of honorary Doctorate degrees, and this year will be no different. The San Francisco school will honor fashion illustrator David Downton and Assouline founders Martine and Prosper Assouline with Doctorates of Humane Letters for their contributions to the world of Art and Design.

“Each year we select honorees who have made an outstanding contribution to the fashion industry and from whom students are able to learn,” said University president Dr. Elisa Stephens. “We are delighted to have two of the most influential leaders in the publishing world as well as one of the most highly respected fashion illustrators.” The honorees will be giving back as well as receiving; the Assoulines will select two interns from the Fashion Merchandising and Fashion Journalism programs to work in their Paris and New York offices, and Downton will visit drawing studios to work directly with Fashion Illustration students. The San Francisco Graduation Fashion Show and Awards Ceremony will take place on April 23.
EMILY GYBEN