Academy of Art University's fashion school ensured that the next generation of fashion designers is on the path to success by participating in a six day Fashion Camp for high school students organized by Cotton and Camp Director Karl Marshall.

The Bay Area summer camp, which took place at the Eastridge Mall in San Jose, CA, featured fashion classes, seminars, group and individual activities. Accompanied by Alex Smith, a member of the Academy's outreach program, top fashion school instructor Iliana Ricketts represented the Academy of Art University proudly as both a guest lecturer and attendee of the final Fashion Show.

On the first day, Ricketts kicked off camp as a guest lecturer by providing invaluable fashion industry information. A top fashion designer in her own right, Ricketts explained the process designers go through to create a collection. She also discussed techniques of croquis, a quick sketch of a fashion model on a runway, and presented a slideshow exhibiting the breathtaking clothing designs of Academy of Art University students.

"The Fashion Camp students asked questions and the atmosphere was quite relaxed," said Ricketts. "The response was great."

Ricketts returned the day of the Fashion Show to provide fashion-enthusiasts with information about the Academy of Art University's outstanding fashion design program. The back-to-school themed show, organized and styled by the graduates of Fashion Camp, featured cutting edge fall fashion from Macy's, Hollister, Anchor Blue, Aeropostale, and Old Navy.

Fashion Camp was rewarding for everyone involved, but especially for the students who received real industry experience and training, as well as the opportunity to speak with an instructor from one of the best fashion design schools in the country.

Year round, Bay Area high school students have the excellent opportunity to build their skills by taking art classes at Academy of Art University. During the regular school year, the Academy offers the Pre-College Saturday Art Experience program, a weekly high school art class concluding with an exciting art exhibition. Over the summer, students can participate in the Academy's high school summer art program, the Pre-College Summer Art Experience program. Students interested in pursuing a fashion career can take classes in Fashion Merchandising, Fashion Illustration, Textile Design, Knitwear Design and more.

About the School of Fashion
Established in 1929, Academy of Art University is the largest accredited private art and design school in the U.S. with nearly 10,000 students throughout San Francisco as well as nationally and internationally through the online degree program. Over 1,300 fashion students study under the guidance of experienced fashion industry professionals. The School of Fashion houses six areas of specialization: Fashion Design for Womenswear, Menswear, and Childrenswear; Textile Design; Knitwear Design; Fashion Journalism; Fashion Merchandising; Visual Merchandising.

Gladys Perint Palmer, Executive Director of Fashion, is a working journalist and fashion illustrator. In 1998, The Fashion Book (Phaidon Press) named GPP one of 500 people of influence in fashion since 1860. GPP's book of drawings and irreverent captions, Fashion People, was published by Assouline in 2003. GPP's work is included in the recently published 100 Years of Illustration by Cally Blackman and the exhibition accompanying the book launch in London. GPP is honored to contribute her work to Victoria & Albert Museum's 150th Anniversary Album and the exhibition at the V&A in London, as only 150 artists have been asked to contribute. GPP is working on her second book, Fashion Bible.

Simon Ungless, Director of Graduate Fashion, graduated from Central St. Martins College of Art & Design in 1992 and was awarded the prestigious MA Degree in Fashion with Distinction. Ungless collaborated with Alexander McQueen on the first 10 collections shown in London and New York. In 2002, he was named Creative Director of Member Holiday, a Korean-based contemporary brand, launching both men's and women's collections with 37 freestanding stores. His work experience covers Fashion Design, Textile Design, Forecasting, Brand Development, and Marketing for such clients as Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Paul Smith, and Versace.

Sharon Murphy, Director of Fashion Merchandising, has spent over 25 years in the apparel industry. Her career includes management positions in sourcing, manufacturing, product development and fashion retailing. She has worked for Esprit de Corp both on a domestic and international level as well as for Jessica McClintock, Inc. with a focus on the development of fabrics and apparel for contemporary, junior and children's markets. Ms. Murphy joined the University as an instructor in 2001. She continues to consult with Venice Collaborative to source textiles and related materials for architects and builders of residential projects in Venice, California.

The University works with international brands and recruitment agencies on internships and job placement to help students obtain fashion careers. Graduates have gone onto companies such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Three As Four, Azzedine Alaļa, Banana Republic, Blanc de Chine, Burberry, Chloe, Liz Claiborne, Oscar de la Renta, Pamela Dennis, GAP Inc., Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, KITON, Calvin Klein, L.A.M.B., Ralph Lauren, Martin Margiela, Missoni, Alexander McQueen, Nice Collective, Nike, Nordstrom, Northface, Old Navy, Zac Posen, Pottery Barn, Reebok, Zandra Rhodes, Ralph Rucci, Jeremy Scott, Martine Sitbon, Carla Sozzani's 10 Corso Como, St. John, Tocca, Williams Sonoma, Viktor & Rolf, Diane Von Fürstenberg, and Louis Vuitton to name a few.

Guests to the School of Fashion have included Azzedine Alaļa, Wilkes Bashford, Geoffrey Beene, Rose Marie Bravo, Loulou de la Falaise, Oscar de la Renta, James Galanos, Christophe Girard, Director of Fashion Strategy, LVMH Fashion Group, Robin Givhan of The Washington Post, Joan Kaner, formerly of Neiman Marcus, Antonio Lopez, Fern Mallis of IMG, Alexander McQueen, Suzy Menkes of The International Herald Tribune, Robert L. Mettler, Chairman & CEO of Macy's West, Rosita and Tai Missoni, Isaac Mizrahi, Josie Natori, Zac Posen, Zandra Rhodes CBE, Ralph Rucci, Jeremy Scott, Carla Sozzani, Koos van den Akker, and Dame Vivienne Westwood DBE.

Academy of Art University is a member of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), ACICS, NASAD, Council for Interior Design Accreditation (BFA-IAD), and NAAB (M-ARCH).