Cristina Palomo and Megan Papay. Photo Courtesy of John Aquino.

School of Fashion alumna Cristina Palomo is launching a shoe line for Fall ’12, in partnership with friend and fellow designer Megan Papay. The Freda Salvador Fall ’12 collection features gorgeous flats and boots – your everyday staples, with a twist! The shoes are made from Brazilian leather and pony hair, and are manufactured in El Salvador and Gautemala. Many of the styles are transformable – a gorgeous oxford becomes a polished loafer by simply unsnapping a leather vamp cover. Perfect for any girl on the go!

Palomo and Papay were inspired by their travels to Italy and Brazil, and the amazing style of the local people. Describing the aesthetic of the brand, Papay said: “We want [the brand] to be fresh based on the look and quality of our shoes, which is very important, but it’s also a lifestyle.” Can’t wait until they hit stores this August!

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In today’s Alumni Update, we catch up with Cara Chiappetta, who graduated from the School of Fashion in 2011 with an M.F.A. in Fashion Design. She now has a job that she absolutely loves and learns from everyday! Read on to find out more!

You debuted your senior collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week S/S 2011 – what was the experience like?

In one word: surreal. In three: a great honor. I remember working in NYC in 2000 near Bryant Park and walking past the white tents in the chilly-city early mornings promising myself that I too, would be under those tents- as a designer. I just never expected it happen so soon, and at Lincoln Center, no less. It was a promise I kept with myself and I am so grateful for the opportunity and as a designer, so grateful to have not let myself down. And so grateful to represent my brilliant Directors, professors, and fellow students at the Academy of Art University. The experience overall was very stressful, very challenging and yet, all the more enlightening.

What were the most valuable lessons you learned while creating your collection and presenting it in New York?

Flexibility, respecting and adhering to deadlines, adaptability, and that asking questions are key. Oh! And happy accidents. Happy accidents are so precious – I learned the actual process has its own fuel and to embrace the amazing unexpected things that happen along the way. My best work probably stems from those “I think I thought I did, but what just happened? …because that looks good!” As much as I seem to function as a type A personality- which I think helped me along the way- I let myself get lost in the design process. I learned my valuable lesson of letting go. It was a special time for me. I had the freedom to revisit and analyze everything I ever loved in this great big world and everything that ever inspired me. I was able to identify myself as process-based; I had to go from A-Z, to circle back and find E. If that makes sense. We were taught the tools in school, and I relied on them to tap into what defined me as a designer. That was exciting; suddenly my habits from the past began to make sense. I knew I was exactly where I supposed to be, which was probably why I exhausted all options and opportunities throughout the program. Gonbee at one time declared I was masochistic – but I still argue that it was my time to really push myself.

I had to make a last minute change ten days before the show; it was a bit daunting at the time, but taught me the most invaluable lesson of crisis management. I had to remake six pieces in the collection – for reasons I should have reasoned through prior. But hindsight is 20/20. I would not change what I went through. Honestly, that part of the process has really helped me in the most stressful situations. I refuse to allow myself to get into this “fickle-pickle.” I now have a very calm demeanor – even more so than before – and am able to think clearly in hectic situations. I made a pact with myself that I will never let myself cry, consume copious amounts of Cheetos, and call my mom like I did that one afternoon – as I attempted to source new fabric ideas in Berkeley. Never. Will. I. Again. (Until the work is complete, of course.) I lost 3 precious hours that day that I could have used to keep moving forward. As long as I gave 110% effort, I knew I wouldn’t look back with regrets. And I don’t, which is very settling.

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Dawn Olivieri, who has had roles in House of Lies and The Vampire Diaries, wore a dress by Sara Shepherd, 2005 B.F.A. Fashion Design alumna, to the InStyle Golden Globes after party.

Dawn’s stylist, Hellin Kay, knew it was the one instantly:

“The Sara Shepherd dress fit Dawn like a glove so we knew the second she put it on that was the dress! I love the simplicity of it, it’s formal without being over the top and has just the right amount of edge in the details…”

This is not the first time that one of Sara Shepherd’s dresses has been worn for the red carpet – Livia Firth, Colin Firth’s wife, wore one of her beautiful designs to the London premiere of A Single Man.

Congratulations Sara!

In today’s Alumni Update, we take a minute to catch up with Jeremiah Perez, who graduated from the School of Fashion in 2003 with a BFA in Fashion Merchandising. After working in the fashion journalism industry in New York, he switched gears and began his career in politics. Read on to find out what he is up to now!

You graduated from the School of Fashion in 2003 with a BFA in Fashion Merchandising, and then moved to New York and worked as a freelance editor. What was that experience like?

Working in New York was fantastic. When I moved to New York I took writing classes at MediaBistro and networked like crazy to break into magazine journalism. I worked for InTouch Weekly, Glamour, MORE magazine, and was an intern for Glenda Bailey, the editor-in-chief of Harpers’ BAZAAR. Working in the editor-in-chiefs’ office was eye-opening. I learned a lot about the magazine business and the importance of relationships.

What prompted your move to the realm of politics?

I have always volunteered for non-profits since college and been politically active. I was freelancing in New York, and started Amputees in Motion – an activities based non-profit for people with limb loss. I am a below the knee amputee so I am passionate about raising awareness and helping the disabled community. Then a job opportunity in Washington, D.C. surfaced to be a national advocacy specialist for the Amputee Coalition where I worked to make sure amputees receive proper access to health care. I have been involved in politics and management consulting for years. And in 2011, I obtained my masters in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University.

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In today’s Alumni Update, we catch up with I Shan Liou, who graduated from the School of Fashion in 2009 with an MFA in Fashion and Knitwear Design. She collaborated on her senior collection with design student Myoung Hee Kim, which debuted at New York Fashion Week for Fall 2009. Currently, I Shan lives in Los Angeles and works at the contemporary line, Patterson J. Kincaid, as a knitwear designer.

You were able to show your graduate collection at New York Fashion Week. How did you feel after the experience?

It was an amazing experience in my life and I am extremely thankful. I am so grateful to Simon [Ungless], becuase he brought me and Myoung Hee Kim together as a team. It was a stunning idea that combined knitwear and textiles. Learning how to collaborate and work with others helped me a lot when I got a job. Fashion industry is all about the team work and coordination.

As a student, you were featured in Sally Congdon-Martin’s book, Emerging Fashion Designers I – how did it feel being included in the book?

My jaw fell to the floor when Edith told me that I had been featured in Sally Congdon-Martin’s book. I still cannot believe that my work was printed and that I was labeled an “emerging designer.” I was so surprised and honored.

After graduating, what did you do?

I was doing freelance for couple of companies such as Levis and Pottery Barn for a few months. Then I moved to Los Angeles and started to work at a local private company as an assistant. After 3 months, I got a job offer from my current company.

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It’s our third and final edition of the School of Fashion Holiday Gift Guide – featuring gifts from Academy of Art University alumni and local SF Boutiques! For our third installment, we’ve focused on accessories for the home, because everyone knows that great style extends beyond clothing and accessories to your everyday life. Happy shopping!

1. Pinar Badur, 2007 MFA Fashion Merchandising Alumna – Gazel Shawl Collar Bathrobes – $144.95 – Buy at the Atelier or Gazel.com

2. Gump’s San Francisco – Kevin Dart San Francisco Coasters – $90 – Buy at Gump’s on Maiden Lane or Gumps.com

3. Danny Roberts, 2007 online BFA Fashion Illustration Alumnus – Danny Roberts Art Prints – $20-$30 – Buy on Etsy.com

4. Ya-Ling Hou, 2007 BFA Textile Design Alumna – Flowie Blue Circle Pillow – $68 – Buy at FlowieStyle.com

5. Aviva Stanoff, 1999 MFA Textile Design Alumna – One of a Kind Seed Bag Collection Pillow – Buy at the  Atelier and AvivaStanoff.com

Here is the second installment of our Holiday Gift Guide! We’re bringing you amazing men’s and women’s wear from Academy of Art University alumni and local SF Boutiques! And we’ve made it super easy for you – for any items available online, just click on the picture to buy.

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On November 4th, I had the wonderful opportunity of showing my collection at Vancouver Fashion Week. It was a crash course in casting models, doing fittings, selecting hair & makeup and styling. There were a lot of things that the Academy of Art University fashion school covered during my graduate show that I got to experience and learn for myself at Vancouver Fashion Week. Luckily everything ran smoothly with the help of my team who traveled from California and the VFW team, Jamal Abdourahman and Paradise Kafri.

I was in Vancouver for a week preparing for the show and also managed to squeeze in a mini vacation with my team. I spent my first day in Vancouver hunting for shoes and exploring Vancouver.

Most of the shopping day was spent on Robson Street. A street packed with shops, cafes and five Starbucks.

One of my favorite neighborhood is Gastown. The historic neighborhood had such special feel with its Victorian buildings and cobblestone streets contrasted by modern furniture stores and architecture firms.

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Former Academy of Art University Fashion School student Desanka Fasiska is having an art show in Los Angeles this weekend! Proceeds from the show go to The Farley Project – an anti-bullying non-profit in LA. If you happen to be down south this weekend, be sure to check it out!

Erin Frederick graduated from the School of Fashion in 2010 with a B.F.A. in Fashion Merchandising. She now works at StippleIt.com, which allows brands to track their images on the internet and make them instantly shoppable. Katarina Farley caught up with Erin to gain some insight into life after graduation!

Tell me a bit about yourself.

I’m addicted to vintage: mostly fashion of course but the obsession definitely bleeds over into the furniture, music, movies, culture and celebrities… Just take my living room as exhibit A.

In addition to that, I grew up in La Jolla/Southern California, of course I love fashion… and puppies. Actually, I just got one – she’s amazing! She’s a Chug: Chihuahua/Pug mix, 4 months old and her name is Dee Dee and she likes to accessorize.

Erin’s love of vintage is revealed in her home décor.

Erin’s new puppy Dee Dee.

You’re an Academy of Art University alumna, what’s your area of expertise?

I earned a B.F.A. in Fashion Merchandising. I started out in the Fashion Design program, but after two years switched to merchandising so I could take more of the fashion business, styling and visual merchandising classes. I really enjoyed being able to focus on styling my last two years at AAU, it gave me the opportunity to work with so many amazing and talented people. It was such a good experience to collaborate with students from other Academy of Art University departments.

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