Wes Anderson’s new film, Moonrise Kingdom, premiered tonight at the opening of the Cannes Film Festival. The film is set in the summer of 1965 on an isolated New England island, and is the story of a young boy and girl who fall in love and run away together. Anderson is known for his distinct cinematic style, creating a whole new world with each project. This latest film brings together an all-star cast, including Anderson vets Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman, as well as some new faces: Bruce Willis, Frances McDormand, Edward Norton, and Tilda Swinton. Having premiered only a few hours ago, it is already receiving rave reviews, “In the case of Moonrise Kingdom, I think he’s at his very best,” wrote HitFix critic Drew McWeeny. “[Anderson's] energized by the subject matter and blessed with a cast that came ready to play.”

We’ve always been particularly intrigued by the costumes in Anderson’s films, from the track suits in The Royal Tenenbaums to the submariners’ uniforms in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, and the ensembles in Moonrise were just as interesting and central to the story. Costume designer Kasia Walicka Maimone worked with Anderson on the film, pouring over thousands of vintage photographs for inspiration. They would then create collages and rough sketches for each outfit, Anderson giving his feedback every step of the way.

In keeping with the creative track of the set and prop production, the majority of the costumes were handmade. “A lot of them had starting points in real vintage pieces or research,” Walicka Maimone reveals. “But then we would make it our own, while always adhering to Wes’ vision.” Particularly important to Anderson was that the costumes not only fit with the film aesthetically, they also needed to communicate on their own. “In the fittings, there would always be a moment of adjustment, “ Walicka Maimone explains. “Not just, ‘Do we need to change a color or a shape?’ but, ‘Does what we created resonate?’”

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The largest sartorial undertaking was the design and production of the Khaki Scouts uniforms. After carefully researching 1960s boy scout uniforms and consulting with Anderson, Walicka Maimone and her team created every single element of the costumes – from the socks to the badges and everything in between. In all, they manufactured 350 individual uniforms.

One of Walicka Maimone’s favorite costumes was the ensemble she designed for Tilda Swinton’s character, Social Services. Yes, you read that right, her name is Social Services. Swinton describes her character, “Social Services represents authority, force majeure; when mayhem erupts, she is called in to impose order.” Walicka Maimone turned to the Salvation Army for inspiration, as well as women-in-service uniforms. “Social Services’ uniform was the most structured, the most physically tailored piece we had,” she explained. Structure begetting structure, if you will.

The film is being released on May 25^th, but we have a chance for you to attend a special advance screening on May 23rd! Head on over to our Facebook page, look for the Moonrise Kingdom pic, and answer this simple question, If you were going to run away – where would you go?

We’ll be picking four lucky winners who will each receive a pair of tickets to the advance screening, as well as one grand prize winner who will win two VIP tickets to the screening and a prize pack! The screening is on Wednesday, May 23^rd, at 7:30 PM at Embarcadero Cinemas. All entries must be received by Tuesday, May 22nd at 5:00 PM. This contest open to Academy of Art University students only. Good luck!!

The morning of Thursday, May 3rd, our illustration instructor, Cecilia Aragon, told the class to put up our best work knowing Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud might visit the class.

When I saw her enter the café while my class took a coffee break, my first reaction was excitement; uncertainty was just a breath behind.  Are we allowed to speak with her?  Would we be allowed to meet her?  Cecilia urged me to ask if she would let the class draw her. A short dialogue and some instruction later, I rejoined my classmates in the café where we actually met Princess Reema.

I asked how she preferred to be addressed.  To my mild surprise she allowed us to be on a first name basis —no “your royal highness,” no title…I asked again just to be sure as uncertainty reared it’s head again.  She left the impression of an easy-going individual, down to earth with a sense of humor.  After some small talk she invited us to watch Philip Treacy’s millinery demonstration.  I returned to class to inform Cecilia when the break ended, but being a teacher, she had us continue drawing before a word was said.  During the lunch break, excitement trumped hunger and watching the demonstration took precedence.

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Forget lunch. How often do I get to hang out with royalty?

There was no “hanging out,” obviously, but after the demonstration I found an opportunity to ask Princess Reema if she’d let my class draw her, provided there was time for it.  She graciously agreed. “I’d like to meet the students,” she said, while checking her schedule, effectively choosing the class over her own lunch and gracing us with her presence.

I’d call it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  She looked comfortable – if anything, she looked like she had a bit of fun while they were on-stage.  Observation: royalty doesn’t lean, let alone slouch.  I don’t remember what Princess Reema and her friend, Mona Hamdy, said before we started drawing, but there were some words and a jovial push from Her Highness. The first words that usually come to mind to describe royalty are serious and stuffy.  Princess Reema undid that in a matter of seconds.  It was great seeing she and Mona in a relaxed mood and laughing!  The talking stopped for about ten minutes as we drew.  When we finished, Princess Reema and Mona went around the room to see the results of our work.  A few students and Cecilia asked for pictures and Mona expressed appreciation and gave encouragement before leaving - thanking us for the time we put into our work and looking forward to seeing us out in the world.  More than that was said, and it was so much more uplifting, but I was so caught up in the moment that I didn’t remember it all.  Maybe someone else might recall it word for word.  I would hope so.

When they left and class resumed, I was still erupting with excitement—barely containing a shout, punching the air, and clicking my heels.

Written By: Emmanuel Solomon

Last night, Kara Laricks, 2008 M.F.A. Fashion Design alumna, won the first season of NBC’s Fashion Star! Kara, along with another alum – Ronnie Escalante, 2008 B.F.A. Fashion Design – and Nzimiro Oputa were the three finalists. Kara has dazzled judges and buyers throughout the competition, and though there were a few snags along the way, we can’t say we’re surprised she won. She has a strong signature aesthetic and remained true to her vision throughout the competition, while expanding it enough to give her collections range.

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Each finalist was tasked with creating a capsule collection for the three retailers, H & M, Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. The collections had to be tailored to the specific stores, and simultaneously maintain the designer’s brand. Several of Kara’s pieces were instant standouts, but there were also a few looks that buyers weren’t so sure about – it was not a simple decision. In the end, Kara’s strong design skills and unique point of view earned her the top spot. Each of her collections was bought by the respective retailers for a total of $6 million, and will be sold in stores today as well as online here.

We are so proud of Kara and wish her the best of luck as she moves forward with her career!

Florence + The Machine performs the lead song, Breath of Life, for the new feature film Snow White and the Huntsman – and they’ve just released the official music video. Florence Welch’s powerful voice is a perfect match for the dark, epic film. She is accompanied by a large orchestra and 60-person choir and recorded the song at the historic Abbey Road Studios. Black-and-white footage form the recording session is intercut with clips from the film, creating a beautiful, haunting effect.

Follow the jump to watch the entire video!

Vogue has announced that, starting with their June 2012 issue, they are making a conscious effort to promote a healthier body image. The editors of Vogue’s 19 international editions made a pact banning the use of models under the age of 16 and those who appear to have an eating disorder. The Condé Nast International Chairman, Jonathan Newhouse, told the New York Times, “Vogue editors around the world want the magazines to reflect their commitment to the health of the models who appear on the pages and the well-being of their readers.”

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While it remains to be seen how this will actually impact the models we see in the fashion mag, it is a step in the right direction. Magazines have been blamed for years for promoting unrealistic standards of beauty and weight, and while individuals from the publications have spoken out in support of healthier practices, this is the first time that an official decree has been made. It comes on the heels of the Council of Fashion Designers of America set of guidelines for designers that they set forth for the Fall ’12 fashion shows, asking them not to use models younger than 16.

It is encouraging that something is finally being done about this pressing issue – we just hope that it makes a difference.

To read the entire statement, click here.

The Madewell Denim Roadtrip has been traveling the country, bringing their finest denim attire to the denim-loving masses – and their making a stop in San Francisco! Tomorrow, May 16th, they’ll be setting up shop at Grant and Geary from 12 – 7 PM. Stop by the specially outfitted airstream trailer for some fun surprises including a styling station, hair braiding bar, and a secret denim deal!

WHEN: Wednesday, May 16th from 12 to 7 PM

WHERE: Grant and Green Streets

Another one for the press books – the students’ collections from the Academy of Art University Graduation Fashion Show were featured in California Apparel News! Jayne Seward, the publication’s fashion editor, wrote a great piece highlighting some looks from the show as well as the internships and awards. Here is a preview:

The fashion show was a high-energy production, showcasing the collections of graduating students, who designed across the categories of womenswear, menswear, knitwear, textiles, accessories and technical design…Design inspiration ranged from Jan van Eyck paintings to Gibson Girls and 1960s horror films. Visibly evident were the craftsmanship, knitwear expertise and printing techniques that are taught at the school.

And, the publication featured a design by Eli Daniel Odisho with textiles by Miram Tolentino on the cover – so amazing!

Head over to California Apparel News to read the entire article.

Fashion shows are always exciting for: 1) the fashion, duh but also 2) the music. They’re always showcasing hot new tracks, as well as reviving some oldies-but-goodies you may have missed the first time around. It is so much fun designing a soundtrack for a show – carefully selecting each song for it’s mood, tempo, and the life it gives to a collection. We thought that the soundtrack for the Academy of Art University Graduation Fashion Show was awesome this year (thank you Simon Ungless), so we wanted to share it with you!

Follow the jump for the full track listing and to stream the entire playlist!

1. The Canyons – More Champagne?
2. Tinpong – New Religion (Marcus Marr Remix)
3. The Human League – Seconds
4. Everclear – Local God
5. Tom Tom Club – Wordy Rappinghood
6. Amanda Lepore – Champagne
7. YACHT – I Walked Along (Larry Gus Remix)
8. LCD Soundsystem – North America Scum (Onastic Dub)
9. Carly Simon – Why (12″ Remix)
10. Butthole Surfers – Pepper
11. The Knocks – Dancing With the DJ (Dave Edwards Remix)
12. The Rapture – How Deep is Your Love

As many of you saw at the Graduation Fashion Show and Awards Ceremony, Maria A. Romero presented her collection not on the runway, but with a short film. She constructed her entire collection on a set of dolls, and collaborated with students from the School of Animation and Visual Effects to create a stop motion film. The end result was a beautiful and moving presentation that allowed Maria to not only showcase her work – but to tell a story.

The film and collection were so spectacular, that they earned Maria an internship at Alexander McQueen, and caught the eye of the team over at NOWNESS – they decided to feature it as their story of the day! For those of you that don’t know, NOWNESS is an award-winning online platform that showcases some of the most inspiring stories from around the globe, previewing the latest in art, fashion, film, music, architecture and design, travel, sport, and gastronomy. They posted Cathy Horyn’s interview with Sarah Burton after the Spring ’12 collections, and recently published an exclusive two-part interview with Daphne Guinness – clearly, the site is a MAJOR deal.

Follow the jump to watch the video and head over to NOWNESS to read their exclusive interview with Maria! And Bravo to Maria and the School of Animation team – Travis Weaver, Victoria Simiele, Mireya Francoso, Dorthy Thielsen, Federico La-Tona, Benjamin Arthur, and Luke Night!

Maria Romero: Dulce de Reliquias on Nowness.com.