Beyond the Front Row, the School of Fashion’s student club, had the amazing opportunity to visit the The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk at the de Young Museum during the opening week. The pounding rain didn’t dampen their excitement, and the much-anticipated exhibition certainly didn’t disappoint. Students entered the exhibit to the sound of Gaultier’s voice, and were surprised to see him in person… or at least the projected version. Gaultier wasn’t the only talking mannequin throughout the exhibit – this special effect was breathtaking, and an innovative alternative to a “static” presentation. BTFR Board Member, Reggie Bocatija, spent more than an hour and a half reveling in the Gaultier legend. He was amazed by one particular beaded gown which took over 1,000 hours to complete.

This was an unforgettable trip for the Beyond the Front Row members, and it was a great opportunity to participate in and support the local fashion/art community. Needless to say, members definitely got their Gaultier fashion fix… until he wows us again.

Follow the jump for more photos! See more…

Beyond the Front Row, the School of Fashion’s student club, is having a general meeting and fashion workshop this Tuesday, April 17 at 6:30 PM! The meeting will be held in Room 201 at 625 Polk Street. Beyond the Front Row will discussing volunteer opportunities and events, which will be taking place in April and May. Also, in preparation for the Academy of Art University Graduation Fashion Show and surrounding events, the club would like to introduce a workshop, which will educate and prepare students for fashion shows and events.

To find out more information you can email Beyond the Front Row at beyondthefrontrow@gmail.com.

Illustration by Gladys Perint Palmer. From Gaultier Spring/Summer ’12 Haute Couture.

Just wanted to remind you all that there are two very important events happening tomorrow!

First, Unpicking Fashion, a presentation by School of Fashion Executive Director Gladys Perint Palmer on the fashion industry past, present, and future, inspired by her recent travels to London, Paris, Instanbul, and parts of Turkey. She will also have a conversation with Academy of Art University President Dr. Elisa Stephens and School of Fashion Director Simon Ungless on the evolution of the University and specifically the School of Fashion.

WHAT: School of Fashion presentation – Unpicking Fashion

WHEN: TOMORROW, Thursday – February 16th at 9:30 AM

WHERE: Morgan Auditorium, 491 Post Street

And second, the student fashion club, Beyond the Front Row, is having their first general meeting! Beyond the Front Row (BtFR) is for students at the Academy of Art University who are either enrolled in the School of Fashion, or who simply have an interest in fashion and want to gain insight into and connect with the industry. It is a social club with a strong emphasis on peer networking and volunteerism at charitable and fashion-related events.

WHAT: Beyond the Front Row First General Meeting of the Spring Semester

WHEN: TOMORROW, Thursday – February 16th, 6:30 PM

WHERE: 625 Polk Street, Room 201

Photos Courtesy of ImaxTree.

On Thursday, February 9th, men’s wear designers Daniel Silver and Steven Cox debuted the Duckie Brown Fall ’12 Collection at Industria Studios in NYC. The collection featured baggy separates in a variety of plaids and tweeds, layered one on top of the other, perfect for the cold winter months. Cozy fair isle sweaters and knit hats and gloves completed the look. They closed the show with several all-black looks, perfect for the gentlemen whose sense of style is a bit more subversive.

Members of Beyond the Front Row worked as dressers for the second season in a row. Follow the jump for some behind the scenes photos they snapped backstage and a short documentary following the designers! See more…

Beyond the Front Row, the School of Fashion’s student club, is having their first meeting of the Spring semseter on Thursday, February 16th at 6:30 PM! The meeting will be held in Room 201 at 625 Polk Street. Beyond the Front Row (BtFR) is for students at the Academy of Art University who are either enrolled in the School of Fashion, or who simply have an interest in fashion and want to gain insight into and connect with the industry. It is a social club with a strong emphasis on peer networking and volunteerism at charitable and fashion-related events.

To read more about Beyond the Front Row and see some of the events they have worked at in the past, click here.

Susan Ashbrook with members of Beyond the Front Row, who hosted the event

On Wednesday, November 2, Susan J. Ashbrook, author of Will Work for Shoes, made a stop by the School of Fashion to discuss her book. While working for Richard Tyler in the ‘90s, Susan realized that something was missing in the fashion industry – a direct link between major fashion houses and celebrities. Susan left Richard Tyler and started her own company, Film Fashion, and worked to pair designers with celebrities for red carpet events. She is practically the fairy-god-mother of red carpet marketing, and we were lucky enough to learn some of her tips and tricks of the trade!

Susan’s Top Tips:

When connecting your brand to a celebrity, make sure that the celebrity’s values are similar to your company’s and to the values of your target market – because if it isn’t believable, it won’t be effective.

Follow the jump to read more! Read more…

Beyond the Front Row is hosting a discussion/Q+A and book sale/signing with author Susan J. Ashbrook this Wednesday, Novemeber 2. Her first book, Will Work for Shoes, details the art and business of red carpet marketing. After working as the Public Relations Director for Richard Tyler, Ashbrook founded her own company, Film Fashion – one of the first companies to pair celebrities and designers in order to gain media coverage. Her book discuses the development of celebrity marketing and offers advice for emerging designers to get their garments on the red carpet. She will be answering questions, offering advice, and giving a glimpse into the glamorous world where fashion meets film!

WHAT: Beyond the Front Row hosts Susan Ashbrook, author of Will Work for Shoes, for a Discussion/Q & A and book signing

WHEN: Wednesday, November 2, 2011 – Discussion/Q+A from 4:30-5:30 PM, Book Sales/Signing from 5:30-6:30 PM

WHERE: 625 Polk St., Room 201

Members of the Academy of Art University student fashion club, Beyond the Front Row, pose backstage with models wearing Chanel’s Resort 2012 collection. The student club members happily accepted an invitation to dress models for the private Chanel show last week.

“It was a really amazing experience that we were able to help with the private show of Chanel’s 2012 resort collection so closely. The collection was filled with so many beautiful elements and details and looked magical on the models.”

- Sharon Lu, Board Member of Beyond the Front Row

To see more from Beyond the Front Row, click here.

Just want to remind you all that Beyond the Front Row, the School of Fashion’s student club, is having their first meeting tomorrow! The meeting is Wednesday, September 21st from 7:00-8:30 PM in B60 at 625 Polk St. Beyond the Front Row (BtFR) is for students at the Academy of Art University who are either enrolled in the School of Fashion, or who simply have an interest in fashion and want to gain insight into and connect with the industry. It is a social club with a strong emphasis on peer networking and volunteerism at charitable and fashion-related events.

To read more about Beyond the Front Row and see some of the events they have worked at in the past, click here.

Beyond the Front Row Board Members (L-R: Roman, Heather, Bridget, Sharon, Amy, Ana, Courtney, Raha, Daniel)

We sat down with Beyond the Front Row co-presidents, Courtney Geier and Heather McDonald, to talk about this awesome student club, how you can get involved, and what they’ve got planned for the year ahead!

So what is Beyond the Front Row?

Beyond the front Row (also known as “the fashion club” or “BtFR”) was launched in the spring semester of 2010 and is a club for students at the Academy of Art University who are either enrolled in the School of Fashion, or who simply have an interest in fashion and want to gain insight into and connect with the industry. In summary BtFR is a social club with a strong emphasis on peer networking and volunteerism at charitable and fashion-related events. We’ve heard from BtFR members that they are especially appreciative of the latter, which helps to put their education and interests into practice, further develop team participation skills, and boost their resumes. It really is a great platform for students to connect with one another, teachers, and local fashion industry professionals. As BtFR co-presidents, we want our fellow students to succeed and enjoy these experiences.

What projects and events have you done in the past?

BtFR is involved with many local events. We’ve assisted established charities – like Okizu’s recent fashion-themed fundraiser for children undergoing treatment for cancer; the St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco’s annual “Discarded to Divine”; and Vanessa Getty’s “PURR” to benefit the Humane Society. We’ve also created our own charitable initiatives – by hosting a clothing drive at University dorms; collecting 160+ shoes for those in need due to injury, disease, or genetic disorders; rallying team participation in the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk/run; and, by creating our largest independent charitable event to date, “Give 2, Take 1″, a shop, swap, donate event to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

In addition to charitable events, BtFR is frequently asked to volunteer for School of Fashion, community, and private functions, including: “Fashion’s Night Out” at Neiman Marcus; the “Annual Student Showcase” at the de Young Museum; the School of Fashion’s “Annual Graduation Fashion Show and Awards Ceremony”, and numerous events hosted by local designers, boutiques, stylists and public relations companies. There are surprises too – last year BtFR was asked to assist with backstage preparations for Walter Van Beirendonck’s show at the Berkeley Art Museum.

We also try to offer members opportunities to learn more about the industry – either through social outings like going to see “Bill Cunningham New York” or bringing industry experts in as special guests, like we did last spring when we hosted a Q&A with fashion icon Patrick McDonald.

What are BTFR’s plans for the upcoming semester?

We’ve received some feedback requesting more social events and outings, so we are planning to integrate more of that focus into the year ahead. Members can also look forward to continued opportunities to volunteer and participate with the BtFR community, as well as at least one industry Q&A or presentation.

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