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.
Follow the jump to read more! Read more…
Susan Ashbrook with members of Beyond the Front Row, who hosted the event
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