On Thursday, School of Fashion Executive Director Gladys Perint Palmer gave a presentation on fashion inspired by her recent travels to London, Paris, Istanbul, and other parts of Turkey. She had some amazing pictures from her travels to Turkey – gorgeous jewels that belonged to the former Grand Vizier, beautiful woven carpets, and intricate patterned tiles. It seems there is beauty everywhere you turn in Turkey – and some irony, too. Genuine fake watches at the bazaar?

One of GPP’s drawings of a Maharaja’s gold belt adorned with emeralds.

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Please join us for a conversation between Academy of Art University President Elisa Stephens, School of Fashion Executive Director Gladys Perint Palmer, and School of Fashion Director Simon Ungless – as they discuss the origin and mission of the university and the rise and growth of School of Fashion.

Gladys Perint Palmer will also take us on a visual journey through the history of fashion inspired by her travels to London, Paris, Istanbul, and other parts of Turkey – where East truly meets West. She will delve into the global nature of fashion and the ways in which designers re-interpret concepts rooted in Old World ideas. Additionally, she will discuss her unusual involvement in a new fashion film, We’ll Take Manhattan, as well as show highlights from the Academy of Art University Fall ’12 Fashion Show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

All Academy of Art University students and faculty are encouraged to attend!

Karl Lagerfeld’s collection for Net-a-Porter, simply titled Karl, launched yesterday with pop-up stores and parties in Paris, New York, Sydney, Berlin and London. In an interview with Vogue’s Hamish Bowles, Lagerfeld explained that the collection was an expression of his style and taste – he designed clothes that he likes.

The collection of mostly black and white sleek separates flew off shelves yesterday, and several designs are already sold out online. The price-point is much more accessible than Chanel, but it will still set you back a few (average price for an item is around $250). Proving that the line really is all about Karl, he even interviewed himself in a promotional video.

Which items are you coveting? Tell us in the comments below!

Follow the jump to see Karl interviewing Karl! See more…

The Bell Jar

A collection of Sylvia Plath’s ink and pen drawings are being shown for the first time ever, at the Mayor Gallery in London. The famous author of The Bell Jar, Plath took her own life in 1963 when she was just 30 years old – she would have turned 79 last Thursday. Many of the drawings are playful and amusing – a favorite pair of patent leather shoes, scenes from the Tuilerie gardens in Paris, a curious French cat. This is a marked contrast to the ominous tone that was ever present in her writing. The drawings will be on display from November 2 to December 16, showcasing Plath’s love for her “deepest source of inspiration” – art. If you happen to be in London, this exhibit is not to be missed!

 Citronnade Stand in Tuileries

Curious French Cat

Photo Credit: Telegraph

[Source: Gallerist NY]

At the May 2006 San Francisco Graduation Fashion Show and Awards Ceremony, Ji Won Ree, B.F.A. Knitwear Design, was selected by Guest of Honor Alexander McQueen to work with him in his London studios for three months. During her internship, two of her designs ended up on the runway in McQueen’s men’s wear show.

Through McQueen, she met Jas Sehmbi and began designing knitwear for his Jas M.B. line. In 2007, Jiwon arranged for Jas to visit the School of Fashion to speak to the students. That visit also turned into a reunion of sorts as Director of the School of Fashion Simon Ungless, Alexander McQueen, and Jas were at Central Saint Martins together.

Jiwon has remained in London and today is head of knitwear at Roland Mouret.

What do you do at Roland Mouret?
I am responsible for women’s knitwear. I directly work with Roland Mouret and discuss the style of the designs with him on a regular basis. I also work closely with the women’s wear design team to ensure uniformity of design across the clothing line. I also handle production, which means liaising with the factories and travelling to countries like France, China and Italy.

How long have you been in London?
Just over 2 and a half years

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If you are looking to broaden your artistic horizons and need a little vacation (or just happen to be in London for the summer), then perhaps you should look into taking classes at the V&A Summer School.

Throughout July the V&A Summer School gives you the opportunity to try something new and develop your skills with a range of fascinating short courses and workshops. And as a National Art Library user you can enjoy an exclusive 10% discount when you book before June 30.

Join fellow students passionate about art and design to create your own masterpieces, try out the latest design software and discover fascinating facts and stories from specialists and curators. Topics include jewellery, fashion, photography, sewing, gardens, painting, ceramics and digital design.

With courses like “Street Photography,” “Introducing Dior” and “Retro Swimwear” — there is something for everyone.

Click here for more information.

It’s no secret that Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is one of the most respected artist in history — and he is probably most known for his portrayals of the dancer Jane Avril (a.k.a. “La Mélinite” — a nickname based on an explosive).

The two were an interesting pair. Avril became the subject of an entire collection of portraits, prints, posters and studies that would eventually become pieces of priceless art.

That said, if you happen to be in London this summer, perhaps you should make your way to the Courtauld Gallery for the exhibit: “Toulouse-Lautrec and Jane Avril: Beyond the Moulin Rouge”. Running through September 18, it is the first solo exhibition in Britain for the artist in 20 years.

If you can’t make it to London, it doesn’t hurt to do some of your own research on Toulouse-Lautrec and Avril — it is a very interesting story. You can start by reading this article in The Independent.

Recently, spectacle brand Kirk Originals opened their new flagship store on Conduit Street in London. Unlike most other eyewear stores, Kirk’s store design does not feature white walls, or rows of eyewear that are systematically placed exactly five inches below another. Instead, designers decided to be creative and take a sculptural, 3D approach to presenting Kirk’s retro-inspired glasses on the wall.

Not only was I impressed with their semi-futuristic, compelling visuals, but I was impressed with their product, as well. With collections such as ‘Sculpture’, ‘Kinetic’, and ‘Saturn’, I was intrigued to browse Kirk’s website. Lucky for my oval face, Kirk Originals features lots of square, geometric shaped frames. (Too bad I don’t even need glasses! We always want what we can’t have, right?)

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On Sunday September 26th, Simon Ungless and I trawled through New York, London, Milan S/S 2011.

The conversation was not recorded.

Here we are…

TINKER (Gypsy) from D & G:

TAILOR from Fendi by Karl Lagerfeld:

Follow the jump for more of GPP’s illustrations…

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A young McLaren stands in front of the famous SEX shop located on London’s Kings Road

Punk pioneer, Malcolm McLaren passed away today in New York City. McLaren was music impresario and the manager of the iconic band, the Sex Pistols. On the fashion front, he was also known for opening London’s “Let it Rock” clothing boutique (which would later be renamed SEX) with fashion designer and one-time guest of our school, Dame Vivienne Westwood.