The Academy of Art University’s (AoAU) Graduation Fashion Show took place on May 8, 2014.
Unlike other graduation ceremonies where the degree recipients walk the stage, here it is the student’s designs which draw the attention as they make their way down the runway.
Students who majored in the areas of Fashion Design, Knitwear, Technical Design, Textile Design and Jewelry/Metal Arts presented their work products to family as well as prospective employers. A separate Portfolio Review and Reception for the M.F.A and B.F.A. graduating students was held prior to the fashion show. Dr. Elisa Stephens, president of AoAUy, presented Angela Missoni and Margherita Maccapani Missoni with Honorary Doctorate degrees for their contributions to the fashion industry.
They were joined on stage by Rosita Missoni who received her Honorary Doctorate from AoAU in 1999. “The Missonis have created an iconic, globally recognized and celebrated style,” said Dr. Stephens. “We are thrilled to have the Missonis as our esteemed guests, and it is an especially great honor to have three generations of lady doctors join us for our Graduation Fashion Show.” “Missoni is all about innovation and I think we can say this is a fashion first: three generations of family receiving Honorary Doctorate degrees from Academy of Art University,” said Angela Missoni. “My mother, Rosita, received her degree over a decade ago, and Margherita and I are so proud to join her and the other honorary recipients of degrees from this prestigious institution.”
With more than 18,000 students, Academy of Art University is the nation’s largest accredited private art and design university. Established in 1929, the school offers accredited A.A., B.A., B.F.A., M.A., M.F.A., and M.Arch degree programs in Acting, Advertising, Animation & Visual Effects, Architecture, Art Education, Art History, Fashion, Fine Art, Game Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture & Design, Jewelry & Metal Arts, Landscape Architecture, Motion Pictures & Television, Multimedia Communications, Music Production & Sound Design for Visual Media, Photography, Visual Development, and Web Design & New Media. Online degrees are offered in most areas. Academy of Art University is an accredited member of WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), NASAD (National Association of Schools of Art and Design), NAAB (Master of Architecture), and CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation offered for BFA-IAD, MFA-IAD).