The Council of Fashion Designer of America (CFDA) has released the CFDA+ 2017 Talent Book which identifies the top design graduates from around the world. The CFDA+ 2017 list spotlights 41 design graduates selected from 24 leading fashion institutions. From the 41 global talents chosen, seven (!) were from the School of Fashion at Academy of Art University – the most number of selected graduates from any academic institution in the world. This is a remarkable milestone for the Academy!
“As designers, they span a diverse range of specializations. Together their voices create an empowered ‘WE’ message of inclusivity, diversity, unity, and hope – with sustainability, technology, innovation, and culture mattering to the next generation now more than ever before. CFDA+ 2017 Design Graduates share a zeitgeist – that we are all connected,” said Sara Kozlowski, Director of Education and Professional Development at CFDA, in an official statement.
“The seven Academy of Art University design graduates selected for CFDA+ should be very proud of themselves,” said Simon Ungless, Executive Director of the School of Fashion at Academy of Art University. “Their achievements are a testament to the Academy of Art University inclusive admissions policy and mission to provide students with a diverse, industry-focused curriculum, taught by industry professionals.”
Meet the seven #AcademyUFashion CFDA+ 2017 Design Graduates:
Aastha Shah @aasthashah_designs
This BFA Fashion Design graduate follows her passion for arts education and social justice into community projects as well as design. Check out Shah’s CFDA+ portfolio and explore the website!
Peggy Kuo @eyeseepatterns
This BFA Textile Design graduate aced a coveted internship at BCBG working with textile teams for BCBGMAXAZRIA and Hervé Leger! Check out Kuo’s CFDA+ portfolio and explore the blog!
Carly Dean @cedean
This MFA Textile Design graduate was also the winner of the 2016 Joy & Mario International Design Competition in footwear! Check out Dean’s CFDA+ portfolio and explore the website.
Fang Katy Liu @katytextiles
This MFA Textile Design graduate excelled in painting at the Shanghai Institute of Visual Art in China before joining the Academy! Check out Liu’s CFDA+ portfolio and explore the website!
Christina Miyagi @christina.textiles
This BFA Textile Design graduate applied their experience as translator and vintage clothing buyer in Tokyo to studies at the Academy. Check out Miyagi’s CFDA+ portfolio and explore the website!
Erika Tompkins @erika_tompkins
This BFA Fashion Design graduate was also the CFDA / Kenneth Cole Footwear Innovation Award recipient and the CFDA / Teen Vogue Scholarship finalist. Check out Tompkins’s CFDA+ portfolio and explore the website!
Ryan Zhen Yu @zynewyork
This MFA Fashion Design graduate has fused different cultures in his work and has left his mark as Academy’s resident Led Zeppelin expert. Check out Yu’s CFDA+ portfolio and explore the website!
Selected CFDA+ Design Graduates receive a one-year showcase on CFDA.com. CFDA+ profiles are visible to the membership community of 500+ leading American designers, resulting in unique opportunities for networking and success. We salute these designers as they join their 2016 CFDA+ Design Graduates peers. Stay tuned to learn more about their fashion journeys!
