The Premiere of Issue 9 of 180 Magazine and Launch of OneEightyMagazine.com

The School of Fashion at Academy of Art University launched the premiere issue of 180 Magazine in September 2008 at the Academy’s New York Fashion Week (NYFW) show. In the three years since the first NYFW show, the Academy had moved into the largest venue accommodating 1,000 guests such as high-ranking fashion editors, store executives, and industry recruiters. A stellar debut as each attendee now held the student-produced publication in their hands.

The name was derived from the physical address where the School of Fashion was formerly housed, 180 New Montgomery, as well as looking at the definition of making a change in an opinion, decision, or plan to an opposite one. 10,000 copies were printed for each of the first three issues when the magazine was titled one eighty and printed in the shape of a six inch square. 30,000 copies of the fourth issue were published in a larger format with the title of 180 Magazine. Distribution included galleries, cafes, museums, and bookstores throughout San Francisco, the New York Fashion Week shows, the Graduation Fashion shows in San Francisco, and mailed to industry and media contacts.

180 has consistently been read and raved about by fashion industry influencers due to the magazine’s collaborative nature. Collaboration is a crucial aspect of the professional world and defines the spirit of the School of Fashion and 180 Magazine. With pages filled with fashion, art, photography and culture on a local and international level, the magazine is a effort by students in various areas of study such as Fashion Design, Fashion Journalism, Fashion Styling, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Architecture & Design, Jewelry & Metal Arts, and Photography. Both onsite and online students are given the opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world context, publish their work, and build their portfolios while working closely with the industry they are preparing to enter.

Editorials are produced by Fashion Styling students and shot by Photography students using collections from current students and graduates with articles written by Fashion Journalism students. In addition to bringing alumni into the process, students work with industry professionals such as publicists, models, hair and make-up artists who are part of the production process as well as the subjects of feature stories.

“We are committed to providing real-life experience for our students,” said Simon Ungless, Executive Director of the School of Fashion, and Editorial Director of 180 Magazine. “For our Design students that manifests in the opportunity to show collections at New York Fashion Week, and for our Fashion Journalism, Photography, and Styling students, the opportunity to work on 180 Magazine lends them practical experience in the editorial world. Launching 180 the website will show more student work with editorials published throughout the year with behind-the-scene and on set videos at 180 Magazine’s photo shoots.”

The ninth issue of 180 Magazine will premiere at the Saturday, May 6, 2017 Graduation Fashion Show. Those attending the 7:00 PM invitation-only event will be the first to view as a copy will be placed on every chair around the runway as well as throughout the President’s Reception & Portfolio Review earlier in the evening. Issues will be available at host desks in every campus building.

This issue of 180 Magazine is about change and opportunity. The sampling of stories below show that only through change can we move forward.

  • We learn that opportunity and change are more often than not found hand in hand as we read about Fashion Styling student Chaw Chaw Su San who has welcomed both since her childhood.
  • Read four “Paris San Francisco Sister City Scholarship Exchange” students different perspectives in dealing with culture shock, finding inspiration, and recognizing what is important no matter what the situation.
  • Alumna Michelle Helene Grunberg shares her decision to leave the rigors of designing eight collections a season to focus on building her own sustainable brand. Through joining forces with her brother, she has found herself happier and more creative than ever before.
  • Tom Durham, Director of Sculpture for the School of Fine Art at Academy Art University tells us about his return to academia, how he finds students inspiring, and lives for the “damn, that’s good” moment.

As every industry is constantly changing, the University has always believed that the best instructors are actual working creatives so that students learn from art and design experts who maintain careers on the leading edge of industry trends. In addition, editors, designers, recruiters, and industry executives are invited throughout the year as guest lecturers in the classroom and at annual Academy events to share their experiences, knowledge, and career opportunities while meeting with students and viewing their work. Additionally, the School of Fashion works with organizations such as the Council of Fashion Designers of America, YMS Fashion Scholarship Fund, and Arts Thread that are creating opportunities to aid students and graduates in their future careers.

Every opportunity and every change is a learning experience so take full advantage of what comes your way.


Cover image credits:

  • Photography by Danielle Rueda, MFA Photography. 
  • Tunic By Brandon Kee, BFA Menswear Design. Dress underneath, vintage Jean-Paul Gaultier. Pants by Justin Moreno, BFA Menswear Design. Slip-on Sneakers, UGG.
  • Fashion Editor: Flore Morton