Academy of Art University Fall 2008 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week The Tents at Bryant Park February 2, 2008 Written by Jamie Sharpe Photographed by Mary Blanco Opposite Photo: Designer Sherise Eways and Jewelry Designer Melissa Christensen

The Academy of Art University Fashion Director Simon Ungless certainly picked a talented group of designers for the Fall 2008 fashion show. This was the only school to push the limits of creativity by showing during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, and it was refreshing to see different points of view that were not mired down in the politics of the industry.

Two menswear collections were put forth, and Young Jun Ryu was definitely a crowd favorite. His nontraditional background in textiles brought forth a collaboration with designers Jaime Cole, Desiree Daniels, Lauren Hume, Johanna Hatzenbuehler, Anne Jones, Muriel Jordan, Kara Laricks, Aurelie Martin-Chiari and Warot Subsrisunjai. The result was inspired by nature, M.C. Escher, and geometric artwork. Ryu’s prints graced faux fur, wool, and cotton. Even Marvin the Martin was integrated into this line. Fiction definitely met reality with this collection that pushed the limits with high style, bold textures, and fierce color.

Designer Shady N.R. Elias put forth a collection that was heavy on a rock n’ roll vibe crossed with a futuristic sensibility. Shiny textures felt reckless and edgy, but everything was tightened up with excellent tailoring. This designer clearly showed restraint while mixing prints into his slick clothing. The chocolate saturated blazer was a real standout piece that defined the look and feel of the line.

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Designer Young Jun Ryu	Designer Young Jun Ryu
Designer Juhee Chung	Designer Marie Potesta
Designer Shady Elias	Designer Shady Elias
Designer Marie Potesta	Designer BoKyung Cha
Designer Felice Morganti	Designer Felice Morganti
Designer BoKyung Cha	Designer Jee Hyoung Jang