By Kirsten Coachman
On the evening of Thursday, May 8, Academy of Art University welcomed students, ArtU staff and faculty, friends, family, and esteemed guests to 1849 Washington Street for the School of Fashion’s annual Spring Fashion Show. The runway show was a part of the Academy’s All Access Week, which included NXTUP Fest on May 7 and Spring Show on May 9.
This year’s show, “Origins of Belief,” featured 17 student designers who worked tirelessly over multiple semesters to create their original collections, both individually and collaboratively. The “Origins of Belief” runway show marked an immense moment for this group of students in their educational journey at the Academy.
“The work you will see tonight represents untold hours of research, discovery, ideation, creation, and refinement,” said Academy President Dr. Elisa Stephens in her opening remarks. “You will bear witness to a powerful mix of themes: the challenges of neurodivisity, religious faith, the trauma of abuse, the majesty of our natural world, the inspiring world of sports, and many more. All brought to life through innovative materials and stunning fabrics.”
Stephens also noted the focus on the “importance of sustainability” throughout the students’ collections.
The Academy’s runway show boasted guests such as Old Navy Head of Design and Product Development Sarah Holme, who accepted an honorary doctorate on behalf of Gap Inc., Creative Director of Gap and Chief Creative Officer of Navy Zac Posen (the designer was bestowed an honorary doctorate from the Academy in 2007), Lieutenant Governor of California Eleni Kounalakis, British Consulate-General Tammy Sadhu, Deputy Consul of Consulate of Brazil in San Francisco Luiz Betti, and San Francisco Fire Department Chief Dean Crispen.
“Thank you for coming and supporting this university and our students,” said Stephens.
This year’s honorary doctorate was the aforementioned Gap Inc. The company was founded in San Francisco in 1969 by Don and Doris Fisher. Today, Gap Inc. encompasses the flagship brand as well as Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta.
Gap Inc. is the first ever company to receive an honorary doctorate from the Academy.
“We are proud to present this honorary doctorate in recognition of Gap Inc.’s contribution to the creative industry and culture of San Francisco over the last six decades,” Stephens told the audience.
Following the presentation of this year’s honorary doctorate to Gap Inc., Holme acknowledged the honor with a brief speech.
“This recognition is a testament to the collaborative spirit and creative energy that thrives here,” said Holme. “At Gap Inc., we do believe in the power of creativity and innovation, and we are committed to supporting the local creative community and helping bridge the opportunity gaps for the students who will shape the future of fashion and design.”
Holme added: “Through innovation and artistry, design does shape culture, and I’ve seen the incredible things that this graduating class is capable of. So I encourage all of you to keep learning, keep pushing boundaries, and to never stop creating.”
Then it was lights up on the runway.
The “Origins of Belief” runway show featured designs from Patric Yikun Wang, M.F.A. Costume Design; Yujing Wang, M.F.A. Fashion Design; a collaboration between Kendra Rae, B.F.A. Fashion Design, and Gigi Young Bauer, B.F.A. Textile Design; Hannah Kim, B.F.A. Fashion Design; Cailee Lola Grayhorse Pupecki, B.F.A. Fashion Design; Chase Duval-Champagne, M.F.A. Fashion Design; Mel Lamore, M.F.A. Fashion Design; Devashree Jhaveri, B.F.A. Fashion Design; Martharine Anne Olivia Jabo, M.F.A. Fashion Design; Emma Latham, B.F.A. Fashion Design; Vanda Ouyang, B.F.A. Fashion Design; Kira Chen, B.F.A. Fashion Design; Dongying Jiang, B.F.A. Fashion Design; Dominic Godina, B.F.A. Knitwear Design; and a collaboration between Haemi Lee, B.F.A. Fashion Design, and Claudia Ayleen Nicholas, B.F.A. Textile Design.
Watch the full “Origins of Belief” Spring Fashion Show below.
Read more about this year’s designers in the special 2025 Spring Fashion Show newspaper—a collaboration between Art U News and the School of Fashion.
Featured photo: Collection by Patric Yikun Wang, M.F.A. Costume Design. Photo by Ed Jay.