Lincoln Center, NYC The School of Fashion at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco showed off (rightfully so- once again )-fashion collections of select students and recent grads-in a professionally staged runway to best highlight the talent and their winning ensembles. We always like to get backstage early on-so we have a chance to meet some of the future industry leaders in the biz.... Gwen Shihyao Lai (M.F.A. Fashion Design) flirty and flowing/pleated "sunlight and fire" womenswear was inspired by nature---specifically citing- the tree bark paintings of Filipino artist, Thaddeus Ochoa Pagaduan ...which came through in fabrics used---particularly the ikat print and faded (carefully bleached) materials (cotton, linen, silk). a printed pointed button down collar l/s blouse- underneath completed the look of this burnout vest-bottom part is sheer --- looked great on the runway. stunning fabrics too-wedge booties worked perfectly with outfits Ri...