Otis fashion show raises $1mn for student scholarships

Otis College of Art and Design’s 31st Scholarship Benefit and Fashion Show, in Beverly Hills, CA on May 4, 2013, raised over $1 million for student scholarships.

The annual benefit black-tie gala is Los Angeles' largest fashion runway show, attracting celebrities, designers, business and entertainment industry leaders, and philanthropists to support burgeoning young talent in fashion and design.

This year the event wowed a crowd of nearly 800, showcasing the work of upcoming designers mentored by Bob Mackie, Mary Jo Bruno, Billabong, Christopher Wicks, Claire Pettibone, Cynthia Vincent, Disney, EleVen, Halston and Humane Society, Urban Outfitters, and Betsy Heimann with Western Costume.

Highlights included projects with Halston and the Humane Society re-defining luxury in faux fur, with Billabong designing sustainable swimwear, with Disney and Pixar creating costumes for the upcoming feature Monsters University, and with Venus Williams’ EleVen designing tennis apparel.

The Otis Sustainability Alliance, a major new initiative partnering leading apparel brands with educators and designers to promote and educate the public about sustainable practice, was launched with recognition of the inaugural partners - Eddie Bauer, Disney, Nike, Patagonia, Quiksilver, and Todd Oldham.

“It’s not just what you create, it’s what you leave behind,” said Otis Trustee Roger Wyett, Nike’s Vice President of Action Sports with Responsibility.

“We’re here to raise money so students can have opportunities in the future,” said Kirk Nix of KNA Designs, honored with the Creative Vision Award for his iconic work around the globe.

The inaugural Style Icon Award went to Sally Perrin, Creative Director of Perrin Paris, for her iconic style that combines a unique and discerning feminine eye with French tradition. “I’m so proud to be an Angeleno tonight,” she said.

Attendees included Quiksilver CEO Bob McKnight, Hurley CEO Bob Hurley, Nike V.P. Roger Wyett, Publisher Alan Klein, Philanthropist Elaine Goldsmith, Art Patrons Francisco George and William Escalera, Cliff and Mandy Einstein, Filmmaker Mace Neufeld, Nicolas Bijan Pakzad, Kate and Art Coppola, Jennifer Perry, Dr. Gabriel Chiu, Christina Chiu, Peter Lai, Lu Parker, Lena Hermansson, Cameron Silver, Bob Colomby, Carolyn Mahboubi, Newman and Jonathan Arndt, Alma Ruiz, Nancy Moonves, and Frederick Fischer.

Otis College of Art and Design