Academy of Couture Art Advanced Moulage receives special Parisian Haute Couture guest mentor: Guillaume Cardoso de Sousa

Academy of Couture Art – Pattern Designers (aka Pattern Makers and Custom Dressmakers) at Academy of Couture Art specialize in the modern techniques of construction from haute couture to mass market. Last Wednesday, January 5, 2011, Advanced Moulage (Draping) students received a special surprise for the start of their quarter. ACA Honorary Member, Guillaume Cardoso de Sousa, announces to the group that he will be mentor to the class.

Guillaume Cardoso de Sousa brings an exceptional background in Parisian haute couture. As a specialized graduate of draping from Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne he is an inspiration to those who pursue a similar journey at the U.S. Fashion Institute of Haute Couture, Academy of Couture Art. Guillaume has worked for Dior Haute Couture, Balenciaga, Kenzo and other great designers. He is currently aligned with fashion designer to the stars, Kevan Hall.

His greeting last Wednesday briefly touched on the collaborations and lectures to come with discussion on the various ways to approach pattern designing on a fitted body and the differences between fashion industries in the U.S. and Paris.

Last February 2010, Guillaume made a formal presentation to the Academy of Couture Art community about what it takes to perform with the greats as well as the difference in pursuing fashion design education in Paris where it is necessary to find a design entity sponsor for whom he could work as an apprentice for his education.

A key message, that he imparts to all aspiring and emerging designers, is displayed through his modest and respectful demeanor; to be a professional success requires dedication, punctuality, hours beyond the clock in clock out to ensure that work is done at its best, not getting involved with ego clashes, having eyes in the back of your head to learn from all, and the ability to solve problems and innovate solutions quickly.

Guillaume’s encouragement and positivity left all present full of knowledge towards a better way to think of apparel creation. Look forward to the collaborations to come.
For more information contact Academy of Couture Art at (310) 360-8888 or online at http://www.academyofcoutureart.edu/.

Haute Couture Celebrated by Royals & Celebrities: Los Angeles

In a stunning display of fine Haute Couture collections, the Academy of Couture Art hosted a première Haute Couture fashion show last Saturday July 24th at the Sofitel Los Angeles. With one-of-a-kind garments expressing creative sophistication, refinement and elegance, designers amazed the celebrity filled ballroom at the grand gala.

Hosted by Viviana Vigil of NBC’s 1st look, the extravagant evening included a performance from the Red Violinist Elizabeth Pitcairn as well as celebrity attendees including: Max Ryan, Scott Elrod, "Bachelorette" Ali Fedotowsky, "Bachelorette" producer Cassie Lambert, world renowned pianist Carter Larsten, Jake Collins, Mason Canter, Marc Chamberlain, ABC's "On The Red Carpet" Bruce Reynolds, NYPD Blue's Charlotte Ross, former supermodel Elizabeth TenHouten, Baronesse Bettina von Schimmelmann, Consul General Daniel Kumermann of the Czech Republic; Deputy Consul General Iris Valverde of Peru.

This was also a royal occasion honoring Princess Theodora of Greece and Denmark. Princess Dalal Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia was also in attendance. Baroness Kimberly Moore, stunning in her Roberto Cavalli original, presented the award for Miss Teen Couture to one young aspiring designer. The stunning PK Applegate looked ravishing in her slate grey silk J. Mendel original gown sat next to the irrepressible stylist to the stars and Editor at Large for GenLux Magazine George Blodwell .It was truly an amazing audience as Countess Michelle Czernin Von Chudenitz remarked, “I believe this is one of the first events where every single "celebrity" on the tip sheet attended!”

The show was as remarkable as the audience. Phenomenal garments graced the runway in collections that highlighted the talent of Academy of Couture Art graduates and members of the pre-college Teen Couture Club. Conveying the essence, principles, and concepts of Haute Couture, Academy of Couture Art designers’ collections exuded beauty, elegance, perfection, and uniqueness.The couture show all but started concurrent with the arrival of leading Couturier Lloyd Klein and John Arguelles, and the collections gained much applause and attention from the high-profile audience.

The models looked remarkable with hair by celebrity stylist Sean James; and the make-up by Madonna and Gisele Bunchen's celebrity artists Tiffany Saxby and Gina Brooke.


The event, produced by Eva Di Shanni of Fabulous, was a grand success. The talented designers of the Academy of Couture Art impressed the high-profile audience in a show that paves the way for making waves in fashion.

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July 24 2010 the stars Collide precision, attraction, imagination with passion

ACA 2010 Grand Fashion Gala Revealing the highest of design talent in Nouvelle Couture Collections including exclusive designs for Swarovski and Lloyd Klein Couture on the Grand Fashion Runway at the Sofitel, Los Angeles. If you're passionate about elegance, luxury, and the fine art of fashion, join the movement! Tickets are $25 with stamp for evening dancing and mixer: www.acawh.com/Home/ACAEvents.html

Welcome to Academy of Couture Art where Fashion comes to light

Mission Statement
The Academy of Couture Art was founded as a higher institution of learning to teach the principles and techniques of fashion that go above and beyond those ordinarily taught in the United States by providing instruction combining European Haute Couture fashion with American fashion. Unique to American fashion education, ACA teaches Pattern Design and Fashion Design separately.
Located at the center of one of the Fashion and Entertainment centers of the World, in the prestigious Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, the Academy of Couture Art offers innovative, challenging, and flexible fashion education programs that prepare a diverse student population for professional excellence in design, fashion and business.
In keeping with the effort to carry out our mission, ACA is committed to fulfilling the following educational objectives: 1) Maintain a curriculum focused on developing relevant fashion skills, knowledge, and experience with current technologies; 2) Provide opportunities for students to develop leadership, communication and teamwork skills; 3) Provide an environment that encourages independent learning, and critical thinking skills; 4) Raise awareness of the fashion designers’ and pattern makers’ professional and ethical responsibilities to society.
The educational objectives stated above are used to assess or measure student outcomes, including students’ ability to demonstrate they have acquired the skills, techniques, knowledge, and training to be successful in the field of fashion.
Academy of Couture Art offers two degree programs in fashion: fashion design and pattern design. These programs are formulated to foster creativity, critical thinking and effective communications skills, career focus, and a global perspective.
To be successful in the fashion industry requires both generalized and highly specific knowledge. Through hands-on instruction, the use of the latest technology, and application of theory, our students are trained to learn by doing. The ability to work independently and as part of a team are encouraged through small classes, study groups, labs, and intern programs.
Respecting the diverse working population in our community, Academy of Couture Art is also the solution for the graduates and professionals who seek to continue to be relevant in the highly-competitive American fashion industry today. Our four one-year certificate programs are formulated to meet the following objectives: to broaden knowledge of the procedures and techniques necessary to be competitive; to upgrade business skills and knowledge; and to help draw a relationship between their product or service and the business skills necessary for success.
As a collaborative center of fashion education, Academy of Couture Art is also committed to provide services and education to the public, such as an art gallery, and run-way fashion shows, that reflect community needs and interests.

Admissions

Freshmen Admission Requirements to the A.A. and B.A. Programs
You may enroll at Academy of Couture Art if you either:
Have a high school diploma (or G.E.D)
or are 18 years of age or older
Online ApplicationPaper Application (PDF)
Admission File
Your Admission file should contain:
1. Official Copies of your Academic Diploma from high school and (if applicable) official transcripts from all colleges or universities.
International Students must send transcripts accompanied by official English translations.
2. Proof of proficiency in the English language for students who are 18 or over, but without a high school diploma or GED. To attend the ACA degree program, the CAO will determine proof of proficiency by any or all of the following methods: a) Student will write the admission essay administered onsite by the CAO; and 2) Student will take an English placement test measuring oral and written communication skills to determine if they can successfully perform the work associated with the program; 3) Student will meet with the CAO for an oral interview.
3. International Students should provide their TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores. Submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum TOEFL internet based score of 61 (or a paper-based score of 500, or a computer-based score of 173) is required to demonstrate English proficiency. Without the minimum TOEFL score, the student will not be accepted to the degree program. However, students with a TOEFL internet based score of 53 (or a paper-based score of 477, or computer-based score of 153) may enroll in the certificate program as its focus is more on hands-on learning than academic learning.
www.toefl.org
4. An admission essaySubmit a one-page essay focusing on your future goals as a Fashion Designer or Pattern Designer and how Academy of Couture Art can help you reach these goals. It is important to focus on current motivation rather than childhood dreams. Be sure to include your name at the top of the essay.
5. Your Portfolio:
Your Portfolio should contain 15 to 20 examples of your best and most recent art work and should be submitted on a CD labeled with your name. You can also send your Portfolio by email at admissions@acawh.com .
6. The Admission Application Form:
Online Application:
Be sure to provide the application materials described in items 1 - 5 and mail to the address below (item 7).
PDF formatted Printable Application form:
Open it with Adobe Acrobat Reader, then complete and print the application form. Be sure to provide the application materials described in items 1 - 6 and mail to the address in item 7.
7. Send the Application Materials to the following address:
Academy of Couture Art Admissions PDC, 8687 Melrose Ave., G520 West Hollywood, CA90069, USA
Admission Requirements to the 1 year Fashion Certificate Programs
Applicants for the Creative Fashion or Pattern Design Laboratory Certificate Programs should provide proof of a recognized degree in fashion, professional experience in design or pattern making, and submission of Portfolio subject to school academic advisor review.
Applicants for the Professional Fashion or Pattern Design Laboratory Certificate Programs should provide proof of 5 years work experience or ownership in a related field and submission of Portfolio. International student must have a minimum TOEFL internet based score of 53 (or a paper-based score of 477, or computer-based score of 153).

An Amazing Site...

The Academy of Couture Art, an innovative fashion institute, is located at the crossroads of fashion and entertainment in Southern California: the Green Building of the prestigious Pacific Design Center on Melrose Avenue, “the fashion street,” in the city of West Hollywood, at the limit of Beverly Hills.
Designed by the Architect Cesar Pelli, the Pacific Design Center is the West Coast’s largest resource for the fine traditional and contemporary contract and residential furniture, fabrics, floor coverings, architectural products, wall coverings, lighting, kitchen and bath products and accessories.
The MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) Gallery, part of the Pacific Design Center and designed by Pelli, offers various exhibitions focusing on Architecture, Design and Art. The entrance is free.
The 385-seat Theatre, the 200-seat Conference Center, the 150-seat amphitheater, the Plaza and other public exhibition areas are used on a regular basis for corporate and charity events such as screenings, lectures, fashion shows, trade shows, parties and festivals.
The PDC also is host to a full-service restaurant by Charlie Palmer, an indoor Cafeteria and an outdoor Coffee Shop, the Design Café.
The Pacific Design Center is located just in front of the Public Library of the City of West Hollywood.
The campus is at short distance from one of the world's most elegant shopping avenues, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, which packs in enough glitz to qualify it as one of the most glamorous and expensive shopping stretches in the world. The luminaries of style are all represented, including Chanel, Valentino, Gucci, Versace, Dior, Cartier, Louis Vuiton, Prada, Escada, Tiffany, Van Cleef and Arpels, Bottega Veneta, Armani, Bally, Ralph Lauren, among others. Nearby are fashion temples for the rich and famous; comfortable and luxurious department stores, like Neiman Marcus, Saks 5th Avenue or Barneys New York, which offer an unforgettable shopping experience alongside celebrities.
From art galleries to architectural tours to the Museum of Television & Radio, Beverly Hills is also home to art and culture and scene of a great variety of events, festivals and prestigious ceremonies like the Oscars, the Amy Award and the Grammy’s.
REFERENCES
Pacific Design Center
West Hollywood Conference and Visitors Bureau
Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau

Contact Information

Mailing Address
Academy of Couture ArtPDC, 8687 Melrose Ave, Suite G520West Hollywood, Ca 90069, USA
Telephone Numbers
Tel. 310-360-8888Tel. 310-360-8889Fax.310-967-8888Email: info@acawh.comInformation Request
ApplicationsApplication Online Paper Application (PDF)