For the past two years, I’ve been involved with the internationally recognized Arts of Fashion Foundation, which in my opinion is one of San Francisco’s best-kept industry secrets. The non-profit organization, founded by Nathalie Doucet, supports young fashion design talent from around the globe with scholarships, masterclasses, and internships at prestigious and creative fashion houses, including Jean-Charles de Castelbajac,  Anne Valerie Hash, and San Francisco’s own Nice Collective, to name a few.

The organization hosts an annual “traveling” symposium, pairing rising professional designers with fashion students for workshops and lectures. And it culminates in an inspiring fashion show gala and competition showcasing the students’ work.

This year the 9th annual symposium returns to San Francisco on Dec. 7 at the Bently Reserve; designers from the United States, Europe, and Asia will participate including Manish Arora, presiding over this year’s events. Rising star Anthony Vaccarello, who was featured in Vogue’s September issue, will also participate as a guest designer.

If you’re intrigued by fashion as art and want to see a display of pure design creativity, without the limits of commercial mass marketing, you won’t want to miss this showcase of 55 global designers in both apparel and accessories. There’s some serious talent to be found here, and you’re likely to witness the beginnings of the next big thing in fashion.

For more information go to: http://www.SFinfashionmode.com