SAN FRANCISCO, Apr 2, 2009 / FW/ — To the fashion set, Martine & Prosper Assouline and David Downtown are well known names. Martine and Prosper Assouline are the founders of Assouline Publishing, the foremost publisher in the world on fashion and style, while David Downton is a world-renowned fashion illustrator.
On Thursday, April 23, 2009, these three fashion luminaries will share one more thing in common. All of them will receive Doctorates of Humane Letters for their contribution to the world of Art and Design, from University president Dr. Elisa Stephens of the School of Fashion at Academy of Art University.
Known for their lavish illustrated books dedicated to fashion, photography, art and design, Martine & Prosper Assouline through their company Assouline Publishing (www.assouline.com) had made books and publications a medium of luxury.
Renowned for their highly original graphic concepts, Assouline books are works of art that capture culture and bring it to life. The spirit and savoir-faire of these works have contributed to the creation of a unique, eclectic, chic and elegant brand that is immediately identifiable.
Today, Assouline publications are found around the globe. Assouline has freestanding boutiques in Paris (St Germain des Prés) and New York (Plaza Hotel), and in-store boutiques in Miami, Mexico, Dubai, Doha, and soon to be added in Milan, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Toronto and San Francisco.
The founder and publisher of Pourquoi Pas? A Journal of Fashion Illustration (www.pqpmagazine.com).
David Downton’s illustrations are featured prominently by stores including Browns, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Marks & Spencer, Saks Fifth Avenue, Selfridges, Tiffany & Co. and Topshop, in magazines such as Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Harpers & Queen, L’Officiel, Tatler and Vogue, and in publicity material for British Academy film awards.
His recent work has been included in Victoria and Albert Museum exhibitions and in the museum’s 150th Anniversary album, as well as on the cover of 100 Years of Fashion Illustration by Cally Blackman.
Downtown’s portraits include model Erin O’Connor, burlesque performer Dita Von Teese and Cate Blanchett as Elizabeth I.
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