April 25 will be a special day for fashion designers Ralph Rucci and James Galanos: as well as receiving the Doctorate of Humane Letters for their contributions to art and design, Rucci will get the International Designer Award, while Galanos, whose most prolific client was Nancy Reagan, will be bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Designer Award by The School of Fashion at Academy of Art University in San Francisco. The American designers will be joining the luminous hall of past winners, including the 'king of cling' Azzedine Alaïa and Alexander McQueen, while Loulou de la Falaise and Zac Posen won accolades last year.
"Both Ralph Rucci and James Galanos are known for their impeccable taste and technique," explained university president Dr. Elisa Stephens. The newly-crowned designers will attend the award ceremony and address the university's students in a panel discussion, and often select interns on the strength of their portfolios and design work. "The students are excited to have two of America's greatest fashion designers speak to them and view their work. We are truly honored to have this opportunity."
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