Charlot Malin, co-chair Opera Ball

With the gala season quickly approaching, opera singers practice their scales, the symphony tunes their instruments and gala-vanters search fervently for the perfect gowns.

The anticipation of the beginning of the opera and symphony seasons with the two-gala week in September mixes in with the usual hum of San Francisco, and the streets slowly come alive with the sound of music.

Each year, the Gazette joins in on the excitement by turning to the emerging talents of the fashion illustration students at the Academy of Art University. The project: dream up and draw the perfect gown for each of the women chairing the lavish fundraising events accompanying this most festive week. This year, one such talent, fashion design student Ashon Sylvester, was chosen by the AAU’s beloved School of Fashion Executive Director Gladys Perint Palmer.

Mary Poland, co-chair Opera Ball

Presented here are Ashon’s most exquisitely stylish designs.

Ashon Sylvester attends AAU’s Fashion School and is studying Men’s Wear Design. He also recently received the University’s French Scholarship Award to study in Paris at Studio Berçot.