NEW YORK -- Granted the Fashion Scholarship Fund award for the second consecutive year, Academy of Art women's golfer and Fashion major Napat "Plern" Rattanaprakarn received the honor after creating her Couleur De L'ame fashion collection. Rattanaprakarn attended The Gala in 2023 for her case study on design and product development in the topic "The Future is Now," the Bangkok, Thailand native returned to the prestigious event this past week. 

"The networking opportunities at the Gala were invaluable, allowing me to connect with professionals who shared insights, guidance, and constructive feedback," Rattanaprakarn said. "Additionally, meeting a group of talented individuals in my generation was also enlightening. Beyond the Gala, I had an opportunity to visit Condé Nast and Calvin Klein which was an absolute dream come true. Witnessing the behind-the-scenes allure has left an indelible mark on my journey, inspiring and fueling my aspirations as well."

Last year, Rattanaprakarn designed clothing to assist in giving artificial intelligence characters "a more tangible or close to real world experience" within Roblox, an online game platform while taking inspiration from Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake. She went in another direction this year with her approach to the scholarship, diving into a new concept while simultaneously expanding her knowledge of color healing. 

"My mentality coming into this year was filled with heightened expectations and a sense of responsibility," Rattanaprakarn said. "Winning the award for the second time not only reinforced my passion for the fashion industry but also motivated me to push my creative boundaries even further. At its core, the concept sought to be more than just fashion; it aimed to contribute to healing, celebrating the transformative power of style in creating harmony between self and the world, specifically through the concept of color healing. The experience gained from the previous year served as a foundation, and I was determined to present a concept that not only showcased my artistic vision but also demonstrated progress and evolution in my work. I'd like to give a big shout out to Professor Andrea Skilling for the opportunity and guidance throughout the program."

At the event, Rattanaprakarn was joined by other aspiring artists who also were able to attend thanks to the existence of the Fashion Scholarship Fund. Working directly with the country's most talented young students from diverse backgrounds, the FSF awards over $1.4 million each year in scholarships to help these students succeed in all sectors of the industry including design, merchandising, marketing analytics, and business strategy.

"Key takeaways from the event underscore the significance of genuine connections," Rattanaprakarn said. "I've learned that in the dynamic world of fashion, building meaningful relationships is paramount. As I step into the upcoming year, I am enthusiastic about applying these lessons, infusing my work with colors and authentic self-expression."

While looking to project her career into the fashion industry, Rattanaprakarn also plays a key role on the Academy of Art women's golf team, competing in a sport that falls in line with her career and passion.

"Equally significant is my commitment, as a senior, is to do very well in golf, what I truly love, and has played an integral role in shaping the person I am today," Rattanaprakarn said. "Golf has been my greatest companion. It teaches me to be strong, to believe in myself and the most important lesson is to never ever give up. Regardless of how many times I encounter failure or disappointment, it emphasizes that there is always room for improvement, and is a continuous journey of working and growing to become the best version of myself."

Looking back, Rattanaprakarn had many people to thank and wanted to bring acknowledgment to the people who surround her when thinking about the help she's received along her journey.

"I owe a heartfelt thank you to ART U Director of Athletics Brad Jones, Coach Beth Allen, my teammates, and friends at Academy of Art for providing me with opportunities, belief, and companionship throughout these beautiful years," Rattanaprakarn said. "I'd also like to thank my parents and friends back home whose support and presence in my life means the world to me."