Fashion Forward 2026
AI + Fashion Innovation Camp
Design the Future at Palo Alto High School
June 22–26, 2026 | Palo Alto High School | Ages 12–18
Where creativity, technology, fashion, and leadership come together.
After a highly successful pilot program in 2025, Fashion Forward returns for its second year with an expanded curriculum that combines fashion design, artificial intelligence, sustainability, communication, and leadership.
Designed for students ages 12–18, this immersive one-week experience empowers young creators to transform ideas into reality—from concept sketches to runway-ready garments.
Whether students are passionate about fashion, technology, art, entrepreneurship, or simply want to build confidence and creativity, Fashion Forward provides a unique opportunity to learn future-ready skills in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Why Fashion Forward?
The future belongs to creators.
As artificial intelligence transforms industries, creativity, design thinking, communication, and innovation have become more valuable than ever.
Fashion Forward is not just a fashion camp.
It is an innovation camp where students learn to:
✔ Think creatively
✔ Use AI as a tool for innovation
✔ Design and build original creations
✔ Develop confidence and leadership skills
✔ Present their ideas to an audience
✔ Collaborate with peers and industry professionals
Students leave with practical skills, a portfolio of work, and a deeper understanding of how creativity and technology can work together.
Camp Information
Dates June 22–26, 2026
Time 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Daily
Final Fashion Show: Friday, June 26, 2026 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location Palo Alto High School, Palo Alto, California
Ages
Rising 7th–12th Grade Students (Ages 12–18)
Experience Level
No prior fashion, sewing, or AI experience required.
Materials
All materials and supplies are included.
Students are encouraged to bring old clothing items that can be repurposed and transformed into sustainable fashion designs.
Food
Lunch, snacks, and beverages are provided daily.
What Students Will Learn
Fashion Design Fundamentals
Students will learn the complete fashion design process:
• Fashion illustration
• Design concepts and mood boards
• Patternmaking fundamentals
• Fabric selection
• Garment construction
• Sewing machine operation
• Finishing techniques
AI-Powered Fashion Design
Under the guidance of Dr. Elizabeth Xu, students will learn how AI is transforming creative industries.
Students will:
• Brainstorm fashion concepts using AI
• Generate design inspiration and mood boards
• Explore color palettes and style variations
• Create visual prototypes of their designs
• Learn how technology is shaping the future of fashion
Students discover that AI is not replacing creativity—it is amplifying it.
Sustainable Fashion
Students explore:
• Clothing waste and environmental impact
• Sustainable materials
• Responsible fashion practices
• Upcycling and creative reuse
• Eco-conscious design thinking
By understanding sustainable fashion, students learn how creativity can contribute to a greener future.
Modeling, Presentation & Confidence Building
Students learn:
• Runway walking techniques
• Modeling fundamentals
• Public speaking and presentation skills
• Personal branding
• Confidence and stage presence
These skills help students communicate their ideas effectively both on and off the runway.
Leadership & Teamwork
With former Google executive Kathy Wen’s guidance, students develop:
• Collaboration skills
• Leadership abilities
• Project management
• Creative problem-solving
• Effective communication
These skills are valuable regardless of future career paths.
Meet Our Industry Leaders Heather Murillo
Heather Murillo
Lead Fashion Design Instructor
Heather Murillo is a veteran fashion designer, educator, costume designer, and patternmaking specialist with more than 25 years of professional and teaching experience. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York and trained in French Couture Patternmaking, Heather has taught fashion design, illustration, patternmaking, and fashion history at West Valley College and numerous youth fashion programs throughout Silicon Valley. Students will learn directly from Heather how to transform creative ideas into professional, wearable designs.
Heydi Robledo Modeling Instructor
Heydi Robledo is a renowned modeling instructor, runway coach, and personal development mentor from Joshley Modeling School.
She helps students develop confidence, presentation skills, and authentic self-expression while teaching professional runway techniques.
Kathy Wen
Leadership & Creative Communications Instructor
Former Google Director, technology executive, movie producer, singer-songwriter, and social media influencer.
Kathy helps students strengthen communication, leadership, storytelling, and personal branding skills. Drawing from her experience in technology, entertainment, and media, she teaches students how to present themselves and their ideas with confidence and impact.
Dr. Elizabeth Xu
AI Innovation Instructor
Dr. Elizabeth Xu is a senior technology executive, entrepreneur, educator, and AI expert.
She coaches students on how to use artificial intelligence as a creative partner in the design process. Students learn how to brainstorm ideas, generate visual inspirations, refine concepts, and visualize their designs using cutting-edge AI tools.
Her mission is to help students become creators—not just consumers—of AI technology.
Karla Mejia
Photography & Media Specialist
Karla Mejia is an accomplished documentary photographer and visual storyteller.
She captures students' creative journeys through professional photography and videography, helping students begin building their own creative portfolios.
What Students Will Create
By the end of the week, students will:
✔ Design original fashion concepts
✔ Create AI-assisted visual design boards
✔ Learn sewing and garment construction techniques
✔ Complete two original fashion looks
✔ Participate in a professional fashion show
✔ Receive professional runway and portfolio photos
✔ Build confidence and presentation skills
Many of our 2025 students started with no fashion or sewing experience and successfully created their own couture-inspired garments by the end of the camp.
Final Fashion Show
Friday, June 26, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Parents, family, and friends are invited to celebrate the students' achievements.
Students will:
• Showcase their original creations
• Walk the runway
• Present their work
• Participate in professional photoshoots
Light refreshments will be served.
Professional photos and videos will be shared with families after the event.
Program Contribution
$1,099 Per Student
Includes:
✔ All materials and supplies
✔ Professional instruction
✔ AI design tools and learning resources
✔ Daily lunch, snacks, and beverages
✔ Fashion show participation
✔ Professional photography
✔ Portfolio images
✔ Modeling instruction
✔ Leadership workshops
All proceeds support the educational programs of Be The Change Foundation.
Applications Are Now Open
Space is limited to ensure personalized instruction and an exceptional learning experience.
Join us for an unforgettable week of creativity, innovation, confidence-building, and fashion design.
REGISTRATION FORM: https://forms.gle/Sbw4aBrt2Fee8vvL9
Fashion Forward 2026
AI + Fashion Innovation Camp
Create. Inspire. Lead.
Design the Future.
PHOTOS FROM OUR LAST SUMMER CAMP
We’d also like to thank our partner Campwing! If your child is seeking additional camps to keep them busy, active, and learning this summer, check out their Bay Area website to view additional camps!
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