Otis College of Art & Design Recognizes Bob Hurley and Sally Frame Kasaks

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• May 05 2009
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Bob Hurley addresses the crowd at the event.

Bob Hurley received top honors this weekend at the Otis College of Art and Design’s 27th Annual Scholarship Benefit and Fashion Show in Beverly Hills. The black-tie event, which hosted upwards of 1,000 people, serves as a bridge between its students’ most talented fashion designers and the most forward-thinking companies in the clothing industry. Hurley and PacSun CEO Sally Frame Kasaks were this year’s honorees, recognized for their positivity and initiative during these challenging times.

Hurley’s son, Ryan (far right) with models from the fashion show.

Hurley, defers all credit to the kids. From his son, Ryan, who worked with Otis’ best and brightest on a special line for the night’s fashion show, to the students themselves, Bob is continually blown away by the talent on the rise. “The students like you see in Otis are always thought to be ‘green,’” said Hurley. “But in collaborations like this, they prove to be absolutely brilliant. All they need are these kind of partnerships to help them realize their ideas.”

The “partnerships” Hurley referred to involve an ongoing effort by Otis to blend education with the real world. Founders like Rosemary Brantley have reached out to the major clothing labels like Hurley and created a program where the students work directly with the designers. Over a semester, they talk ideas, designs, fabric and fashion, having to create – from scratch – an entire line in conjunction with a particular brand.

Nike CEO Mark Parker (left) with Bob and Shelley Hurley.

This past semester Hurley had a major hand in the process, and the end result culminated as a fashion show at the event. These are the best of the best young talent,” said Hurley. “Most of them go on to great jobs with prestigious clothing companies. Two of the students who worked on our project will be joining us this summer. That’s the benefit of a program like this.”

During his acceptance speech in front of notable executives like Hurley CEO Roger Wyatt and Nike CEO Mark Parker, Hurley typically deflected all credit to the people who inspire him. “This is all about the youth and growing their ideas,” he said. “I can only thank them for keeping it exciting.”