The nation’s largest private art and design university is honoring three of today’s top pioneers in fashion with Honorary Doctorate degrees, even if these designers already hold a Guinness world record or list the Royal Wedding on their resumes.

Philip Treacy for Alexander McQueen, taken from the Met

The Academy of Art University is bringing Britain’s Philip Treacy, Milliner, and Sarah Burton, Creative Director of Alexander McQueen, as well as entrepreneur and breast cancer advocate H.R.H. Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, to San Francisco next week for a breathtaking whirlwind of events. They will be presented with the degrees just a few days before the 2012 Graduation Fashion Show and Awards Ceremony, which is open to the public and taking place on Saturday, May 5th.

The School of Fashion consists of over 2,600 students enrolled under the guidance of seasoned professionals sharing their industry experiences. Opportunities to interact with students during discussions, classroom visits, and portfolio reviews encourage the likes of previous guests – including Humberto Leon and Carol Lim of Opening Ceremony, Oscar de la Renta, Ian Hannula and Joe Haller of N.I.C.E. Collective, and Alexander McQueen – to recruit for internships and provide graduates with career opportunities.

portrait courtesy of the Academy of Art University

Long before Sarah Burton was named Creative Director of Alexander McQueen in May 2010, she was interning with the label during her third year at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. Having worked alongside McQueen for fifteen years, it’s no surprise that Burton recently made the Time 100 List, in which actress Sarah Jessica Parker described Burton as “a young woman who shouldered an enormous burden and privilege with dignity, heart and strength.”

For the last two years, Burton and the McQueen team have consistently brought dreams to life, captivating eyes all around the fashion world from the second those first runway photos hit Style.com, ensuing goosebumps.

portrait by Nick Knight taken from SHOWstudio

Philip Treacy’s wearable fantasies have become icons in fashion and pop culture, many of which stem from creative collaborations with other fashion houses and artists.

Treacy has worked with Alexander McQueen, first during his days at Givenchy, as well as with Giorgio Armani on Lady Gaga’s glittering origami headpiece from the 2009 Grammy Awards, Valentino on a collection of lace pumps in 2010, and Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci on Madonna’s headpiece at this year’s Super Bowl. What’s next for Treacy?  He’s set to design for some of the guests at Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee this year.

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Ps; I may not know what I’m wearing to the reception, but any of the following McQueen A/W 2012 looks will do. #DreamBig

look book images taken from AlexanderMcQueen.com