For the first time since COVID, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) hosted its Fashion of Future (FoF) end-of-year runway show this month, outside on the school grounds. Presented by Macy’s, the fantastic show was live, in person and professionally produced. The afternoon weather was lovely. With nearly 100 looks, it was a wonderful new experience to see the show outside the FIT buildings. Some students peered out of classroom windows, while others huddled on the sidewalk at the end of W. 27th Street, near 8th Avenue in New York. The students were in awe, taking photos and cheering on the models walking down the catwalk. Speaking of futuristic fashions, the mix of fabrics, colors and styles were incredible and original. The children’s collection stole the show!
The sensational looks were created by a select and extremely talented group of 2022 graduates of FIT’s Fashion Design BFA program. Clothing spanned five concentrations: knitwear, sportswear, intimate apparel, special occasions, and children’s wear. The designs were inspired by personal stories, while also addressing broad themes such as heritage appreciation, sustainability, gender neutrality, accessibility and mental health awareness.
Macy’s supported the Future of Fashion both by hosting the show and through two exciting new programs. It’s all part of Macy’s company-wide brand platform and social purpose: Mission Every One, which aims to create a brighter future with bold representation for all and inspire customers to express their unique personal styles. “Our students spend their time here refining and developing their individual design talents and sensibilities under the guidance of FIT’s dedicated faculty. Tonight they will demonstrate what they have learned,” said Dr. Joyce Brown, FIT President.
Industry mentors working alongside students in their final semester of study present the Future of Fashion Critic Awards each year. Each reviewer is a leader in one of FIT’s five areas of expertise, and many are alumni of the FIT Fashion Design program. The 2022 Critics’ Choice Award winners are sportswear designers Karisma Hisahkawa, Jiawen, Marie Louise Kurrer, Yuna Seki, Monica Palucci, and Xiaokelati/Shahira Shokrat. Guziyn Yan and Tiffany Yan won for their amazing children’s clothing. Devin Olquin received honors for intimate apparel. Amy Eisenstein and Claire Greidanus took home the knitwear awards. Yawen Chen received the Special Occasion Award.
For the Macy’s capsule collection, the company’s in-house design team selected a sporty student look by Francesca Boornancin. Design choice was based on design quality, commercial appeal and originality. It will be sold at Macy’s Herald Square in New York in the fall. The hangtag will include the winning student’s name, photo, and biography. The Macy’s Bold Representation Awards were presented to youThree students, recognized by Suzanne Anderson, vice president of apparel design at Macy’s, and Michelle Wang, vice president of retail diversity strategy at Macy’s. These awards are an extension of Macy’s company-wide social action purpose platform, Mission Every One. The goal of the program is to create a brighter future with bold representation. Sportswear designer Sandra Zapata won for Best Use of Sustainable Materials. The award for most commercial appearance went to Renee Clifford. Karen Qu, another sportswear designer, received the award for most inclusive/gender neutral design.
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Source: amsterdamnews.com