FIT Showcases Emerging Talent at 2025 Fashion Design MFA Show Act 5
On September 9, 2025, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) hosted the 2025 Fashion Design Master of Fine Arts (MFA) graduation runway show, known as Act 5. This momentous event highlighted the creative collections of 18 emerging fashion designers, marking their significant milestones as they prepare to enter the fashion industry. The MFA program at FIT emphasizes a unique blend of creativity, culture, and craftsmanship that each student has developed over the course of two years.
Dr. Joyce F. Brown, president of FIT, remarked on the talents displayed in this year's show, emphasizing that these designers are poised to make a substantial impact on global fashion. "With their inaugural collections taking the stage at New York's esteemed Fashion Week, these talented individuals will have the opportunity to showcase their skills to industry giants," she stated, pointing out the institution's commitment to nurturing future leaders in fashion.
The culmination of the MFA program is a testament to the students' resilience, vision, and collaborative spirit. As Cathleen Sheehan, chair of the Fashion Design MFA program, noted, the show encapsulates the essence of their educational journey, representing the final step before entering competitive fashion markets. "This show signifies not just an ending but the beginning of new ventures for our graduates," she added.
The designers collectively expressed their thoughts on this milestone: "Act 5 signifies the close of our shared experiences as FIT MFA students, defined by exploration and transformation. Coming together like the fifth act of a play, this moment marks reflection and revelation, extending an invitation to the world of fashion beyond conventional boundaries. Our diverse narratives and experiences unite us in our mission to challenge the norms of fashion.”
This year’s designers included Yawen Chen, Runtan Desmond Du, Evelina Epp, and many others, each bringing their own cultural backgrounds, memories, and innovative ideas. The culmination of their hard work is showcased through meticulously crafted eight-look collections that not only tell stories but also explore themes of technology, memory, and expression.
Throughout these two years, students have engaged in extensive research and practical application, culminating in presentations, videos, and brand business plans—elements that are crucial for their careers ahead. Graduates are equipped to cultivate positive change within established fashion houses or to launch their own labels, as indicated by the success of the distinguished alumni who have emerged from FIT.
FIT has long been a beacon of education in art, design, business, and technology, fostering a creative community that encourages innovation and collaboration. The college serves approximately 9,000 students, offering a unique combination of hands-on experiences and theoretical foundations, essential for thriving in today’s dynamic creative landscape.
With the support of sponsors such as Armani Beauty, Bumble and bumble, and Valentino Beauty, the event underscored the importance of partnerships and collaborations in the fashion industry. The stage is now set for these emerging talents to take their places among the fashion elite, armed with the skills, creativity, and ambition to make meaningful contributions to the world of fashion.
As the curtain draws on this significant chapter of their lives, the designers stand ready for what lies ahead, with the confidence that their experiences at FIT will empower them as they embark on their exciting journeys in the fashion world. The 2025 MFA show at FIT not only celebrates their accomplishments but also serves as a bold introduction to the future of fashion—one that is marked by dialogue, vision, and transformation.