#United States #New York #Macy's #Fashion Institute #Future of Fashion

A Night to Remember at FIT's Future of Fashion Runway Show

On the evening of May 8, 2025, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) burst into a brilliance of creativity as it hosted its annual Future of Fashion runway show, proudly presented by Macy's. This event, held at FIT’s campus in the vibrant heart of New York City, showcased a remarkable collection of designs crafted by the graduating students of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program in Fashion Design.

The runway featured a startling 82 designs, highlighting the thematic depth and artistic expressions of 67 talented designers. Each piece told a story, addressing important themes such as sustainability, cultural heritage, technology, and more. The show included diverse categories like knitwear, sportswear, intimate apparel, children's wear, and special occasion attire, showcasing the varied expertise within the fashion design curriculum.

Joyce F. Brown, the President of FIT, expressed pride in the creativity exhibited by the graduating class. “For four years, our designers have honed their skills to channel their creativity effectively. Witnessing the results of these efforts on the runway is an inspiring experience,” she noted. Brown further emphasized that FIT's students do not merely submit final projects; instead, they bring their visions to life with stunning designs that captivate audiences and demonstrate the skillset cultivated during their education.

The runway show gained status and credibility through the participation of a distinguished panel of judges, including numerous industry leaders and successful FIT alumni. Some notable judges included Joe Ando-Hirsh, a fashion designer and actor; Vanessa Friedman, the fashion director and chief fashion critic for The New York Times; and Phillip Lim, an acclaimed fashion designer and creative director. Their expertise lent an incredible depth to the judging process, recognizing those students who pushed the boundaries of fashion design.

Notably, Macy's, in its role as the principal sponsor for the fourth consecutive year, showcased a commitment to nurturing young talent through its social purpose platform, Mission Every One. The brand offered two awards aimed at empowering the next generation of designers. Khoboso Nale, winner of the Macy's Capsule Collection award, will enjoy a mentorship experience alongside Macy's executives, culminating in the launch of her collection under Macy’s private label BAR III, available at select stores nationwide.

In addition, the Macy's Empowered Design Award went to Allison Margaret Smith, honoring her powerful design that conveyed significant inspiration. “Macy's is honored to collaborate with FIT and the Future of Fashion runway show,” stated Emily Erusha-Hilleque, Senior Vice President of Private Brands for Macy's. “The artistry demonstrated at the event illustrates our commitment to empowering aspiring designers.”

The educational aspect of the event was further enhanced through collaborations between students and external fashion industry experts, who served as critics throughout the semester. Designers such as Frederick Anderson and B. Michael offered insights, ensuring each student gained valuable feedback in their respective areas of concentration. Additionally, the event celebrated thirteen noteworthy students, acknowledged as Critic Award winners for their outstanding work across various categories.

A dedicated website showcasing the Future of Fashion was launched, presenting student portfolios and images from the runway show for public viewing, thus extending the event's impact beyond just the live audience. With FIT being part of the State University of New York, it has a revered reputation for its unique combination of practical experience and academic training across art, design, business, and technology.

As a school with a long history, FIT continues to shape the future of fashion and design, with an ever-expanding roster of successful alumni influencing the global fashion industry, including the likes of Calvin Klein and Michael Kors. With its profound commitment to nurturing talent and creativity, FIT plays a pivotal role in fostering an innovative culture in today's dynamic fashion environment.

The Future of Fashion runway show was not just an event; it was a celebration of creativity, community, and a bright future in fashion design that continues to inspire new talent. With the support of industry giants like Macy's, the stage is set for these young designers to make their mark in the competitive world of fashion.