#USA #New York #Roc Nation #Fashion Institute #Student Competition

Roc Nation and FIT Join Forces for an Exciting Student Design Contest

In an inspiring initiative, Roc Nation, the renowned entertainment company, and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) have announced a student design competition aimed at nurturing future fashion designers. This initiative commenced on August 29, 2025, and invites FIT students to unleash their creativity while potentially winning substantial scholarship funding and a unique opportunity to see their designs materialize into a limited edition Roc Nation capsule collection, set to launch in 2026.

Empowering Young Designers

The competition’s main goal is to empower the next generation of fashion creatives, providing them with essential real-world industry experiences. With a scholarship prize equivalent to approximately $20,000, aimed at covering tuition costs, the stakes are high for aspiring designers. Roc Nation’s CEO, Desiree Perez, emphasizes the initiative as a means to discover and invest in the brightest talents at FIT, equipping them with the necessary tools and confidence to transform their innovative ideas into a sustainable business model.

The collaboration reflects both institutions’ commitment to creativity, individuality, and cultivating emerging talent. It showcases a blend of diverse cultural influences that characterize both New York’s rich cultural landscape and Roc Nation’s expansive reach in the entertainment industry. Students at FIT are encouraged to harness their cultural identities, which serve as the bedrock of this innovative crossover between fashion and music.

The Competition Details

Participants must submit their designs by October 13, 2025, by 11:59 PM ET. Submissions will be evaluated based on creativity, marketability, loyalty to Roc Nation's brand identity, and clarity in the presentation of technical aspects. Five finalists will be selected, who will each receive $800 to assist in the production of their designs, which will include a hoodie, sweatshirt, pants, hat, and an additional accessory. Furthermore, production will be overseen by FIT's Assistant Professor Zoran Dobric, which includes regular reviews, fittings, and ultimately, the creation of their concepts into tangible fashion pieces.

In December, finalists will present their concepts to Roc Nation’s judging panel, with the winner, along with the second and third place finalists, announced in January 2026. This contest not only enables students to showcase their talents in front of prominent industry figures but also bridges the gap between academic learning and the actual fashion industry, inspiring creativity on a global stage.

Bridging Education and Industry

Dr. Joyce F. Brown, president of FIT, noted the collaboration exemplifies how talent can transcend boundaries, inspiring new heights of creativity across various realms, from fashion to music. The partnership cultivates a robust educational experience, providing students with invaluable tools to redefine trends and push the boundaries of traditional fashion norms.

As students embark on this creative journey, they represent the vibrant pulse of youth culture, eager to express themselves and challenge the status quo. This initiative promises not just to enhance their educational experience but also to impact the fashion industry at large.

The upcoming limited-edition Roc Nation collection, whose foundation lies in the brilliance of these burgeoning designers, signifies a new era for both fashion and music, leaving an indelible mark as it launches into the marketplace in 2026.