If you want to see the future of fashion, look to the graduating class of FIT. The Fashion Institute of Technology is one of the most prestigious fashion schools globally, with notable alumni such as Calvin Klein, Laverne Cox, and our very own CEO of MEFeater, Gabrielle Amani. Every year the institute presents emerging designers from the graduating class into the world of style. This year’s presentation, aptly titled FIT’s Future of Fashion Runway Show, was presented by Macy’s and showcased the class of 2022’s designs consisting of — knitwear, sportswear, intimate apparel, special occasion, and children’s wear.
Back on Stage
This was the school’s first show in two years and the first show outdoors, at FIT’s breezeway. As the sunlight dimmed and stage lights sparkled, onlookers from the street peered past velvet red ropes. Those close enough on campus were able to watch from a nearby balcony, right outside the David Dubinsky Student Center.
The fashions of the future were matched by the future of music, courtesy of Peter Paul. Upbeat dance mixes of everything from your current favorites like Jack Harlow’s “First Class” and Lizzo’s “About Damn Time” to Prince’s “Kiss” and multiple Kaytranada hits.
Let’s Hear it for the Graduates
The runway looks were designs critiqued by an esteemed panel of judges from the retail and fashion industry elite. Macy’s also selected a handful of winners including grand prize winner, Francesca Bornancini, whose designs will be part of a capsule collection soon available at Macy’s 34th Street – Herald Square location. The competition winners were Reneé Clifford for ‘Most Commercial’, Sandra T. Zapata for ‘Sustainable Look’, and Karen Qu for ‘Gender Neutral’.
Allison Ko, a critic award winner for sportswear, opened the show with a bright safety orange knee-length padded coat look. It was followed by designs from graduates and critic awards winners in knitwear, sportswear, intimate apparel, special occasion, and children’s wear. This year’s class focused on sustainability and up-cycled fabric to create elevated pieces. The selection of models followed the theme of the future of fashion, highlighting the many bodies existing outside of the “traditional model look”. Alanna Flax-Clark became the first seated model at a FIT show wearing a Sonia Yanes denim suit.
Their background, their culture is so much who they are. And that is then reprsented in what they’re creating. When you’re designing, it’s such an emotional tie.
Suzanne Anderson, Vice President – Design Apparel, Macy’s
The Future of Fashion
On the runway, we saw why the future of fashion is found at FIT. Knitwear designs incorporated everything from cutouts to cardigans, tackling grandma core and fall-winter fashion. The lingerie was classic, soft, and feminine, using strategically placed crystals for an element of luxury. The five childrenswear models reminded the room that the essence of fashion is rooted in fun and immediately lifted the energy. With a bounce in their steps and enthusiastic grins, they showcased elevated designs in tailoring and color palette but had flowing movement and comfortable silhouettes perfect for kids.
Across categories, the designers presented pristine tailoring and exaggerated shapes. Miranda Hanson even blended the concentration such as the red athleisure lingerie hybrid. Jorge Garcia Pinto followed suit in pairing an evening gown with a matching cropped puffer coat.
Friends of FIT lent their assistance to help style the garments, allowing for the graduates’ designs to be paired with Bottega Veneta heels, Telfar bags, and Vivienne Westwood jewelry.
All the people, the students that come here that do get in have worked really hard and they they’ve got a vision for themselves and for their lives. And I say you have to follow that you have to be passionate about it. And then we’ll help you realize it once you get here.
Dr. Joyce Brown, President FIT, on future FIT attendees
FIT and Macy’s put on an incredible show! Ultimately, these emerging designers not only put their talent and personal experiences into their work but showed a room full of fashion and retail change-makers the importance, beauty, and necessity for adaptive, sustainable, and compelling fashion.
All photos credited to Bennett Raglin, Getty
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