Information for Applicants
For nearly eight decades, FIT’s Fashion Design program has cultivated creative and innovative leaders who continue to disrupt the global fashion industry.
In one of the world’s top programs, you will gain exclusive industry access while creating groundbreaking designs that are informed by market research and inspired by history, art, and culture. Our well-connected faculty guide you to become not only a designer with your own creative vision, but a professional ready to succeed in this challenging field.
The Future of Fashion features looks created by a select group of 2024 graduates of FIT’s Fashion Design BFA program, spanning four concentrations—childrenswear, knitwear, sportswear, intimate apparel, and special occasion. .
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The AAS program provides an essential foundation in computer-aided design, sketching, draping, patternmaking, construction, sewing techniques, and textiles. Once you earn your AAS, you can apply for a BFA in Fashion Design. You are also eligible to apply to the BFA programs in Fabric Styling, Textile/Surface Design, and Toy Design, along with BS programs in Production Management: Fashion and Related Industries, Technical Design, and Textile Development and Marketing.
The BFA program offers concentrations in children’s wear, intimate apparel, knitwear, special occasion, and sportswear. You’ll create designs informed by market research and inspired by history, art, and culture. Throughout, you'll master advanced technologies, build presentation skills, and choose from a menu of design electives to customize your studies. The program culminates in a required internship and a senior collection guided by acclaimed designers who serve as mentors. Your work could be showcased in FIT’s professionally produced runway show, the Future of Fashion.
If you have an AAS in Fashion Design from FIT, you may apply. More about eligibility for this program.
FIT’s Fashion Design program has been preparing students for success at every level, from haute couture to ready-to-wear to mass market, for 75 years.
Image Info CloseThe top three student winners with the coats they designed. From left, Nadia Phie (second place), Benjamin Halunen (first place), and Emily Cha (third place). Photography by Cobey Arner
The RealReal, an online marketplace for authenticated resale luxury goods, partnered with FIT to offer Fashion Design students the opportunity to design and create a luxury, sustainable, upcycled coat from unsold items in The RealReal’s inventory. This collaboration is the company's first partnership with a higher education institution.
The Future of Fashion runway show, presented by Macy’s, featured designs created by a select group of 73 graduates in the class of 2024 in FIT’s Fashion Design BFA program.
FIT student club Runway27's 2023 show, Synergy, was told through the four elements of life: air, earth, fire, and water.
Sumin An and Blake Dewitt won a prestigious contest by luxury Italian brand Loro Piana, which awarded both students with a scholarship and an employment contract.
Image Info Close Design by FIT Fashion Design student Nkenglack Nchopa, class of '24
Class of ’24 students Benjamin Halunen, Nkenglack Nchopa, and Cassius Read won three coveted CFDA awards.
Three Fashion Design students were recognized at The Metropolitan Museum of Art for a dress commemorating the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire.
As the winner of the Macy's Mission Every One competition, Francesca Bornancini, Fashion Design '21 collaborated with Macy’s designers and executives on the production of her garments.
The PETE Prize is administered by the FIT DTech Lab as a jury-selected merit award competition that recognizes excellence in developing fresh, insightful and creative ideas that demonstrate design-oriented and innovative thinking.
Image Info CloseThe top three student winners with the coats they designed. From left, Nadia Phie (second place), Benjamin Halunen (first place), and Emily Cha (third place). Photography by Cobey Arner
Design beyond … It’s not just about fashion; designers need a wide range of skills to make their presence felt—merchandising, researching fabric, even directing content.
Students have interned at Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Josie Natori, J. Mendel, Michael Kors, and Victoria’s Secret. Graduates have worked at Donna Karan, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Giorgio Armani. They may work as assistants or technical designers or head fashion designers for some of the world’s largest and most influential design firms. Other graduates also manage and run boutiques or start their own lines. You may even decide to earn your advanced degree, such as a Fashion Design MFA at FIT.
Image Info ClosePeter Do, Fashion Design ’14, creates sophisticated looks that are making their way onto red carpets and into fashionistas’ hearts.
