Fashion Design
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.
Now Available On-Demand
The Future of Fashion features looks created by a select group of 2023 graduates of FIT’s Fashion Design BFA program, spanning four concentrations—knitwear, sportswear, intimate apparel, and special occasion. Designs are inspired by personal stories and address wide-ranging themes such as heritage appreciation, sustainability, gender-neutrality, accessibility, and mental health awareness.
Programs
Fashion Design AAS
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.
Fashion Design BFA
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.
Our Work
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.
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.
Impact
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.
Outside the Classroom
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.
Explore More
some related minors
Learn From the Best
Faculty members are seasoned professionals with an array of experience, opening doors to the industry so you are connected to what’s happening in this fast-changing field. Meet more Fashion Design faculty.
Asta Skocir
Skocir is a professor in the Fashion Design Department at FIT. She has more than 25 years of experience in the fashion industry as a design director and knitwear designer. Her work with AlgiKnit won the first National BioDesign Challenge Summit (2016), the National Geographic Chasing Genius Award—Sustainable Planet (2017) and the Postcode Lottery Challenge for Green Start-Ups (2018).
Amy Sperber
A multidisciplinary fashion designer focused on innovative technical approaches and design thinking, Sperber aims at creating sustainable systems and creative solutions in clothing. She holds her BFA and MFA in Fashion Design from FIT and teaches in the undergraduate Fashion Design program.
Contact Us
Fashion Design
Lauren Zodel
Sarah Mullins
Asta Skocir
Lisa Donofrio
Christopher Uvenio
Art and Design Gallery
The Art and Design Gallery is open from 9 am until 5 pm, seven days per week. The gallery is located at the northwest corner of Seventh Avenue and 27th Street.
Let's Make It Happen
Application Requirements