Calendar of Events and Deadlines

FIT’s Fall 2022 Student Contests and Industry-Sponsored Projects

FM 422 (Merchandise Strategies Capstone Project) Francesca’s Industry-Sponsored Project
FM422 Merchandise Strategies Capstone is a class project where senior students will create a brand merchandise strategy plus marketing development of the strategy idea for Francesca's. The project allows the students to think critically and analyze financially a retail business. The students are then able to creatively consider a new strategy or idea for the sponsor company. When the students graduate and transition to industry this skill will be highly utilized. As a merchant or retail /wholesale executive creating strategy is a highly coveted skill. This contest involves over 150 students across all sections of FM 422 Merchandising Strategies course.

FM 422 Merchandise Strategies Capstone Project Timeline

October 19, 2022        6:00pm-7:30pm      Presentation / Information Session
December 2, 2022             11:59pm               Student Consent Forms Deadline
December 5, 2022            11:59pm                Final Projects Submission Deadline
December 12, 2022                                           Judging Day and Winners Announcement

Ralph Saltzman Prize Student Contest
The Saltzman Prize challenges textile designers to consider what characteristics of alternative work spaces might be incorporated in corporations that would meet aesthetic and functional aspirations of today’s employees all while preserving the boundaries of the corporation. Ideal to incorporate a sustainability as this is a major Ralph Saltzman contribution. For further information please contact Chair Sean Cormier ([email protected]), who is the student mentor overseeing the bootcamp. 

Ralph Saltzman Prize Student Contest Timeline

September 15, 2022       1:00pm-2:00pm      Information Session Recording
October 24, 2022                  11:59pm                 Due date for design/mood boards, sketches, swatches and Student Consent Forms Deadline
October 31, 2022                                                     Finalists Announced
December 6, 2022                                                  Final Projects Submission Deadline
December 19, 2022                                                Judging Day and Winners Announcement

Loro Piana Knit Design Award
The Knit Design Award is an international contest established in 2016, dedicated to talented students from leading design schools around the world. The students are given the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the Loro Piana’s work and superlative quality and the chance to come up with a creative interpretation of some of the iconic yarns that encapsulate Loro Piana's renowned excellence and the possibility to create the prototype of their project as well. This Knit Design Award contest is part of a longstanding collaboration with design schools, business schools and universities and is a unique opportunity to ensure that craftsmanship and technical expertise are passed on to future generations. For further information please contact Professor Tom Scott ([email protected]), who is the student mentor overseeing the contest. 

Loro Piana Knit Design Award Timeline

November  2022                      Student Consent Forms Deadline
November  2022                     Touch Base and Brief: Loro Piana introduction and Brief assignment
January 2023                           Due Date for International Competition Programs Application
February 2023                         Re–Touch: Videoconference work in progress review
April 2023                                  Your Personal Touch: Students’ projects presentation
May 2023                                   Sketch to Touch: Winner project realization with Loro Piana Knitting Lab and Manifattura Loro Piana
June 2023                                 Touch Down: Pitti Filati fair and award ceremony.


Saks OFF 5th Pure Navy Student Design Contest
The Saks Off 5th Pure Navy Student Design Contest is a joint student competition held in partnership between Saks Off 5th and Fashion Institute of Technology. The students are tasked with creating 2 full looks activewear lifestyle looks – 1 bottom, 1 top, 1 Third Layer (bodysuit, jacket, etc) per look. The student submissions will include a storyboard highlighting color palette, fabric and how the designer envisions the products being worn in daily life. The theme is Evolution of Women's Activewear. For further information please contact Professor Mary Capozzi ([email protected]), who is the student mentor overseeing the contest. 

Saks OFF 5th Pure Navy Student Design Contest Timeline

September 20, 2022       1:00pm-2:00pm     Information Session Recording
October 17, 2022                    11:59pm                Due date for design/mood boards, sketches, swatches and Student Consent Forms Deadline
October 21, 2022                                                     Finalists Announced
December 5, 2022                                                  Final Projects Submission Deadline
December 6, 2022          1:00pm-2:00pm     Finalists' Presentations
December 19, 2022                                               Judging Day and Winners Announcement

We Stand As One for Mental Health Student Design Contest
WestPoint Home partnered with FIT for purposes of promoting awareness and understanding of, and care, compassion, and treatment for, mental health illness, in the context of the fashion and textile industry for students who are currently, or may become the future, industry workforce. WestPoint Home’s IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equality and Awareness) Council would like to call attention on mental health illness to promote care, understanding, healing and compassion and we’d like you to join us on that journey. Chances are you, or someone close to you is impacted by mental health issues - and it looks different for everyone. As we embark towards destigmatization, sharing your story and knowledge can help make strides creating a world proud to support mental wellbeing, today and every day. How can design in our surroundings and in the home make an impact, or speak to our mental health and wellbeing? Winning designs will be used on samples of decorative pillows, body pillows or 2 pack pillowcases. Products will be showcased in WestPoint Home’s March Market ’23 showroom and be presented to potential buyers. The proceeds from all items sold will be donated to support a chosen organization addressing mental health. For further information please contact Professor Ruth Jeyaveeran ([email protected]), who is the student mentor overseeing the contest

We Stand As One for Mental Health Student Design Contest Schedule

TBD (October 24-November 5), 2022         Presentation / Information Session
November 14, 2022                                             Due date for design/mood boards, sketches, swatches and Student Consent Forms Deadline
November 21-28, 2022                                     Midpoint Report
December 5, 2022                                               Final Projects Submission Deadline
December 12, 2022                                            Judging Day and Winners Announcement

MetroPlusHealth Uniforms for NYC’s Healthcare Change Makers Student Design Contest
The MetroPlusHealth Uniform Student Design Contest is a joint student competition held in partnership between MetroPlusHealth and Fashion Institute of Technology, where the Fashion Design students will design uniforms that feel comfortable, confident, and cool. The design will address uniform needs for four separate sorts of employee roles at MetroPlusHealth Plan, Inc., (Traveling Transporter, Street Savers, Community Connector and The Voice), and will reflect the MetroPlusHealth brand (style guide), as well as taking into account working conditions and reflecting cultural awareness of both the employees and the communities they serve. For further information please contact Professor Michael Kaye ([email protected]), who is the student mentor overseeing the contest. 

MetroPlusHealth Uniforms for NYC’s Healthcare Change Makers Student Design Contest Timeline

September 13, 2022       1:00pm-2:00pm      Information Session Recording
October 10, 2022                   11:59pm                Due date for design/mood boards, sketches, swatches and Student Consent Forms Deadline
October 17, 2022                                                     Finalists Announced
December 5, 2022                                                  Final Projects Submission Deadline
December 19, 2022                                               Judging Day and Winners Announcement

QI-Collective Metaverse Collection Student Design Contest
QI-Collective is sponsoring the Metaverse Collection Student Design Contest that allows students to explore all the opportunities and alternatives for a career in fashion and digital entrepreneurship. The digital mindset brings new business models and roles to be explored by fashion designers. Creating a Metaverse Collection allows students to create within their psyche and express freely how they feel about everything and how this expression relates to society. The intersection of fashion and technology is essential in understanding the social impact of what is being created in virtual environments such as the metaverse. Students are challenged to think like the architects and designers of these virtual spaces and encourage them to think and be entrepreneurial. For further information please contact Professor Nicole Benefield ([email protected]), who is the student mentor overseeing the contest. 

QI-Collective Metaverse Collection Student Design Contest Timeline

September 9, 2022       2:00pm-3:00pm      Information Session Recording
October 10, 2022                 11:59pm                 Due date for design/mood boards, sketches, swatches and Student Consent Forms Deadline
October 17, 2022                                                    Finalists Announced
December 5, 2022          11:59pm                     Final Projects Submission Deadline
December 19, 2022                                              Judging Day and Winners Announcement

Supima Design Competition
America’s top design schools select one graduating senior to represent their respective school as a finalist to compete in the Supima Design Competition for a $10,000 cash prize and exposure to fashion press, social media influencers and fashion industry executives. Finalists are challenged to create a womens wear capsule collection using premium SUPIMA cotton fabrics. Working with a prominent fashion designer as mentor, students have the opportunity to learn what design elements translate to the runway and what will resonate with the judges. A prestigious panel of judges from the fashion and media world is charged with selecting a winner. Interested students must fill out the 2022 Supima Design Competition Application. For further information please contact Professor Susanna Moyer ([email protected]), who is the student mentor overseeing the contest. 

Supima Design Competition Timeline

March 17, 2022                        Information Session Recording
April 22, 2022                          Due date for 2022 Supima Design Competition Application
Week of April 26, 2022         Selection Interviews
April 29, 2022                          FIT selects/announces a finalist
Week of May 1, 2022             Orientation call with SUPIMA
Week of May 1, 2022             SUPIMA to provide sample fabrics
May 9, 2022                             Due date for mood board, collection inspiration and      collection plan
May 16, 2022                            Due date for first sketches and color story
June 27, 2022                          Due date for final sketches and color story
July 8, 2022                              Due date for gowns for muslin fitting
Week of July 25, 2022          SUPIMA to provide dyed fabrics
September 5-6, 2022           Final model fitting 
September 8, 2022               Judging and New York Fashion Week Runway Show
October 2022                           Fashion presentation in Paris

Underfashion Club 2023 Student Design Contest
The Underfashion Club and its Scholarships, Awards, Internships and Grants (SAIG”) Committee are sponsoring a design competition that will be held in conjunction with the UFC Femmy Gala, the premier event of the Intimate Apparel Industry. The theme of the student contest is “Modern Adaptive Marketable Design”. Student contest submissions will consist of thoughtfully designed intimates and sleepwear for the physically challenged consumer created specifically for the Underfashion Club's contest and using the "Modern Adaptive Marketable Design" theme.  For further information please contact Professor Michael Kaye ([email protected]), who is the student mentor overseeing the contest. 

Underfashion Club 2023 Student Design Contest Timeline

November 15 , 2022             1:00pm     Information Session Recording
December 12, 2022            11:59pm      Due date for design/mood boards, sketches, swatches and Student Consent Forms Deadline
December 16 , 2022                                  Semi-Finalists Selection and Announcement
January 23, 2023                                      Due date for sewn garments (Completed Without Hems and Minor Finishing Details)
January 27, 2023                                      Finalists Selection and Announcement
February 28, 2023                                   Review of Completed Garments       
Week of March 6, 2023                         Photoshoot of Completed Garments
Mid-April                                                     Virtual Garment Exhibition and Winners Announcement

Rizzoli's Windows Student Contest
The Rizzoli's Windows Student Contest is a joint student competition held in partnership between Rizzoli Bookstore and Fashion Institute of Technology. Students are to present ideas about how to decorate the window of the Rizzoli Bookstore (which is located on 1133 Broadway) on the themes of Fashion or Design by drawing inspiration from works of art in any field from the 1400 to the 1700. Participants can submit proposals for both contexts and they have to provide the jury with a scale model of their proposed window design as well as a video presentation (no longer than 10 minutes) in which they fully explain the concept that guided their creation. Only one winner for each context will be selected and will have the opportunity to display her/his design on the window of Rizzoli Bookstore for one week. For further information please contact Professor Eveline Baseggio Omiccioli  ([email protected]), who is the student mentor overseeing the contest. 

Rizzoli's Windows Student Contest #1 Timeline

October 4, 2022            1:00pm       Information Session Recording
November 8, 2022                              Midpoint Review
December 1, 2022      11:59pm        Student Consent Forms Deadline
December 9, 2022                              Final Projects Submission Deadline
December 16, 2022                            Judging Day and Winners Announcement
February 9, 2023                                Window Installation for the New York Fashion Week (Feb 9-15)
February 15, 2023                              Window Takedown for the New York Fashion Week (Feb 9-15)

Rizzoli's Windows Student Contest #2 Timeline

Feburary 21, 2023      1:00pm          Presentation / Information Session
March 28, 2023                                    Midpoint Review
April 1, 2023                 11:59pm        Student Consent Forms Deadline
April 21, 2023                                        Final Projects Submission Deadline
April 28, 2023                                       Judging Day and Winners Announcement
May 18, 2023                                        Window Installation for the New York Fashion Week (May 18-25)
May 25, 2023                                       Window Takedown for the New York Fashion Week (May 18-25)

FIT’s Spring 2022 Student Contests and Industry-Sponsored Projects

Stella & Dot Style Forward Student Contest
The Stella & Dot Style Forward Student Contest is a joint student competition held in partnership between Stella & Dot and Fashion Institute of Technology.  FIT Students are challenged to create a jewelry collection that’s not only gorgeous and unique, but will ultimately help Stella & Dot in their purpose to help women rise! (Note: No jewelry design experience is needed to apply!) Up to five students will be selected to team with Stella & Dot mentors to create a capsule collection.  In order to be able to participate in this competition, interested students must fill out the Stella & Dot Style Forward Student Contest Student Consent Form and email their submissions to Professor Nicole Benefield. Submissions deadline is April 4, 2021. For more information regarding the contest please contact student mentor Professor Nicole Benefield at [email protected].

Stella & Dot Style Forward Student Contest Timeline

March 24, 2022              Presentation / Information Session (Recording)
April 4, 2022                    Student Consent Forms and 1st round Submission Deadline
April 8, 2022                    Finalists Selected
May 9, 2022                    Contest Final Capsule Collection Due
May 20, 2022                 Judging Day and Winners Announcement

FIT Foundation Holiday Postcard Competition
The FIT Foundation invites students to design the front of a postcard that the FIT Foundation will use in alumni and donor outreach. Three winners will be selected by the Alumni Advisory Council consisting of 10-15 alumni. The Contest’s purpose is to create an opportunity for students to make their artwork more visible to FIT alumni and donors. Students can enter the contest by filling out FIT Foundation Postcard Student Design Competition Rules and Student Consent Form and include their submission as an attachment at the bottom of the document. For further information please contact Professor Michael Kaye ([email protected]), who is the student mentor overseeing the contest. 

FIT Foundation Holiday Postcard Competition Timeline

February 1, 2022            Competition Start Date
February 10, 2022         Presentation / Information Session (Recording)
April 1, 2022                    Student Consent Forms and Submission Deadline
Early May 2022             Judging Day
Late May 2022              Winners Announcement

Woolmark Performance Challenge
The Woolmark Performance Challenge is an annual competition for early career creative thinkers to develop innovative, forward- thinking product solutions for the sports and performance market, by harnessing the unique natural properties of Australian Merino wool. This challenge not only provides a unique learning experience for participants, but also awards the finalists and winners with opportunities for international travel, financial rewards, and potential for career development. The 2022 challenge continues our focus on how we can ultimately contribute to the long-term health of the planet, designing performance garments with consideration for the outdoor environments they are created to be worn in.  In order to be able to participate in this challenge, interested students must fill out the Spring 2022 Woolmark Performance Challenge Contest Rules and Student Consent Form. For further information please contact International Trade & Marketing Chair, Christine Pomeranz ([email protected]), who is overseeing the contest. 

Woolmark Performance Challenge Timeline

November 1, 2021         Competition Registration Start Date
February 15, 2022         Presentation / Information Session (Recording)
April 1, 2022                    Submission Opens
May 18, 2022                  Student Consent Forms and Submission Deadline
July 2022                         Finalists Notified
November 2022            Judging Day and Winners Announcement

Constitution Day Postcard Competition
Students are asked to design the front and back of a postcard (3X5 or 4X6 inches) that illustrates their beliefs about any part of the United States Constitution. They can put anything they like on the front. The back must have two columns, like a typical postcard; the left column should include a paragraph or two explaining the visual statement on the front of the card, and the right column should leave room for an address and stamp.  In order to enter this competition, interested students must fill out the Spring 2022 Constitution Day Postcard Contest Student Consent Form and include their submission as an attachment at the bottom of the document. Submission deadline is March 31, 2022. For more information regarding the design of the postcard please contract Professor Daniel Levinson Wilk at [email protected].

Constitution Day Postcard Competition Timeline

February 1, 2022           Competition Start Date
March 31, 2022              Student Consent Forms and Submission Deadline
April 2022                        Judging Day
Late April 2022              Winners Announcement

FM 422 (Merchandise Strategies Capstone Project) The Children's Place Student Contest
This is a class project where senior students will create an innovative merchandise strategy for The Children's Place. The project allows the students to think critically and analyze financially a retail business. The students are then able to creatively consider a new strategy or idea for the sponsor company.  When the students graduate and transition to industry this skill will be highly utilized. As a merchant or retail /wholesale executive creating strategy is a highly coveted skill. This contest involves over 280 students across all sections of FM 422 Merchandising Strategies course.

FM 422 Merchandise Strategies Capstone Project Timeline

March 23, 2022        6:00pm-7:30pm      Presentation / Information Session
April 22, 2022                  11:59pm                Student Consent Forms Deadline
May 6, 2022                                                       Final Projects Submission Deadline
May 23, 2022                                                    Judging Day and Winners Announcement

Woolmark Performance Challenge
The Woolmark Performance Challenge is an annual competition for early career creative thinkers to develop innovative, forward- thinking product solutions for the sports and performance market, by harnessing the unique natural properties of Australian Merino wool. This challenge not only provides a unique learning experience for participants, but also awards the finalists and winners with opportunities for international travel, financial rewards, and potential for career development. The 2022 challenge continues our focus on how we can ultimately contribute to the long-term health of the planet, designing performance garments with consideration for the outdoor environments they are created to be worn in.  In order to be able to participate in this challenge, interested students must fill out the Spring 2022 Woolmark Performance Challenge Contest Rules and Student Consent Form. For further information please contact International Trade & Marketing Chair Christine Pomeranz ([email protected]), who is overseeing the contest

Woolmark Performance Challenge Timeline

November 1, 2021         Competition Registration Start Date
February 15, 2022         Presentation / Information Session (Recording)
April 1, 2022                    Submission Opens
May 18, 2022                  Student Consent Forms and Submission Deadline
July 2022                         Finalists Notified
November 2022            Judging Day and Winners Announcement

CM423 (Cosmetic and Fragrance Product Development Workshop)
CM423 (Cosmetic and Fragrance Product Development Workshop),  where students develop and implement strategies to create products in the cosmetics and fragrance industries. Emphasis is on determining the need for new entries in the market and the interdepartmental teamwork required to successfully launch a company's product. This semester FIT is launching Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)  project. ​ The COIL project will give students the opportunity to collaborate with their peers studying at Nottingham Trent University NTU as well as ​a ​live client brief from Aromatherapy Associates​ Inc​. The project  also provides​ students ​with​ international and intercultural experience from within the classroom.  The most successful companies innovate to foster competitive advantage and discover new opportunities. The most innovative companies are collaborative.​​   Through this project students will develop their creative capabilities and further develop their collaborative working skills. 

IHG US Open Tennis Ball Dress Student Contest 
The IHG US Open Tennis Ball Dress Student Contest is a joint industry-sponsored project held in partnership between InterContinental Hotels Group and FIT’s School of Art & Design. The objective is to create a tennis ball dress that will be on display and modeled throughout the 2022 US Open tennis tournament drawing spectators to the designated IHG sponsor areas. The dress must be made by incorporating tennis balls/ tennis ball material, be wearable by a model, and embraces the IHG and US Open tennis tournament brand.  For further information please contact Professor Michael Kaye ([email protected]), who is the student mentor overseeing the contest. 

IHG US Open Tennis Ball Dress Student Contest Timeline

March 24, 2022      1:00pm-2:00pm    Presentation / Information Session (Recording)
April 25, 2022                 11:59pm             Due date for design/mood boards, sketches, swatches and Student Consent Forms Deadline
May 3, 2022                                                   Finalists Notified
July 25, 2022                    5:00pm            Complete Garments Submission Deadline
August 1, 2022                                              Judging Day and Winners Announcement

Ceeze Bespoke Shoes Bootcamp
Ceeze is partneting with FIT on a three day intensive bespoke shoemaking bootcamp for 14 current FIT students who are enrolled in the footwear curriculum.  The students will get a crash course in shoe making, learn the processing of bespoke shoemaking and leave the class with the knowledge of how to make a shoe along with their own pair of custom shoes. Students will be selected from the AAS and BFA cohorts using a lottery system. The first 14 students will be selected. 7 students from the AAS program and 7 students from the BFA program. A waiting list will be created in case any of the 14 selected students cannot commit to the program. For further information please contact Professor Ellen Lynch ([email protected]), who is the student mentor overseeing the bootcamp. 

Ceeze Bespoke Shoes Bootcamp Tentative Schedule

May 20 , 2022               11:59pm                                Due date for (Ceeze Bootcamp COVID-19 Acknowledgement and Liability Waiver)
Day 1
May 20 , 2022             10:00am to 2:00pm         Students work to decide the inspiration behind their shoes creating a rough                                                                                                                                            moodboard and swatch selection of the materials they wish to use
May 20 , 2022             2:00pm to 2:30pm           Students get a 30-minute break to take lunch and catch a breath
May 20 , 2022             2:30pm to 6:00pm           Students break down the shoes supplied by Puma and develop their patterns and                                                                                                                                 start cutting the uppers needed for stitching
Day 2
May 21 , 2022              10:00am to 2:00pm         Students work to complete the cutting of their uppers and start transitioning to stitching
May 21 , 2022              2:30pm to 3:00pm           Students get a 30-minute break to take lunch and catch a breath
May 21 , 2022              3:00pm to 7:00pm           Students work to complete the stitching of their uppers (upper, liner) and sew on footbed
Day 3         
May 22 , 2022              10:00am to 2:00pm         Students focusing on wrapping uppers, applying footbed and starting lasting process         
May 22 , 2022              2:00pm to 2:30pm           Students get a 30-minute break to take lunch and catch a breath
May 22 , 2022              2:30pm to 5:00pm           Students will take lasted uppers and begin the soling process, ensuring completion by 5:30
May 22 , 2022              6:00pm to 7:00pm           Content Capture: shoes are shot as they are finished and group photos are taken

The Halston Challenge
The Halston Challenge aims to educate rising fashion designer students on the genius of Halston the original designer and to further his legacy, and to illustrate and style a small capsule collection of designs inspired by vintage Halston originals.  Influenced by the Halston Archives, the students are to develop, customize, style, reshape, and deconstruct the past, bringing it into a contemporary sustainable context.  In order to be able to participate in this challenge, interested students must fill out the Spring 2022 Halston Challenge Student Contest Rules and Student Consent Form. For further information please contact either of the two student mentors overseeing the contest: Professor Michael Kaye ([email protected]) or Professor Steven Stipelman (steven_stipelman@fitnyc.edu).

The Halston Challenge Timeline

February 1, 2022           Competition Start Date
February 8, 2022          Presentation / Information Session (Recording)
March 15, 2022              Due date for design/mood boards, sketches, swatches and Student Consent Forms Deadline
March 17, 2022              Finalists Notified
April 18, 2022                 Complete Garments Submission Deadline
April 20, 2022               Judging Day and Winners Announcement

Macy’s Flower Show Design Competition
The Macy’s Flower Show Design Competition is a joint industry-sponsored project held in partnership between Macy’s and FIT’s School of Art & Design. FIT’s students from Fashion Design Program will be challenged to design a garment that embodies the spirit of this year’s Flower Show. A panel of judges from FIT’s Fashion Design Dept and Macy’s will select six winners, including one grand prize winner. The six winning designs will be displayed on the main floor of Macy’s Herald Square during the two-week event. In order to be able to participate in this challenge, interested students must fill out the Spring 2022 Macy's Flower Show Industry-Sponsored Project Rules and Student Consent Form. For further information please contact Professor Michael Kaye ([email protected]), who is the student mentor overseeing the contest. 

Macy’s Flower Show Design Competition Timeline

February 1, 2022             Competition Start Date
February 3, 2022            Presentation / Information Session
February 17, 2022          Due date for design/mood boards, sketches, swatches and Student Consent Forms Deadline
February 18, 2022         Judging Day and Winners Announcement
March 22, 2022              Complete Garments Submission Deadline
March 24, 2022              Garments due to Macy's team for installation
March 27, 2022              Macy's Flower Show Opens
April 10, 2022                 Macy's Flower Show Closes

New York Society of Renderers Student Rendering Design Contest
​This contest is designed in conjunction with NYSR to highlight some of the more talented rendering students in the Interior Design Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology.​ The contest ​promotes technical excellence and creativity in the rendering of student's designs.​ The renderings can be done in any media. Hybrid and hand rendering styles ​are​ encouraged.  In order to be able to participate in this challenge, interested students must fill out the Spring 2022 New York Society of Renderers Student Rendering Design Contest Rules and Student Consent Form. For further information please contact Professor Sven Johnson ([email protected]), who is the student mentor overseeing the contest. 

New York Society of Renderers Student Rendering Design Contest Timeline

February 1, 2022           Competition Start Date
February 28, 2022        Student Consent Forms and Submission Deadline
March 29, 2022             Judging Day and Winners Announcement

Supima Design Competition
America’s top design schools select one graduating senior to represent their respective school as a finalist to compete in the Supima Design Competition for a $10,000 cash prize and exposure to fashion press, social media influencers and fashion industry executives. Finalists are challenged to create a womens wear capsule collection using premium SUPIMA cotton fabrics. Working with a prominent fashion designer as mentor, students have the opportunity to learn what design elements translate to the runway and what will resonate with the judges. A prestigious panel of judges from the fashion and media world is charged with selecting a winner. Interested students must fill out the 2022 Supima Design Competition Application. For further information please contact Professor Susanna Moyer ([email protected]), who is the student mentor overseeing the contest. 

Supima Design Competition Timeline

March 17, 2022                         Presentation / Information Session (Recording)
April 22, 2022                           Due date for 2022 Supima Design Competition Application
Week of April 26, 2022          Selection Interviews
April 29, 2022                           FIT selects/announces a finalist
Week of May 1, 2022              Orientation call with SUPIMA
Week of May 1, 2022             SUPIMA to provide sample fabrics
May 9, 2022                              Due date for mood board, collection inspiration and      collection plan
May 16, 2022                            Due date for first sketches and color story
June 27, 2022                          Due date for final sketches and color story
July 8, 2022                              Due date for gowns for muslin fitting
Week of July 25, 2022          SUPIMA to provide dyed fabrics
September 5-6, 2022           Final model fitting 
September 8, 2022               Judging and New York Fashion Week Runway Show
October 2022                          Fashion presentation in Paris

AD497 (Student Competition)
AD497 is an advertising design student competition course. This course involves students with assignments from international advertising competitions. Entering student work into these advertising creative competitions offers exposure to the individual students and the FIT Advertising Design Program to the top national and international advertising agencies. During the Spring 2022 semester students are participating in the following industry competitions: The D&AD New Blood Student Competition, One Show Young Ones Student Competition, AKQA Future Lions, Collegiate Effie,  Creative Conscience Awards and Lürzer’s Archive Student Contest.

GD361 (Design Competition)
GD361 is a communications design competition course. This course provides students an opportunity to compete in national or international competitions. Just as students gain valuable experience in real world competition environments, so too they expose their creative work and the skills of students in the Fashion Institute of Technology’s design programs to professionals in the country and around the globe. During the Spring 2021 semester students are participating in the following industry competitions: The D&AD New Blood Student Competition, Key Color Award, A' Design Award & Competition, Applied Arts 2022 Student Awards, Communication Arts Design Competition 2022, Model Young Package Design Competition, Creative Conscience Awards 2021/22, 2023 Typography Competition, EOSC Young Design Student Logo Contest, Caffè Diemme New Logo Creation, ADC 101st Annual Awards, Ecuador Poster Bienal 2022 Call For Posters, The Museum of Outdoor Arts (MOA) Design and Build 2022 Competition, 8th International Reggae Poster Contest, Woolmark Performance Challenge, Key Colors Award Childrens Book Competition Challenge, 17BICM Open Call, Poster Stellars 2nd Intercontinental Poster Competition, 2022 Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Art Poster Competition, 3x3 international illustration show no.19.

PK343 (Explorations in 3D Packaging Design)
PK343 challenges students to consider the transition of taking two-dimensional design explorations into a three-dimensional representation. Experimentation with materials, methods and technology are key components of this studio course. This year two external contests are being offered as part of the class curriculum. During the Spring 2022 semester students are participating in the Paperboard Packaging Alliance (PPA) Student Design Challenge where students will choose a community relief organization and design packaging to meet a need for that organization.

CFDA Geoffrey Beene Design Masters Scholar Award for MF 531A (Special Topics: Fashion in TRANS-FORMLATION)
MF 531A (Special Topics: Fashion in TRANS-FORMLATION), is a credit bearing class designed to introduce students in FIT’s Fashion Design (MFA) program to the complexity of customer and brand communications with a particular focus on the impact of translation, and miss-translation, of various English regional dialects, accents, and slang. This year students taking the class will participate in CFDA Geoffrey Beene Design Masters Scholar Award (The Geoffrey Beene Design Masters Scholar Award is a $25,000 Scholarship Award for Graduate students pursuing an MFA/ MA in fashion design. In honor of the legacy of American design iconoclast, Geoffrey Beene, the scholarship invites students to challenge conventional codes of dressing the body by exploring 360 shape + form, materiality, and innovation. Established in 2007, the scholarship is generously underwritten by the Geoffrey Beene Foundation’s $2.5 million donation) which is being offered as part of the class curriculum.

CFDA Geoffrey Beene Design Masters Scholar Award Timeline

March 2022           CFDA Geoffrey Beene Design Masters Scholar Award Digital Portfolio and Application Submission
April 2022              CFDA Geoffrey Beene Design Masters Scholar Award Selection of Finalists
May 2022              CFDA Geoffrey Beene Design Masters Scholar Award Selection Committee Presentations and Q+A.
June 2022            CFDA Geoffrey Beene Design Masters Scholar Award Selection Committee final decision and winner notification

MF522 (Fashion CreationII: Elective Connect) MimakiUSA Student Contest 
MF522 (Fashion CreationII: Elective Connect), is a credit bearing class that allows for further exploration in relation to the individual student's thesis. It has two core projects, both of which use the work done in the elective spaces as a starting point for design of two 12-look collections. One look from each collection will be fully realized in materials informed by the data collected in the elective spaces. This year students taking the class will participate in MF522 (Fashion CreationIII: Elective Connect) MimakiUSA Student Contest where MimakiUSA will sponsor all the first year MFA students for spring 2021 Fashion Creation 2 class. Mimaki will provide printing services, quantity of 5 yards, to each student to create one garment. One student will be selected to win sponsorship for printing of their senior thesis collection for term Fall 2022- Spring 2023. Students will gain real-world experience in how to put an original print design into work with a digital printing service and then realize an actual garment utilizing the print.

MF522 (Fashion CreationIII: Elective Connect) MimakiUSA Student Contest Timeline

February 14, 2022            Mimaki Introduction & Review of Student Print Design Concept
February 25, 2022           Due date for sample files and print request forms
March 1, 2022                   Student Consent Forms and Submission Deadline
March 7, 2022                  Student Sample Prints Review
March 14, 2022                Due date for final print files and print request forms
March 30, 2022              Students receive final 5 yd. prints from Mimaki
May 23, 2022                  Final garment due made in printed fabric. Final presentation with Mimaki representatives, class, and class professors

ED523 (Exhibition Design for the Museum Setting) Justice and Community Exhibition Project
This educational project is a joint collaboration between Exhibition and Experience Design MA Department and The National Justice Museum.  The student objective of this project is to undertake the subject of utilizing content and collections as determined by the museum so as to understand how exhibits are developed and physically interpreted within a museum exhibition environment. Students will be responsible for adhering to all rules and requirements of a museum venue, developed by the faculty instructor in collaboration with the The National Justice Museum.

ED523 Justice and Community Exhibition Project Timeline

February 9, 2022                      Virtual site visit to the The National Justice Museum
March 16,  2022                         Midpoint concept designs are submitted for museum's review and comments
May 4, 2022                                 Final virtual design presentations to museum project team

ED531 (Presentation Techniques) Deckle and Moneypenny Project
Deckle and Moneypenny will partner with FIT Graduate Exhibition & Experience Design Department to generate a design project based upon the actual event and show room space designed for one of their past clients. It will be a conceptual project for an experience design for GE co-creation space in CT.  Students will be responsible for adhering to all rules and requirements of the venue, developed by the instructor in collaboration with Deckle and Moneypenny. They will also obtain a working knowledge of logistics and budget allocations within the venue. Students will engage in strategic planning and conceptual development for this exhibit design to advance brand recognition, visitor flow and create a positive and memorable experience. The concept design will include lighting, print and digital media design, including interactive opportunities for the visitor. This involves creating opportunities for visitors to have a learning experience and engage in activities that enhance the visitor experience.

ED523 Deckle and Moneypenny Project Timeline

February 1, 2022                   Introductory Project Presentation
March 8,  2022                      Midpoint Presentation
April 26, 2022                        Final Concept Design Presentation

ED542 (Exhibition Design Graphics) Museum of the Moving Image
ED 542 explores graphic design communication systems, including graphic identity and program development. Imagery and typographic solutions, with an emphasis on two- and three-dimensional design development, are covered.  This class project was developed in collaboration with the Museum of the Moving Image.  The objective of this project is to introduce students to wayfinding and signage design through the proposal of concepts for wayfinding signage and related components for a client. Working with the client representatives, students will first document the types of existing signage, and create a graphic signage and wayfinding design package.

ED542 Museum of the Moving Image Project Timeline

March 14, 2022                     Introductory Project Kick Off Meeting
April 11,  2022                        Midpoint Presentation
May 9, 2022                           Final Concept Design Presentation

Constitution Day Postcard Competition
Students are asked to design the front and back of a postcard (3X5 or 4X6 inches) that illustrates their beliefs about any part of the United States Constitution. They can put anything they like on the front. The back must have two columns, like a typical postcard; the left column should include a paragraph or two explaining the visual statement on the front of the card, and the right column should leave room for an address and stamp.  In order to enter this competition, interested students must fill out the Spring 2022 Constitution Day Postcard Contest Student Consent Form and include their submission as an attachment at the bottom of the document. Submission deadline is March 31, 2022. For more information regarding the design of the postcard please contract Professor Daniel Levinson Wilk at [email protected].

Constitution Day Postcard Competition Timeline

February 1, 2022           Competition Start Date
March 31, 2022              Student Consent Forms and Submission Deadline
April 2022                        Judging Day
Late April 2022              Winners Announcement