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.
Future of Fashion Runway Show 2026
The show features looks created by a select group of 2026 graduates of FIT's Fashion Design BFA program, spanning five concentrations—knitwear, sportswear, intimate apparel, special occasion, and children’s wear. Designs are inspired by personal stories and address wide-ranging themes. Visit the FOF website to view student portfolios, biographies, and editorial photos.
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 more than 75 years.
A competition sponsored by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), a partner of the U.S. Open Tennis Championships, challenged five Fashion Design finalists to create wearable gowns inspired by tennis and the visual identities of IHG and the U.S. Open. The finalists’ designs were exhibited in the lobby of The Museum at FIT.
The annual Future of Fashion runway show, presented by Macy's, showcased student work across the five Fashion Design specializations. Through original collections, students explored themes including sustainability, artificial intelligence, and music, demonstrating technical skill and diverse approaches to contemporary fashion.
As the winner of the Macy's Capsule Collection Contest, Khoboso Nale, Fashion Design–Knitwear ’25, had her designs produced and sold at Macy's. The garments nearly sold out on the day of the launch.
The spring 2026 Fashion Design AAS exhibition, Harmonic Threads, examined the relationship between music and fashion, exploring how the emotional and expressive qualities of sound can be translated into silhouette, texture, color, and movement.
Kristen Keenan, Fashion Design ’04, is part of the team at Ford responsible for designing special editions and custom trim models of iconic vehicles like the Mustang, Maverick, and Bronco.
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
FIT Named One of the World’s Best Fashion Schools by ‘Vogue Business’
The ranking evaluates institutions on factors including academic reputation, admissions selectivity, alumni outcomes, industry engagement, tuition, and distinctive program strengths. FIT was recognized for its industry partnerships, technical curriculum, and preparation of graduates for careers in New York’s fashion industry.
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, where she combines her extensive industry experience with her passion for sustainable fashion innovation. Skocir has served as a design director and knitwear designer for leading fashion companies and co-founded AlgiKnit/KEEL.LABS, a pioneering biomaterials research group.
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
Su Ku
Tetsuo Tamanaha
Lauren Zodel
Christopher Uvenio
Let's Make It Happen
Application Requirements