Fashion Design AAS

*If you have completed your portfolio using the previous requirements,  you may submit your work without any penalty or deductions. If you would like to add the additional creative elements listed below,  please do so. 

Spring Semester: November 1 - SlideRoom Fee (USD): $10

Fall Semester: February 1 - SlideRoom Fee (USD): $10

The Fashion Design portfolio submission consists of 3 parts and a written essay. All sketch and garment images for the portfolio submission must be sized so you can scan or photograph them easily, and all typefaces must be easily legible; no script. Construction details should be clearly represented in both your design sketches and garment photographs. Originality, creativity, and design aesthetic are valued. Submitted artwork should demonstrate your fashion awareness and knowledge of current trends. Your ability to clearly follow directions is a very important consideration.

The Fashion Design program prepares students to excel and flourish in the fashion industry. The program's philosophy focuses on individual students’ design development and professionalism. Through rigorous coursework, students develop their analytical, creative, and intellectual competencies. The learning environment broadens students’ aesthetics, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, and graduates apply these abilities to career opportunities in the evolving global marketplace. The AAS degree builds foundational skills through hands-on and digital methodology, and students examine and implement practical and conceptual design solutions through two-dimensional and three-dimensional techniques in projects and assignments.

Please note: Generative AI may NOT be used to create or develop portfolio content, including concepts, sketches, designs, artwork, or imagery, or to generate, develop, or substantially revise the essay. Standard spelling, grammar, and mechanical editing tools are permitted.

Use of generative AI in the development of submitted work may disqualify the application from consideration.

*If you are applying to Fashion Design as your first-choice major and have selected Menswear Design and/or Footwear and Accessories Design as your second and/or third choice, your Fashion Design Portfolio may serve as your only required portfolio submission. FIT Admissions will contact you with additional information after receiving your SUNY application.

*Please note the above statement does not apply to the spring semester start, Fashion Design Florence, or Fashion Design Korea programs.

Please submit a short essay, two design projects/ images consisting of 10 to 14 images, and a sewing project consisting of up to 8 photographs.

Forms

Fashion Design AAS Essay

Please respond thoughtfully and note that your answer does not replace the admissions essay that you are required to submit as part of your FIT application.

Describe a moment when clothing/ accessories changed how you saw yourself or how the world saw you. (Please answer in 300 words or less.)

Portfolio

Part One:  Sportswear Coordinates (4-6 images)

Sportswear is an American term used to describe clothing consisting of separate pieces, such as jackets, trousers, sweaters, skirts, and shirts, that can be worn individually or in various combinations. Sportswear is also known as Ready-to-Wear and includes a wide range of market segments, including Streetwear and Athleisure.

Imagine that you are designing a wardrobe of 5 pieces plus accessories to complete the looks (specified below) that can be worn together in various combinations and in different situations. Show sportswear separates that work together. Draw original garment designs in color using the medium of your choice.

For example, your customer is heading to school where they might want to be more comfortable.  After school, they have plans to meet up with friends to see a Broadway show or attend a concert.  Design pieces that can transition between different situations by adding or changing singular items.

Please provide the following:

  • Mood Board/ Inspiration Page: This page should clearly show the inspiration for your coordinating looks. Please choose a title for your Mood Board that reflects that mood.  Also include the season (e.g., Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer) and year.
  • 3 Figures Dressed in the Following Garments: (One Page per Figure)
    • 1 Jacket
    • 1 Top (should be shown twice, on figures 1 and 2)
    • 2 Pants or a Pant and a Skirt
    • 1 Dress, Jumpsuit or Coverall
    • Accessories consisting of at least 1 Bag and 3 Shoes

Sketch your designs in color on three hand-drawn figures. Do not trace or use a template for your figures. Include back views of the garments as a technical flat sketch, not on a figure.

  • Fabrics for each item (included on the appropriate figure page): Scan or photograph fabric swatches and identify fabric type.
    • For example: wool gabardine, silk charmeuse, cotton gauze, etc.) Fabric weave/knit and fiber content
  • Written explanation: In the image description area, please include a short written explanation of how the designs have been inspired by the Mood Board. Please do not use type under 10pts.

Part Two: Creative Artwork (2-4 Fashion Design Sketches and 4 Creative Artwork images) Do not submit more than is requested.

For this section ONLY: Original artwork can be digitally generated (Artificial Intelligence is NOT allowed).

  • Fashion Design Sketches: Submit four sketches of your original fashion design artwork on figures that you have drawn yourself.
    • For one design, show your initial design thinking process in a pencil sketch.
    • For the rest, render your original designs in color using the medium of your choice. Express your creativity, style, and variety.
    • Design sketches should be on full-length fashion figures, with back views of the garments as technical flat sketches, not on a figure.
    • Include scanned or digital photos of actual 2” x 2” fabric swatches on the front of each sketch. Identify the type of fabric. For example: wool gabardine, silk charmeuse, cotton gauze, etc. (fabric weave/knit and fiber content).
    • In the image description area, write 2 sentences for each image explaining your inspiration or thought process.
  • Other Creative Work (4 pieces): These do not need to be fashion focused.
    • The work may include assignment-based projects, self-directed work, or pieces of a collaborative nature in the areas of fashion, painting, ceramics, photography, etc.
    • The samples should demonstrate knowledge of a creative skill set.
    • Originality, creativity, and design aesthetic are valued.
    • In the image description area, write and submit a brief description for each image.

Part Three: Sewing (Up to 8 Photographs)

Submit photographs of two garments you have sewn (include front, back, and inside views). Photograph the garment(s) on a person or dressform/ mannequin.

  • Samples are to demonstrate knowledge of construction.
  • Originality, creativity, and design aesthetic are valued.
  • Garments can be created from commercial patterns, or you can develop your own patterns or drape the design.
  • Garments must be machine sewn. Do not show existing garments that have just been decorated.

Provide 12-22 items. Images (up to 5MB each) and PDFs (up to 10MB each)