Calendar of Events and Deadlines

Spring 2025 Student Contests and Industry-Sponsored Projects

PopSockets Student Design Contest 
Students are asked to develop creative product design concepts for PopSockets grips, straps, wristlets, and other wearable product extensions. Focus should be on how these products can be stylish, functional, and aligned with a fashion-forward aesthetic.  Proposals should include business concepts that make wearable phone accessories a lifestyle and consider events, services, and marketing campaigns that could create experiences around mobile fashion accessories, fostering brand loyalty and consumer engagement; trend and competitor analysis which examine current and emerging trends in the wearability of mobile phones and their role in accessorizing and consider how fashion enthusiasts, influencers, and designers are integrating mobile wearability into their daily looks; and brief competitor analysis highlighting other brands in the mobile accessory and wearable tech space to ensure newness.  Students can enter the contest by filling out Spring 2025 PopSockets Student Design Contest Rules and Student Consent Form and submitting your design to faculty mentor. You can use the following link for research and inspiration: Spring 2025 PopSockets Student Design Contest Presentation Materials. For further information please contact Fashion Footwear and Accessories Department Chair Sarah Mullins ([email protected]), who is the faculty mentor overseeing the contest 

PopSockets Student Design Contest Timeline

February 13, 2025              1:00pm                   Information Session Recording
March 3, 2025                                                        Student Consent Forms and Submission Deadline
March 10, 2025                                                     First Judging Round, Selection of Finalists 
Week of April 25, 2025                                      Judging Day
Week of May 5, 2025                                          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. The 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 2025 challenge invites participants to explore new frontiers in performance-led innovation, in partnership with motorsport leader, Alpinestars.  In order to be able to participate in this challenge, interested students must fill out the Spring 2025 Woolmark Performance Challenge Contest Rules and Student Consent Form. For further information please contact International Trade & Marketing Department Chair Christine Pomeranz ([email protected]), who is overseeing the contest. 

Woolmark Performance Challenge Timeline

February 28, 2025              1:00pm                   Presentation/Information Session
May 30, 2025                                                          Student Consent Forms and Submission Deadline
July 2025                                                                  First Judging Round, Selection of Finalists 
September 2025                                                   Finalist Panel Interviews
November 2025                                                    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 2025 Constitution Day Postcard Contest Student Consent Form and include their submission as an attachment at the bottom of the document. Submission deadline is 11:59pm, April 1, 2025. For more information regarding the design of the postcard please contract Professor Daniel Levinson Wilk ([email protected]), who is overseeing the contest. 

Constitution Day Postcard Competition Timeline

February 3, 2025                                                  Competition Start Date
April 1, 2025                                                            Student Consent Forms and Submission Deadline
Mid-April 2025                                                      Judging Day
May 2025                                                                 Winners Announcement

PopSockets Student Design Contest 
Students are asked to develop creative product design concepts for PopSockets grips, straps, wristlets, and other wearable product extensions. Focus should be on how these products can be stylish, functional, and aligned with a fashion-forward aesthetic.  Proposals should include business concepts that make wearable phone accessories a lifestyle and consider events, services, and marketing campaigns that could create experiences around mobile fashion accessories, fostering brand loyalty and consumer engagement; trend and competitor analysis which examine current and emerging trends in the wearability of mobile phones and their role in accessorizing and consider how fashion enthusiasts, influencers, and designers are integrating mobile wearability into their daily looks; and brief competitor analysis highlighting other brands in the mobile accessory and wearable tech space to ensure newness.  Students can enter the contest by filling out Spring 2025 PopSockets Student Design Contest Rules and Student Consent Form and submitting your design to faculty mentor. You can use the following link for research and inspiration: Spring 2025 PopSockets Student Design Contest Presentation Materials. For further information please contact Fashion Footwear and Accessories Department Chair Sarah Mullins ([email protected]), who is the faculty mentor overseeing the contest 

PopSockets Student Design Contest Timeline

February 13, 2025              1:00pm                   Information Session Recording
March 3, 2025                                                        Student Consent Forms and Submission Deadline
March 10, 2025                                                     First Judging Round, Selection of Finalists 
Week of April 25, 2025                                      Judging Day
Week of May 5, 2025                                          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. The 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 2025 challenge invites participants to explore new frontiers in performance-led innovation, in partnership with motorsport leader, Alpinestars.  In order to be able to participate in this challenge, interested students must fill out the Spring 2025 Woolmark Performance Challenge Contest Rules and Student Consent Form. For further information please contact International Trade & Marketing Department Chair Christine Pomeranz ([email protected]), who is overseeing the contest. 

Woolmark Performance Challenge Timeline

February 28, 2025              1:00pm                   Presentation/Information Session
May 30, 2025                                                          Student Consent Forms and Submission Deadline
July 2025                                                                  First Judging Round, Selection of Finalists 
September 2025                                                   Finalist Panel Interviews
November 2025                                                    Winners Announcement

Soteri Skin (AC412) Integrated Marketing Plan Student Design Project
This contest a joint industry-sponsored project held in partnership between Soteri Skin and FIT’s Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology. Students in AC412 (Creative Strategies) course will develop an integrated marketing plan to launch Soteri Skin, an eczema treatment topical brand. Students will propose effective messaging and creative direction that resonates with Gen Z with the goal of: building brand awareness, driving traffic to the Soteri Skin website and drive DTC sales. Integrated marketing communications plan will include recommended messaging and creative direction and tactics. For further information please contact either Advertising & Marketing Communications and Direct & Interactive Marketing Department Chair Loretta Volpe ([email protected]) or Professor Kristy Fall ([email protected]) who are overseeing the contest.

Soteri Skin (AC412) Integrated Marketing Plan Student Design Project Timeline

February  2025                                                        Contest Launch
April 1, 2025                           11:59pm                 Student Consent Forms Deadline
May  2025                                                                 Final Presentations and Winners Announcement

FM422 (Merchandise Strategies Capstone Project) Walmart Industry-Sponsored Project
This is a class project where senior students will create a brand merchandise strategy plus marketing development of the strategy idea for Walmart. 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 250 students across all sections of FM422 Merchandising Strategies course.

FM422 Merchandise Strategies Capstone Project Timeline

March 18, 2025        6:00pm-8:00pm          Presentation / Information Session
May 5, 2025                    11:59pm                      Student Consent Forms Deadline
May 12, 2025                                                         Final Projects Submission Deadline
Week of May 19, 2025                                       Judging Day and Winners Announcement

Facets of Light for Grown Brilliance Student Design Competition
Grown Brilliance is partnering with FIT on a contest and is seeking diverse talent from FIT's upper-division (5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th semester) students in School of Art & Design to compete in the Facets of Light for Grown Brilliance Student Design Competition in order to design a one-of-a-kind chandelier for Grown Brilliance’s flagship store in Soho, NY. The masterpiece will serve as the permanent centerpiece, making headlines and shining bright on the boutique’s opening night.  Students can enter the contest by filling out Spring 2025 Facets of Light for Grown Brilliance Student Design Competition Rules and Student Consent Form and submitting your design to faculty mentor.  You can use the following link for research and inspiration: Spring 2025 Facets of Light for Grown Brilliance Student Design Competition Deck. For further information please contact Interior Design Professor Christina Wang ([email protected]), who is the faculty mentor overseeing the contest. 

Facets of Light for Grown Brilliance Student Design Competition Timeline

February 4, 2025        1:00pm        Information Session Recording
February 24, 2025                             Due date for initial concept sketches, mood boards, and 3D digital models, showing the chandelier design intent and Student Consent Forms Deadline
March 5, 2025                                      Due date for final designs
March 6-10, 2025                               Judging and Finalists Selection
Week of March 10, 2025                  Final Presentations, Judging Day and Winners Announcement

PopSockets Student Design Contest 
Students are asked to develop creative product design concepts for PopSockets grips, straps, wristlets, and other wearable product extensions. Focus should be on how these products can be stylish, functional, and aligned with a fashion-forward aesthetic.  Proposals should include business concepts that make wearable phone accessories a lifestyle and consider events, services, and marketing campaigns that could create experiences around mobile fashion accessories, fostering brand loyalty and consumer engagement; trend and competitor analysis which examine current and emerging trends in the wearability of mobile phones and their role in accessorizing and consider how fashion enthusiasts, influencers, and designers are integrating mobile wearability into their daily looks; and brief competitor analysis highlighting other brands in the mobile accessory and wearable tech space to ensure newness.  Students can enter the contest by filling out Spring 2025 PopSockets Student Design Contest Rules and Student Consent Form and submitting your design to faculty mentor. You can use the following link for research and inspiration: Spring 2025 PopSockets Student Design Contest Presentation Materials. For further information please contact Fashion Footwear and Accessories Department Chair Sarah Mullins ([email protected]), who is the faculty mentor overseeing the contest 

PopSockets Student Design Contest Timeline

February 13, 2025              1:00pm                   Information Session Recording
March 3, 2025                                                        Student Consent Forms and Submission Deadline
March 10, 2025                                                     First Judging Round, Selection of Finalists 
Week of April 25, 2025                                      Judging Day
Week of May 5, 2025                                          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. The 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 2025 challenge invites participants to explore new frontiers in performance-led innovation, in partnership with motorsport leader, Alpinestars.  In order to be able to participate in this challenge, interested students must fill out the Spring 2025 Woolmark Performance Challenge Contest Rules and Student Consent Form. For further information please contact International Trade & Marketing Department Chair Christine Pomeranz ([email protected]), who is overseeing the contest. 

Woolmark Performance Challenge Timeline

February 28, 2025              1:00pm                   Presentation/Information Session
May 30, 2025                                                          Student Consent Forms and Submission Deadline
July 2025                                                                  First Judging Round, Selection of Finalists 
September 2025                                                   Finalist Panel Interviews
November 2025                                                    Winners Announcement

Underfashion Club 2025 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. Student contest submissions will consist of  modern, comfortable, sexy, and fun intimate apparel thoughtfully designed and created specifically for the Underfashion Club's theme "Intimately Reimagining Sport - Reinventing two of fashion’s largest categories and marrying them to reflect a modern way of dressing". Students can enter the contest by filling out Underfashion Club 2025 Design Contest Rules and Student Consent and Release Form and submitting your design to faculty mentor. You can click on the following link for​ reference: INTIMATELY REIMAGINING SPORT. For further information please contact Fashion Design-Apparel Professor Michael Kaye ([email protected]), who is the faculty mentor overseeing the contest. 

Underfashion Club 2025 Student Design Contest Timeline

November 26 , 2024          1:00pm       Information Session Recording
February 7, 2025                 11:59pm     Due date for design/mood boards, sketches, swatches and Student Consent Forms Deadline
February 14, 2025                                     Semi-Finalists Selection and Announcement
March 26, 2025                                         Due date for sewn garments (Completed Without Hems and Minor Finishing Details)
April 4, 2025                                               Finalists Selection and Announcement
May 5, 2025                                                Review of Completed Garments       
May 10, 2025                                              Photoshoot of Completed Garments
August 5, 2025                                         Garment Exhibition, Voting and Winners Announcement at UFC Femmy Gala  

QI-Collective Metaverse Design Competition
QI-Collective is sponsoring the Metaverse Design Competition 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. Students can enter the contest by filling out Spring 2025 QI Collective Metaverse Design Competition Rules and Student Consent Forms and submitting your design to faculty mentor. For further information please contact Fashion Design-Apparel Professor  Andrea Diodati ([email protected]) , who is the faculty mentor overseeing the contest. 

QI-Collective Metaverse Collection Student Design Contest Timeline

February 18, 2025            1:00pm                Presentation/Information Session 
March 6, 2025                 11:59pm                Concept Submission and Student Consent Forms Deadline
March 13, 2025                                                1st round finalists announced
Week of March 18, 2025                               Due date for 1st round designs , mood boards, sketches, swatches
Week of April 1, 2025                                     Round 1 Mentorship Meetings
April 8, 2025                                                     Tech Pack Submission
Week of April 8, 2025                                   Tech Pack Mentorship Meetings
April 22, 2025                                                  3D Cads Submission
Week of April 22, 2025                                 3D Cads Mentorship Meetings
Week of  May 20, 2025                                 Protos Received
Week of June 3, 2025                                   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 2024 Supima Design Competition Application. For further information please contact Professor Susanna Moyer ([email protected]), who is the faculty mentor overseeing the contest. 

Supima Design Competition Timeline

March 18, 2025   1:00pm                 Presentation/Information Session
April 22, 2025                                       Due date for 2025 Supima Design Competition Application
Week of April 23, 2025                     Selection Interviews
April 29, 2025                                      FIT selects/announces a finalist
Week of May 6, 2025                        Orientation call with SUPIMA
May 13, 2025                                       Due date for first sketches and color story
Week of May 13, 2025                     Due date for mood board, collection inspiration and collection plan
Week of June 24, 2025                   Due date for final sketches and color story
July 10 and 11, 2025                        Due date for gowns for in person first fitting
Week of July 24, 2025                    SUPIMA to provide dyed fabrics
September 2-5, 2025                     Final model fitting 
September 5, 2025                         Judging and New York Fashion Week Runway Show
October 18, 2025                             Fashion presentation in Paris

PopSockets Student Design Contest 
Students are asked to develop creative product design concepts for PopSockets grips, straps, wristlets, and other wearable product extensions. Focus should be on how these products can be stylish, functional, and aligned with a fashion-forward aesthetic.  Proposals should include business concepts that make wearable phone accessories a lifestyle and consider events, services, and marketing campaigns that could create experiences around mobile fashion accessories, fostering brand loyalty and consumer engagement; trend and competitor analysis which examine current and emerging trends in the wearability of mobile phones and their role in accessorizing and consider how fashion enthusiasts, influencers, and designers are integrating mobile wearability into their daily looks; and brief competitor analysis highlighting other brands in the mobile accessory and wearable tech space to ensure newness.  Students can enter the contest by filling out Spring 2025 PopSockets Student Design Contest Rules and Student Consent Form and submitting your design to faculty mentor. You can use the following link for research and inspiration: Spring 2025 PopSockets Student Design Contest Presentation Materials. For further information please contact Fashion Footwear and Accessories Department Chair Sarah Mullins ([email protected]), who is the faculty mentor overseeing the contest 

PopSockets Student Design Contest Timeline

February 13, 2025              1:00pm                   Information Session Recording
March 3, 2025                                                        Student Consent Forms and Submission Deadline
March 10, 2025                                                     First Judging Round, Selection of Finalists 
Week of April 25, 2025                                      Judging Day
Week of May 5, 2025                                          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. The 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 2025 challenge invites participants to explore new frontiers in performance-led innovation, in partnership with motorsport leader, Alpinestars.  In order to be able to participate in this challenge, interested students must fill out the Spring 2025 Woolmark Performance Challenge Contest Rules and Student Consent Form. For further information please contact International Trade & Marketing Department Chair Christine Pomeranz ([email protected]), who is overseeing the contest. 

Woolmark Performance Challenge Timeline

February 28, 2025              1:00pm                   Presentation/Information Session
May 30, 2025                                                          Student Consent Forms and Submission Deadline
July 2025                                                                  First Judging Round, Selection of Finalists 
September 2025                                                   Finalist Panel Interviews
November 2025                                                    Winners Announcement

ED523 (Exhibition Design for the Museum Setting) NYPL “Book Banning Exhibition Project”
This educational project is a joint collaboration between Exhibition and Experience Design MA Department and New York Public Library “Book Banning Exhibition Project”. The project will focus on the topic of book banning and censorship. The exhibition will emerge from institutional guidelines, parameters, content and an initial meeting with representatives from the New York Public Library representatives. The Final Design work will be formatted for digital presentation: its slides are InDesign formatted into Pdfs. Presentations will be seven-ten minutes in length for critique by faculty, peers and the NYPL client. For further information please contact Professor Brenda Cowan ([email protected]), who is the instructor teaching the course. 

ED523 “Book Banning Exhibition Project” Exhibition Project Timeline

February 5, 2025                                Site visit to the New York Public Library
February 12, 2025                              New York Public Library Administrators Interviews
March 12,  2025                                  Midpoint concept designs are submitted for museum's review and comments
May 7, 2025                                          Final design presentations to library project team

ED531 (Presentation Techniques) Idlewild Experiential Industry-Sponsored Project
Idlewild Experiential is partnering with FIT Graduate Exhibition & Experience Design Department to design a multi-warehouse conference experience similar to CultureCon, focusing on creative expression, empowerment, and community engagement. Students will create a mood board, floor plan, elevations, renderings, digital model, technical deck, and narrative in collaboration with the sponsor. Students will learn professional design and pre-production processes for experiential activations that highlight the principles of inclusivity, sustainability, and culture.  For further information please contact Professor Pedro Mota ([email protected]), who is the instructor teaching the course. 

ED531 Idlewild Experiential Industry-Sponsored Project Timeline

February 4, 2025                                       Introductory Project Presentation
March 25 and March 27,  2025           Midpoint Design Review Presentation
April 22 and April 24, 2025                   Final Concept and Technical Deck Presentations

ED542 (Exhibition Design Graphics) Graphic Placemaking and Wayfinding Design Project for Interpid Museum
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 Intrepid Museum.  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 branded graphic signage and wayfinding design package. For further information please contact Exhibition and Experience Design Department Chair Christina Lyons ([email protected]), who is the instructor teaching the course. 

ED542 Interpid Museum Graphic Placemaking and Wayfinding Design Project Timeline

March 4, 2024                                          Site Visit, Survey and Client Review Scope Meeting
April 8,  2024                                            Midpoint Design Review Presentation
May 13, 2024                                           Final Concept Design Presentation

PopSockets Student Design Contest 
Students are asked to develop creative product design concepts for PopSockets grips, straps, wristlets, and other wearable product extensions. Focus should be on how these products can be stylish, functional, and aligned with a fashion-forward aesthetic.  Proposals should include business concepts that make wearable phone accessories a lifestyle and consider events, services, and marketing campaigns that could create experiences around mobile fashion accessories, fostering brand loyalty and consumer engagement; trend and competitor analysis which examine current and emerging trends in the wearability of mobile phones and their role in accessorizing and consider how fashion enthusiasts, influencers, and designers are integrating mobile wearability into their daily looks; and brief competitor analysis highlighting other brands in the mobile accessory and wearable tech space to ensure newness.  Students can enter the contest by filling out Spring 2025 PopSockets Student Design Contest Rules and Student Consent Form and submitting your design to faculty mentor. For further information please contact Fashion Footwear and Accessories Department Chair Sarah Mullins ([email protected]), who is the faculty mentor overseeing the contest 

PopSockets Student Design Contest Timeline

February 13, 2025                1:00pm                 Presentation/Information Session
March 3, 2025                                                        Student Consent Forms and Submission Deadline
Week of April 25, 2025                                       Judging Day
Week of May 5, 2025                                           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. The 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 2025 challenge invites participants to explore new frontiers in performance-led innovation, in partnership with motorsport leader, Alpinestars.  In order to be able to participate in this challenge, interested students must fill out the Spring 2025 Woolmark Performance Challenge Contest Rules and Student Consent Form. For further information please contact International Trade & Marketing Department Chair Christine Pomeranz ([email protected]), who is overseeing the contest. 

Woolmark Performance Challenge Timeline

February 28, 2025              1:00pm                   Presentation/Information Session
May 30, 2025                                                          Student Consent Forms and Submission Deadline
July 2025                                                                  First Judging Round, Selection of Finalists 
September 2025                                                   Finalist Panel Interviews
November 2025                                                    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 2025 Constitution Day Postcard Contest Student Consent Form and include their submission as an attachment at the bottom of the document. Submission deadline is 11:59pm, April 1, 2025. For more information regarding the design of the postcard please contract Professor Daniel Levinson Wilk ([email protected]), who is overseeing the contest. 

Constitution Day Postcard Competition Timeline

February 3, 2025                                                  Competition Start Date
April 1, 2025                                                            Student Consent Forms and Submission Deadline
Mid-April 2025                                                      Judging Day
May 2025                                                                 Winners Announcement

Fall 2024 Student Contests and Industry-Sponsored Projects

Live Art Duel Student Design Contest
FIT's Live Art Duel is a student design contest, which creates an opportunity for students to make their artwork more visible to FIT alumni and donors. Eight student finalists will be chosen by the judges/host committee to be a part of an live competitive painting event. Students interested in applying should feel comfortable working at a fast-pace, be up for the challenge of a duel, have the ability to think creatively, and be open to the element of surprise working on different mediums other than canvas. In order to be able to participate in this challenge, interested students must fill out the Fall 2024 FIT Live Art Duel Student Design Contest Student Consent Form and submit your work via Fall 2024 FIT Live Art Duel Student Design Contest Artwork Application Form. You can reference: Fall 2024 FIT Live Art Duel Student Design Contest Student Deck. For further information please contact Fine Arts Professor Josef Zutelgte ([email protected]), who is the faculty mentor overseeing the contest.

Live Art Duel Student Design Contest Timeline

September 17, 2024                   1:00pm        Information Session Recording
October 1, 2024                          11:59pm        Student Consent Forms Deadline
October 1, 2024                          11:59pm        Due date for portfolio, images and link
Week of October 7, 2024                                 Finalists Notified
November 14, 2024                                           Live Duel, Judging and Winners Announcement

 

The RealReal x FIT Student Upcycled Collection Design Contest
The RealReal is partnering with FIT on a contest  to keep unwearable items out of landfills and in circulation by designing and producing an eventwear using The RealReal’s inventory of clothing and accessories unfit for sale in their current condition. The available supply consists of designer items made of quality materials that are suited for a second life. The items are to be upcycled into a brand new garment.  Students can enter the contest by filling out Spring 2025 The RealReal x FIT Student Upcycled Collection Design Contest Rules and Student Consent Form and submitting your design to faculty mentor.  You can click on the following link to view photos of the garments provided by the RealReal: The RealReal x FIT Student Upcycled Collection Design Contest Material​s​ and use the following link for​ reference: Spring 2025 The RealReal x FIT Student Upcycled Collection Design Contest Deck. For further information please contact Fashion Design-Apparel Professor Michael Kaye ([email protected]), who is the faculty mentor overseeing the contest. 

The RealReal x FIT Student Upcycled Collection Design Contest Timeline

October 29, 2024                      1:00pm        Information Session Recording
November 22, 2024                  11:59pm      Due date for design/mood boards, sketches, swatches and Student Consent Forms Deadline
December 2, 2024                                             Finalists Notified
December 5, 2024   12:00pm-3:00pm     Students to pick up materials (from RealReal) at FIT
Week of March 3, 2025                                  Complete Designs Submission Deadline
Week of March 14, 2025                                Judging Day, Presentation of Designs by Students and Winners Announcement

FM422 (Merchandise Strategies Capstone Project) PacSun Industry-Sponsored Project
This is a class project where senior students will create a brand merchandise strategy plus marketing development of the strategy idea for PacSun. 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 FM422 Merchandising Strategies course.

FM422 Merchandise Strategies Capstone Project Timeline

October 14, 2024                        6:00pm-8:00pm             Information Session Recording
December 1, 2024                                11:59pm                      Student Consent Forms Deadline
Week of December 2, 2024                                                      Final Projects Submission Deadline
Week ofDecember 16, 2024                                                     Judging Day and Winners Announcement

Underfashion Club 2025 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. Student contest submissions will consist of  modern, comfortable, sexy, and fun intimate apparel thoughtfully designed and created specifically for the Underfashion Club's theme "Intimately Reimagining Sport - Reinventing two of fashion’s largest categories and marrying them to reflect a modern way of dressing". Students can enter the contest by filling out Underfashion Club 2025 Design Contest Rules and Student Consent and Release Form and submitting your design to faculty mentor. You can click on the following link for​ reference: INTIMATELY REIMAGINING SPORT. For further information please contact Fashion Design-Apparel Professor Michael Kaye ([email protected]), who is the faculty mentor overseeing the contest. 

Underfashion Club 2025 Student Design Contest Timeline

November 26 , 2024          1:00pm       Information Session Recording
February 7, 2025                 11:59pm     Due date for design/mood boards, sketches, swatches and Student Consent Forms Deadline
February 14, 2025                                     Semi-Finalists Selection and Announcement
March 26, 2025                                         Due date for sewn garments (Completed Without Hems and Minor Finishing Details)
April 4, 2025                                               Finalists Selection and Announcement
May 5, 2025                                                Review of Completed Garments       
May 11, 2025                                              Photoshoot of Completed Garments
August 5, 2025                                         Garment Exhibition, Voting and Winners Announcement at UFC Femmy Gala  

The RealReal x FIT Student Upcycled Collection Design Contest
The RealReal is partnering with FIT on a contest  to keep unwearable items out of landfills and in circulation by designing and producing an eventwear using The RealReal’s inventory of clothing and accessories unfit for sale in their current condition. The available supply consists of designer items made of quality materials that are suited for a second life. The items are to be upcycled into a brand new garment.  Students can enter the contest by filling out Spring 2025 The RealReal x FIT Student Upcycled Collection Design Contest Rules and Student Consent Form and submitting your design to faculty mentor.  You can click on the following link to view photos of the garments provided by the RealReal: The RealReal x FIT Student Upcycled Collection Design Contest Material​s​ and use the following link for​ reference: Spring 2025 The RealReal x FIT Student Upcycled Collection Design Contest Deck. For further information please contact Fashion Design-Apparel Professor Michael Kaye ([email protected]), who is the faculty mentor overseeing the contest. 

The RealReal x FIT Student Upcycled Collection Design Contest Timeline

October 29, 2024                      1:00pm        Information Session Recording
November 22, 2024                  11:59pm      Due date for design/mood boards, sketches, swatches and Student Consent Forms Deadline
December 2, 2024                                             Finalists Notified
December 5, 2024   12:00pm-3:00pm     Students to pick up materials (from RealReal) at FIT
Week of March 3, 2025                                  Complete Designs Submission Deadline
Week of March 14, 2025                                Judging Day, Presentation of Designs by Students and Winners Announcement

Justin Alexander Wedding Gown Student Design Contest
Students are asked to dive deep into the decadent bridal fashion history of the 1920s to 1970s and re-imagine these styles for the contemporary Justin Alexander bride. The designs should draw on the luxurious elements of wedding gowns from past eras - such as the high necklines and plunging waists of the 20s, the graceful silk gowns of the 30s, the structured silhouettes of the 50s, the three quarter length sleeves and non-white bridal looks from the 60s or big bell sleeves from the 70s - but be infused with a modern sensibility. The goal is to capture the essence of traditional glamour while creating something wearable for today's bride who appreciates classic and tradition with a contemporary touch. A panel of judges will select five to eight finalists who will produce physical samples of their designs for presentation in the final round. You can use the following link for research and inspiration: Fall 2024 Justin Alexander Wedding Gown Design Contest Student Deck. Students can enter the contest by filling out Fall 2024 Justin Alexander Wedding Gown Student Design Contest Rules and Student Consent Form and submitting your design to faculty mentor. For further information please contact Fashion Design-Apparel Professor Michael Kaye ([email protected]), who is the faculty mentor overseeing the contest. 

Justin Alexander Wedding Gown Student Design Contest Timeline

October 15, 2024                      1:00pm        Information Session Recording
November 25, 2024               11:59pm       Due date for design/mood boards, sketches, swatches and Student Consent Forms Deadline
December 2, 2024                                           Finalists Notified
Week of January 22, 2025                           Complete Designs Submission Deadline
Week of February 3, 2024                            Judging Day and Winners Announcement

Reimagining the West with Stetson Student Design Contest 
The contest gives students in the FIT's Fashion Design Program the chance to reimagine western style through their own creative lens. Students are asked to design two looks that embody their personal design vision and aesthetic while also nodding to Stetson’s heritage as America’s indispensable western brand. Each look must incorporate a Stetson cowboy hat (to be provided by Stetson). Applicants will produce a concept mood board and two sketches (one for each look). A panel of judges will select five finalists who will produce physical samples of their designs for presentation in the final round. You can use the following link for research and inspiration: Stetson x FIT Reimagining the West Power Point.  Students can enter the contest by filling out Fall 2024 Reimagining the West with Stetson Student Design Contest Rules and Student Consent Forms and submitting your design to faculty mentor. For further information please contact Fashion Design - Apparel Professor Nicole Benedetto ([email protected]), who is the faculty mentor overseeing the contest. 

Reimagining the West with Stetson Student Design Contest Timeline

September 10, 2024                1:00pm        Information Session Recording
October 11, 2024                       11:59pm      Due date for design/mood boards, sketches, swatches and Student Consent Forms Deadline
Week of October 17, 2024                             Finalists Notified
December 9, 2024                                           Complete Designs Submission Deadline
December 13, 2024                  1:00pm       Judging Day and Winners Announcement

Close to Me Bag Student Design Contest
This competition challenges students to innovate and create a functional and stylish bag tailored specifically for individuals using wheelchairs. The ideal bag should promote independence, offering ease of access and secure attachment to the wheelchair or user’s lap, while ensuring durability and waterproofing to withstand various weather conditions and daily wear. In addition to the primary requirements, students are encouraged to incorporate features that enhance usability, such as multiple compartments for organization, adjustable straps for versatile attachment options, and thoughtful design elements that prioritize accessibility and convenience. The Product: Close To Me is a sleek utility bag designed especially for wheelchair users. The high-grade bag is a perfect blend of style and utility featuring a main compartment to store larger items, several medium compartments to hold less-bulky possessions, and numerous pockets and side pouches to safely hold smaller belongings. The bag latches tightly to the wheelchair preventing thefts or accidental drops. The Close To Me bag is envisioned to contain key utility features making it a highly useful commodity.  You can use the following video link for research and inspiration: Chuck Close to Me. Students can enter the contest by filling out Fall 2024 Close to Me Bag Student Design Contest Rules and Student Consent Form and submitting your design to faculty mentor. For further information please contact Fashion Footwear and Accessories Department Chair Sarah Mullins ([email protected]), who is the faculty mentor overseeing the contest. 

Close to Me Bag Student Design Contest Timeline

September 5, 2024                1:00pm       Information Session Recording
October 13, 2024                    11:59pm     Due date for design/mood boards, sketches, swatches and Student Consent Forms Deadline
October 21, 2024                                           Finalists Notified
December 2, 2024                                        Complete Designs Submission Deadline
December 12, 2024                1:00pm      Judging Day and Winners Announcement

QI-Collective Metaverse Design Competition
QI-Collective is sponsoring the Metaverse Design Competition 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 your reference please find a link to the: Fall 2024 Collective Metaverse Design Competition Student Deck. Students can enter the contest by filling out Fall 2024 QI Collective Metaverse Design Competition Rules and Student Consent Form and submitting your design to faculty mentor. For further information please contact Fashion Design-Apparel Professor  Andrea Diodati ([email protected]) , who is the faculty mentor overseeing the contest. 

QI-Collective Metaverse Collection Student Design Contest Timeline

October 1, 2024                         1:00pm             Information Session Recording
October 21, 2024                     11:59pm            Round 1 Design Submission
October 21, 2024                     11:59pm            Student Consent Forms Deadline
October 25, 2024                                                  Round 1 finalists announced
Week of November 15, 2024                            Round 2 Tech Pack Submission
Week of  January 27,  2024                              Round 3 Protos submission
Week of February 14, 2024                              Judging Day and Winners Announcement

Loro Piana Knit Design Award
The Loro Piana 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 Fashion Design-Apparel Professor Tom Scott ([email protected]), who is the faculty mentor overseeing the contest. 

Loro Piana Knit Design Award Timeline

October 25, 2024                                Brand and Yarns Presentation (1h via Zoom – 2 options to accommodate time zones)
November 4, 2024      1:00pm       Touch Base and Brief: Loro Piana introduction and Brief assignment
November  18,  2024    11:59pm    Student Consent Forms Deadline
January 2025                                       Due Date for International Competition Programs Application
February 2025                                     Re–Touch: Videoconference work in progress review
April 2025                                             Your Personal Touch: Students’ projects presentation
May 2025                                              Sketch to Touch: Winner project realization with Loro Piana Knitting Lab and Manifattura Loro Piana
June 2025                                            Touch Down: Pitti Filati fair and award ceremony.

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 2024 Supima Design Competition Application. For further information please contact Professor Susanna Moyer ([email protected]), who is the faculty mentor overseeing the contest. 

Supima Design Competition Timeline

March 18, 2024   1:00pm       Information Session Recording
April 22, 2024                            Due date for 2024 Supima Design Competition Application
Week of April 23, 2024           Selection Interviews
April 29, 2024                             FIT selects/announces a finalist
Week of May 6, 2024              Orientation call with SUPIMA
May 13, 2024                              Due date for first sketches and color story
Week of May 13, 2024            Due date for mood board, collection inspiration and collection plan
Week of June 24, 2024          Due date for final sketches and color story
July 10 and 11, 2024               Due date for gowns for in person first fitting
Week of July 24, 2024           SUPIMA to provide dyed fabrics
September 2-5, 2024            Final model fitting 
September 5, 2024                Judging and New York Fashion Week Runway Show
October 18, 2024                    Fashion presentation in Paris