Fashion and design speak American
Joanne Arbuckle, Dean of the School of Art & Design of FIT, New York, tells us about her college, home to great innovative, creative and pioneering thinkers.Could you please present your institute to our readers?The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is New York's celebrated urban college for creative and business talent. Founded in 1944, it is known worldwide as the premier institution for fashion and related professions and has nearly 50 programs, including its renowned Fashion Design program and Fashion Business Management program. A State University of New York (SUNY) college of art and design, business and technology, FIT has a reputation for excellence and innovation, providing a superior education at an affordable cost. The college grants AAS, BFA, BS, MA, MFA, and MPS degrees, preparing students for professional success and leadership in the international marketplace. Its singular approach to higher education marries design to business and balances experiential learning with a strong liberal arts foundation, providing students with a global perspective, critical thinking skills, and the ability to communicate effectively.Home to a rich mix of innovative achievers, creative thinkers, and industry pioneers, it is deeply connected to New York City’s fashion, advertising, visual arts, design, business, and communications industries. These close ties help keep the college’s programs relevant to today’s rapidly changing marketplace, and provide students with experiences that mirror the marketplace and give them a competitive edge.Unique facilities include state-of-the-art labs and studios, and The Museum at FIT, one of the world’s leading collections of fashion and textiles-and the only museum in New York City devoted solely to the art of fashion.What is your training “offer” for the fashion world?Our Fashion Design program provides both an essential foundation for creating apparel and advanced study in specialized areas. Students intern with leading designers and design houses, and have the opportunity to study abroad, in FIT’s programs in Florence and Milan. Fashion Design is the largest program in the School of Art and Design. In Fashion Design we also have programs in Florence and Milan.We have several other fashion related program such as Accessories design, Jewelry Design and Menswear. Our Accessories program often receives donations from Luxottica. Students in the accessories program design frames as part of their collections.Can you tell us some famous designer/ stylist/ artist who have graduated at the FIT?Our notable alumni include Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, Amsale Aberra, Reem Acra, Nina Garcia, Francisco Costa, Joe Zee, Nina Garcia, Brian Atwood, Ralph Rucci, Michelle Smith, David Hart, Raul Arevalo of Cadet, Andrew Fezza, Dennis Basso, Norma Kamali and John Bartlett.Some years ago you collaborated with the eyewear system and ICE on the exhibition Fashion: Italian Style, curated by Valerie Steele. How is your academic program linked with the eyewear field?For the future, the world of wearable technology will continue to be a growing field.Eyewear materials have also expanded to include bamboo, ebony, rosewood, pear wood, walnut and zebra wood. This materials are non-toxic in makeup and support the fashion movement towards a more sustainable product. It appears that wearables and sustainable products and practices will continue to provide many new career paths in fashion.
