The FIT MFA Fashion Design Show, titled BEYOND, took center stage on September 10 during New York Fashion Week, offering a platform for 13 talented designers from the Fashion Institute of Technology’s (FIT) 2024 graduating class to present their debut collections. These designers, hailing from diverse backgrounds, used their personal stories and unique cultural perspectives to reimagine fashion. The show was a powerful reminder of FIT’s role in fostering creativity, diversity, and craftsmanship within the fashion industry. FIT’s President, Dr. Joyce F. Brown, expressed her pride in the graduates, saying, “Our recent MFA graduates have developed impressive inaugural collections and are already establishing themselves as designers to watch in the fashion world.“
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The two-year MFA program at FIT equips students with the skills to craft their own unique voices through eight-look collections, thesis papers, and brand business plans, preparing them to make meaningful contributions to the fashion world. The chair of the MFA Fashion Design program, Cathleen Sheehan, praised the graduates for their individuality and commitment to craftsmanship, saying, “Their collections reflect their unique stories beautifully.“
Among the designers, Ashleen Tuteja presented her collection “Wheels of Honour,” which blends conceptual art with functional menswear. Tuteja’s designs are deeply rooted in empathy and social responsibility, drawing from her Indian heritage to craft garments that evoke emotion and connection. Her belief that “Design + Form + Emotion = Good Design” was clearly reflected in her thoughtful, structural pieces.
Brunela Ramirez, a Peruvian multidisciplinary artist, explored the intersection of digital technology and sustainability in her collection “Collection 0.” Ramirez uses innovative construction and textile-making techniques to explore gender expression and humanity’s mysteries. Her philosophy, art, and film references were seamlessly integrated into her designs, creating a distinctive aesthetic.
Peruvian-American designer Bryan Barrientos showcased “Juana,” a collection redefining evening wear with a modern twist. By incorporating couture techniques with a contemporary flair, Barrientos celebrated individuality while challenging traditional barriers, making his work stand out as a fresh perspective on elegance.
Cindy QianQian Dong, known for her passion for merging art and fashion, brought her collection “Aquaflow” to life by incorporating 3D printing into her designs. Drawing from nature and human emotion, Dong’s pieces embodied a deep appreciation for life, with her meticulous craftsmanship creating garments that were both visually stunning and empowering for the wearer.
Korean designer Eunhae Cho focused on community, culture, and connection in her collection “Growing Moments: Memory Fossils.” Her designs celebrated her multicultural upbringing across Korea, Canada, and the United States, blending stories from each culture to create garments that resonated with meaning and inclusivity.
Natalia Robles Oteíza from Chile focused on sustainability and technology with her collection “Tessellated Resistance.” Using zero-waste patternmaking and 3D modeling, she redefined technical fashion with an emphasis on storytelling and environmental responsibility, demonstrating a commitment to the future of sustainable fashion.
Beijing-born designer Qi Yun merged Eastern and Western influences in her collection “East Meets West.” By integrating her cultural heritage with her deep understanding of fashion design, Qi’s work celebrated the beauty of cultural synthesis, creating a bridge between two distinct worlds.
New Yorker Talia Abbe shared her playful yet profound collection “Bubble Wrap.” Inspired by her personal struggles with mental health, Abbe’s designs aimed to foster inclusivity, with vibrant colors and voluminous silhouettes offering a sense of joy and childlike wonder while addressing serious themes.
Indian designer Urvi Selarka took the audience on a sensorial journey with her collection “NEBULA.” Her kaleidoscopic designs blended art with fashion, using unconventional materials and patternmaking techniques to craft wearable works of art, inviting onlookers into her imaginative universe.
Chinese designer Yixuan Apple Zhao explored inclusivity through her collection “Seika.” Her designs, influenced by her experiences in both China and North America, sought to break down barriers around size, gender, and cultural representation, pushing for a more inclusive fashion industry.
Another Beijing-born designer, Yixuan Nie, used her collection “YAN XIA” to reflect the traditional beauty of Beijing’s old streets. Nie integrated Chinese elements into modern silhouettes, using vivid colors to convey the joy she associates with her hometown, blending the old with the new.
South Korean streetwear designer Yoon Seo Lee captured hidden narratives through her collection “Smuggler.” Lee’s work, inspired by the overlooked details of everyday life, combined contrasting elements to spark connections between her garments and the audience, utilizing 3D printing to elevate her streetwear designs.
Lastly, Ziling Dong presented “Harmonious Collision,” a collection that sought to find balance between reason and sensibility. Dong’s minimalist silhouettes, influenced by industrial aesthetics, brought forth a unique vision of femininity that combined hardness and tenderness, creating a striking contrast.
The BEYOND show was a celebration of global perspectives, craftsmanship, and a shared vision of fashion’s future. Each designer brought something deeply personal and visionary to the runway, exemplifying FIT’s mission to foster innovation.
