FIT student Yawen Chen Photo credit: Bennett Raglin, Getty
The Fashion Institute of Technology runway show returned in person this week for the first time in three years with an outdoors catwalk erected on the breezeway between Manhattan’s 7th and 8th avenues. Sponsored by Macy’s, FIT’s Future of Fashion class of 2022 had been mentored by industry critics such as designers Sally LaPointe and Jeffrey Dodd; E! style host Zanna Roberts Rassi; Stacey Tester, senior design director at Coach; Keith Lissner EVP of design at Vera Wang; and Julie Wainwright founder of The Real Real, among others in attendance.
Award winning looks by Allison Ko and Marie-Louise Kurrer Photo Bennett Raglin, Getty
Over the years the FIT fashion program has built a reputation for combining creativity with a keen understanding of the job market right on its doorstep. The students’ highly developed skills in the fields of intimate apparel and evening wear are particularly worth mentioning. Noted alumni include the name on everyone's lips Daniel Roseberry who currently heads up Schiaparelli in Paris, NYFW star Peter Do, as well as icons of American fashion, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Norma Kamali.
The show which featured almost 100 looks opened with a parade of innovative weatherwear including a neon orange puffed coat by Allison Ko, a head-to-toe cobalt blue rain suit with dramatic winged sleeves by Marie-Louise Kurrer, both Sportswear Critic award winners, and a yellow hooded bomber and matching drop waist dress printed with social distancing warnings by Kongrou Yang.
Looks by Haley Redding and Daeun Lee, Photo Bennett Raglin, Getty
Outerwear continued with the sharp yet delicate trench emblazoned with black trimmed organza layers by Daeun Lee. Perfect for the unsettled spring weather NYC has been experiencing were cozily edgy knitwear looks by Haley Redding whose sustainable patchwork dress was created using upcycled knit panels hand crocheted together, and Yujia Liu’s ombré brushed mohair dress with felting detail.
Intimate apparel designs by Christian Weissenbergen and Devin Olguin Photo Bennett Raglin, Getty
Providing the wow factor, intricately crafted lingerie looks incorporated Chantilly lace, brocade, illusion panelling, crystal fringing, tulle ruffles and, in the look from Devin Olguin who won the Intimate Apparel Critic Award, a statement peplum on a corset. Ramping up the after dark drama were eveningwear proposals which ranged from varsity-inspired to sci-fi armor to all-out glamour which included Special Occasion Critic Award winner Jiawen Hou's triple layered dress with caged skirt dripping with beading and ruffles and topped with a furry white hat, while the finale gown by Yawen Chen resembled a giant bouquet of peach peonies.
Looks by Jiawen Hou and Yawen Chen
Judged market-ready, Macy’s Capsule Collection award winner Francesca Bornancini's runway look of relaxed cardigan over cut-out top worn with wide-legged pants will be on sale at Macy’s Herald Square in the fall.
