Roc Nation and FIT launch student design competition for limited-edition capsule collection

Roc Nation and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) have announced a student design competition set to begin in fall 2025, offering participants the chance to create a capsule collection that reflects the entertainment company’s distinctive brand identity. The initiative provides one FIT student with a 20,000 dollar award and the opportunity to see their work developed into a limited-edition collection, scheduled for release in 2026.

Students are asked to submit designs for a hoodie, sweatshirt, pants, hat, and one additional accessory of their choice. Each proposal must include details about materials, techniques, and creative direction, aligning with Roc Nation’s aesthetic. An information session will be held on September 4, with submissions due October 13. Finalists will be announced later in October, and each will receive 800 dollars in funding to create prototypes under the guidance of FIT Assistant Professor Zoran Dobric. In December, designs will be presented to Roc Nation’s judging committee, with the winner expected to be announced in January 2026.

The competition is being framed as both an educational opportunity and a professional stepping stone. Desiree Perez, Roc Nation’s CEO, noted that the initiative is designed to give students practical experience in translating creative ideas into market-ready products, while FIT President Dr. Joyce F. Brown highlighted the collaboration as an example of how partnerships between academia and industry can spark innovation across disciplines.

For educators, the project illustrates how classroom learning can be extended through real-world engagement. By blending fashion design with music and cultural influences, the program challenges students to think critically about aesthetics, brand identity, and market positioning while also offering financial support and professional exposure. The result is an experience that underscores the role of higher education in preparing the next generation of fashion leaders.