Calendar of Events and Deadlines

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
November 29, 2024                                         Finalists Notified
December 2, 2024                                            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

FM 422 (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 FM 422 Merchandising Strategies course.

FM 422 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 "VINTAGE 50 years forward – Reinterpreting the soft/sensual ’70’s with modern evolutionary techniques.” 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. 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       Presentation/Information Session
January 15, 2025                11:59pm     Due date for design/mood boards, sketches, swatches and Student Consent Forms Deadline
January 27 , 2025                                     Semi-Finalists Selection and Announcement
March 5, 2025                                            Due date for sewn garments (Completed Without Hems and Minor Finishing Details)
March 17, 2025                                          Finalists Selection and Announcement
April 7, 2025                                               Review of Completed Garments       
Week of April 13 or 27, 2025                Photoshoot of Completed Garments
August 2, 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
November 29, 2024                                         Finalists Notified
December 2, 2024                                            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
Week of 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                                         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
Week of December 9, 2024                      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

Spring 2024 Student Contests and Industry-Sponsored Projects

“Pitch FIT-FIT’s Student Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition”
Students are tasked to develop video pitch decks and presentations promoting new entrepreneurial business concepts, social entrepreneurship and new business concepts through projects, products, and services.  Students can submit both individually and as a team. If any team submission constitutes more than one student, that prize will be split equally by the number of students that are part of that submission. Each student/team will be limited to two total submissions for the contest. In order to be able to participate in this challenge, interested students must fill out the Spring 2024 “Pitch FIT - FIT’s Student Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition” Rules and Student Consent Form. For further information please contact either Entrepreneurship (Business Enterprise) Department Chair William Reinisch ([email protected]) or Professor Renee Leibler ([email protected]), who are overseeing the contest.

Pitch FIT-FIT’s Student Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition Timeline

Week of February 12, 2024                                Contest Launch
March 5, 2024                                                         On Campus contest launch event
Weeks of March 11 and March 18, 2024       On Campus workshops for students
April 5, 2024                           11:59pm                 Student Consent Form Deadline
April 5, 2024                           11:59pm                 Round 1 Student Designs Submission Deadline
Week of April 15, 2024                                         Round 2 Finalists Announced
Week of April 22, 2024                                        Round 2 Student Designs Submission Deadline
May 7, 2024                                                             Final Presentations and Winners Announcement

Fabriq Labs Web3 NFT Student Contest 
Fabriq Labs is challenging FIT students to design an NFT under the established guidelines. Students can submit both individually and as a team. If any team submission which constitutes more than one student, that prize will be split equally by the number of students that are part of that submission. Each student/team will be limited to two submissions (each NFT will be a separate submission). In order to be able to participate in this challenge, interested students must fill out the Spring 2024 Fabriq Labs Web3 NFT Student Contest Rules and Student Consent Form. For further information please contact either Entrepreneurship (Business Enterprise) Department Chair William Reinisch ([email protected]) or Professor Renee Leibler ([email protected]), who are overseeing the contest.

Fabriq Labs Web3 NFT Student Contest Timeline

Week of February 5, 2024                                 Contest Launch
Week of February 19-April 1, 2024                On Campus workshops for students
April 22, 2024                        11:59pm                Student Consent Form Deadline
April 22, 2024                        11:59pm                Round 1 Student Designs Submission Deadline
Week of April 29, 2024                                        Round 2 Finalists Announced
May 6, 2024                                                             Round 2 Student Designs Submission Deadline
May 9, 2024                                                             Final Presentations and 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 2024 Constitution Day Postcard Contest Student Consent Form and include their submission as an attachment at the bottom of the document. Submission deadline is April 1, 2024. 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 1, 2024           Competition Start Date
May 6, 2024                    Student Consent Forms and Submission Deadline
May 2024                        Judging Day
Mid-May 2024              Winners Announcement

“Pitch FIT-FIT’s Student Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition”
Students are tasked to develop video pitch decks and presentations promoting new entrepreneurial business concepts, social entrepreneurship and new business concepts through projects, products, and services.  Students can submit both individually and as a team. If any team submission constitutes more than one student, that prize will be split equally by the number of students that are part of that submission. Each student/team will be limited to two total submissions for the contest. In order to be able to participate in this challenge, interested students must fill out the Spring 2024 “Pitch FIT - FIT’s Student Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition” Rules and Student Consent Form. For further information please contact either Entrepreneurship (Business Enterprise) Department Chair William Reinisch ([email protected]) or Professor Renee Leibler ([email protected]), who are overseeing the contest.

Pitch FIT-FIT’s Student Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition Timeline

Week of February 12, 2024                                Contest Launch
March 5, 2024                                                         On Campus contest launch event
Weeks of March 11 and March 18, 2024       On Campus workshops for students
April 5, 2024                           11:59pm                 Student Consent Form Deadline
April 5, 2024                           11:59pm                 Round 1 Student Designs Submission Deadline
Week of April 15, 2024                                         Round 2 Finalists Announced
Week of April 22, 2024                                        Round 2 Student Designs Submission Deadline
May 7, 2024                                                             Final Presentations and Winners Announcement

Fabriq Labs Web3 NFT Student Contest 
Fabriq Labs is challenging FIT students to design an NFT under the established guidelines. Students can submit both individually and as a team. If any team submission which constitutes more than one student, that prize will be split equally by the number of students that are part of that submission. Each student/team will be limited to two submissions (each NFT will be a separate submission). In order to be able to participate in this challenge, interested students must fill out the Spring 2024 Fabriq Labs Web3 NFT Student Contest Rules and Student Consent Form. For further information please contact either Entrepreneurship (Business Enterprise) Department Chair William Reinisch ([email protected]) or Professor Renee Leibler ([email protected]), who are overseeing the contest.

Fabriq Labs Web3 NFT Student Contest Timeline

Week of February 5, 2024                                  Contest Launch
Week of February 19-April 1, 2024                 On Campus workshops for students
April 22, 2024                        11:59pm                Student Consent Form Deadline
April 22, 2024                        11:59pm                Round 1 Student Designs Submission Deadline
Week of April 29, 2024                                        Round 2 Finalists Announced
May 6, 2024                                                             Round 2 Student Designs Submission Deadline
May 9, 2024                                                             Final Presentations and Winners Announcement

FM 422 (Merchandise Strategies Capstone Project) Ann Taylor 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 Ann Taylor. 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 FM 422 Merchandising Strategies course.

FM 422 Merchandise Strategies Capstone Project Timeline

March 11, 2024        6:00pm-8:00pm      Presentation / Information Session
May 1, 2024                    11:59pm                  Student Consent Forms Deadline
May 13, 2024                                                     Final Projects Submission Deadline
Week of May 20, 2024                                  Judging Day and Winners Announcement

IHG US Open Tennis Ball Dress Student Design Contest 
The IHG US Open Tennis Ball Dress Student Contest is a joint industry-sponsored project held in partnership between InterContinental Hotels Group and FIT’s School of Art & Design. The objective is to create a tennis ball dress that will be on display and modeled throughout the 2024 US Open tennis tournament drawing spectators to the designated IHG sponsor areas. The dress must be made by incorporating tennis balls/ tennis ball material, be wearable by a model, and embraces the IHG and US Open tennis tournament brand. Students can enter the contest by filling out Spring 2024 IHG US Open Tennis Ball Dress Student Contest Rules and Student Consent Forms and submitting your design to faculty mentor.  For further information please contact Professor Michael Kaye ([email protected]), who is the faculty mentor overseeing the contest. 

IHG US Open Tennis Ball Dress Student Contest Timeline

March 12, 2024              1:00pm              Information Session Recording
May 1, 2024                     11:59pm            Due date for design/mood boards, sketches, swatches and Student Consent Forms Deadline
Week of May 8, 2024                                Finalists Notified
July 31, 2024                    5:00pm           Complete Garments Submission Deadline
Week of August 7, 2024                          Judging Day and Winners Announcement

New York Society of Renderers Student Rendering Design Contest
​This contest is designed in conjunction with NYSR to highlight some of the more talented rendering students in the Interior Design Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology.​ The contest ​promotes technical excellence and creativity in the rendering of student's designs.​ The renderings can be done in any media. Hybrid and hand rendering styles ​are​ encouraged.  In order to be able to participate in this challenge, interested students must fill out the Spring 2024 New York Society of Renderers Student Rendering Design Contest Rules and Student Consent Form. For further information please contact Professor Sven Johnson ([email protected]), who is the faculty mentor overseeing the contest. 

New York Society of Renderers Student Rendering Design Contest Timeline

February 6, 2024                              Competition Start Date
March 21, 2024      11:59pm          Student Consent Form and  Project Submission Deadline
April 8, 2024                                      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. Students can enter the contest by filling out Spring 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

February 15, 2024            1:00pm                Information Session Recording
March 6, 2024                 11:59pm                Concept Submission and Student Consent Forms Deadline
March 13, 2024                                                1st round finalists announced
Week of March 18, 2024                               Due date for 1st round designs , mood boards, sketches, swatches
Week of April 1, 2024                                     Round 1 Mentorship Meetings
April 8, 2024                                                      Tech Pack Submission
Week of April 8, 2024                                    Tech Pack Mentorship Meetings
April 22, 2024                                                   3D Cads Submission
Week of April 22, 2024                                  3D Cads Mentorship Meetings
Week of  May 20, 2024                                  Protos Received
Week of June 3, 2024                                    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, 2024   1:00pm       Presentation/Information Session
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

Underfashion Club 2024 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 “Creative Recycling for a Sustainable Fashion Future”.  Students can use the following link to view  the photo images (front and back views) of three garments as well as body lace, leg trim and waist trim and "faux leather leggings" on the The Underfashion Club's Website. For further information please contact Fashion Design-Apparel Professor Michael Kaye ([email protected]), who is the faculty mentor overseeing the contest. 

Underfashion Club 2023 Student Design Contest Timeline

November 14 , 2023          1:00pm        Information Session Recording
January 5, 2024                 11:59pm       Due date for design/mood boards, sketches, swatches and Student Consent Forms Deadline
January 9 , 2024                                        Semi-Finalists Selection and Announcement
February 5, 2024                                       Due date for sewn garments (Completed Without Hems and Minor Finishing Details)
February 14,  2024                                    Finalists Selection and Announcement
March 11, 2024                                           Review of Completed Garments       
Week of March 17, 2024                         Photoshoot of Completed Garments
April-May                                                     Virtual Garment Exhibition and Winners Announcement

Theraplant Cannabis Brand Concept Student Design Contest
This contest a joint industry-sponsored project held in partnership between Theraplant and FIT’s School of Art & Design. This project will put into practice the brand strategy and packaging design principles studied in the co-requisite courses PK354 and PK319. Students will develop the brand name which must start with the letter “A", logo(s) which must be no more than three colors (in addition to black and white) and must be easily identifiable in the dimensions of 1 in. x 1 in, a custom 1/8th ounce cannabis mylar bag front panel design, a custom jar label design (5 in. x 2 in.) incorporating the 1 in. x 1 in. logo on the front panel and a brand style guide with typography, colors and logo standards for digital applications.  For further information please contact Professor Sonia Sussman ([email protected]) or Sandra Krasovec ([email protected]), who are the faculty mentors overseeing the contest. 

Theraplant Cannabis Brand Concept Student Design Contest Timeline

Week of February 12, 2024                          Presentation/Information Session
March 1, 2024                    11:59pm              Due date for design/mood boards, sketches, swatches and Student Consent Forms Deadline
March 4, 2024                                                  Color digitals due to Faculty Mentor
March 11, 2024                                                 Presentation of designs by students 
March 18, 2024                                                Winners Announcement

We Stand As One for Pride Student Design Contest
WestPoint Home partnered with FIT in order to celebrate, elevate and commemorate PRIDE. Pride is a joyful celebration of all the beautiful identities of our LGBTQ+ community. A worldwide movement and philosophy asserting that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender and queer (LGBTQ) individuals should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Despite the profound emotional and physical pains, and the bullying, violence, intimidation, and shaming that many LGBTQ individuals have endured, the collective decision to unite and declare #LoveWins is the ultimate example of progress. How can we spotlight this movement authentically in the way that we decorate our homes? Representational and abstract ideas based on this theme are welcome and students are free to apply their own interpretation in representing the overall theme.  Products will be showcased in WestPoint Home’s September Market ’23 showroom.  For further information please contact Professor Ruth Jeyaveeran ([email protected]), who is the student mentor overseeing the contest. 

We Stand As One for Pride Student Design Contest Timeline

Week of April 1, 2024                                      Presentation/Information Session
Week of April 8, 2024      11:59pm              Due date for design/mood boards, sketches, swatches and Student Consent Forms Deadline
May 1, 2024                                                        Mid-point check-in and guidance session with contestants
May 8, 2024                                                       Due date for final designs including a design statement
May 15, 2024                                                     Presentation of designs by students 
Week of May 20, 2024                                  Winners Announcement

ED523 (Exhibition Design for the Museum Setting) “The Wheel of Life” Exhibition Project 
This educational project is a joint collaboration between FIT's Exhibition and Experience Design MA Department and Rubin Museum of Art.  The student objective of this project is to undertake the subject of utilizing content and collections as determined by the museum so as to understand how exhibits are developed and physically interpreted within a museum exhibition environment. Students will be responsible for adhering to all rules and requirements of a museum venue, developed by the faculty instructor in collaboration with the Rubin Museum of Art. For further information please contact Professor Brenda Cowan ([email protected]), who is the instructor teaching the course. 

ED523 “The Wheel of Life” Exhibition Project Timeline

February 7, 2024                     Site visit to the Rubin Museum of Art
February 14, 2024                   Rubin Museum of Art Administrators Interviews
March 13,  2024                       Midpoint concept designs are submitted for museum's review and comments
May 8, 2024                              Final design presentations to museum project team

ED531 (Presentation Techniques) Activation Project for Pinnacle and Sony Honda Mobility 
Pinnacle and Sony Honda Mobility are seeking proposals for experiential activations to drive brand awareness, social media engagement, and press coverage of their AFEELA prototype to encourage pre-orders, and are partnering with FIT's Graduate Exhibition & Experience Design Department to design a design an experiential activation for deployment to key cities in target markets: Los Angeles, Austin, and New York City. Through this process students will learn professional design and pre-production processes for pre-production of experiential marketing activations.  For further information please contact Professor Pedro Mota ([email protected]), who is the instructor teaching the course. 

ED531 Pinnacle and Sony Honda Mobility Project Timeline

February 6, 2024                                     Introductory Project Presentation
March 19 and March 21,  2024          Midpoint Design Review Presentation
April 30 and May 02, 2024                 Final Concept and Technical Deck Presentations

ED542 (Exhibition Design Graphics) Graphic Placemaking and Wayfinding Design Project for Gotham Park including Brooklyn Banks Skate Park
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 Gotham Park New York City.  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 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 Gotham Park 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

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 2024 Constitution Day Postcard Contest Student Consent Form and include their submission as an attachment at the bottom of the document. Submission deadline is April 1, 2024. 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 1, 2024           Competition Start Date
May 6, 2024                    Student Consent Forms and Submission Deadline
May 2024                        Judging Day
Mid-May 2024              Winners Announcement