This year, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the theme of the iconic September issue of Vogue is hope. The editors highlighted creatives who offer inspiration for a happier future—including numerous FIT alumni.
A portfolio titled “Strength in Numbers: Meet 67 People Who Make Fashion Happen,” features four Fashion Design grads from the class of 2020, photographed by Ethan James Green wearing their own designs (pictured above). Chadeese Perriel, Su Jin, Zoe Schultz, and Kenneth Ivey were selected by the magazine based on their outstanding senior thesis collections. The safe, socially distanced photo shoot took place in New York City. In the print magazine, which hit newsstands August 20, the feature was called “It Takes an Industry.”
In another feature, “15 Photography Students Capture the Season’s Standout Bags,” recent graduates photographed handbags in stylish and striking ways. Three of those chosen were alumni of FIT’s Photography program: Kahdeem Prosper Jefferson, Siena Saba, and Pamela Martinez. In the print version, called “Last Look,” two of the grads’ images were each given a full page.
Numerous other FIT alumni were featured in the issue, as well:
- Kai Avent-deLeon, owner of Sincerely, Tommy
- Actor and transgender pioneer Laverne Cox
- Brandice Daniel, CEO/founder of Harlem’s Fashion Row
- Mike Eckhaus and Zoe Latta (Design Entrepreneurs class of 2019), co-founders of Eckhaus Latta
- Fashion designer Victor Glemaud
- Fashion designer Michael Kors
- Ryne Larson ’14, associate designer at Marc Jacobs
- Jordie Samerson ’06, store director for Lanvin
- Anja Tyson, sales director at TIPA Compostable Packaging
- Hairstylist Jawara Wauchope