The Division of Communications and External Relations is pleased to share FIT in the News, which reports selected highlights of news stories about the college and/or that quote the college’s experts. These stories will be accessible for at least seven days by clicking on the links below.
Fashion Industry Internships
Tardis Johnson, associate dean, Academic Advisement, on fashion industry internships: “The pandemic has a major impact on the availability of internships for FIT students, and students throughout the country. The overwhelming majority of internships that were offered, were offered in a virtual format.”
Art Smith Memorial Scholarship
The Art Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund, named in honor of the influential mid-century modernist New York City-based Black jewelry designer, has been funded by a group of 50 jewelry industry brands. The $50,000 endowed scholarship will create ongoing scholarships and mentorships to support Black students attending the college’s Jewelry Design program.
Yeezy Partnership with Gap
Shawn Grain Carter, associate professor, Fashion Business Management, on Gap’s partnership with Yeezy: “If this Yeezy partnership can improve the conversion rate of attracting non-Gap shoppers to become new loyal Gap brand repeat customers, then Gap’s share of wallet among the youth who favor Kanye West offers significant upside. Whether or not this is sustainable growth remains an open question.”
Diversity in Jewelry Design
Kim Nelson, assistant chair, Jewelry Design, contributed to an article on Black students in the Jewelry Design program. From the article: “More talent is set to emerge, though…at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Kim Nelson, assistant chair of the jewellery design programme, sees the latest cohort of African-American students as much more entrepreneurial.”
FT.com (UK)
Psychology of Dressing
Daniel Benkendorf, associate professor, Psychology, on the psychological aspect of dressing: “One enduring myth around fashion, and clothing specifically, is that it is frivolous or meaningless. Rather, clothing is rich with meaning and purpose. The link between clothing and emotions is reciprocal—how we feel impacts what we think about our clothing, and it guides our decisions about what to wear. But what we wear also impacts how we feel and what we think.”
The Museum at FIT (MFIT)
Balenciaga
Valerie Steele, director and chief curator, MFIT, on Balenciaga: “[He] understood that haute couture is the space where true innovation in fashion emerges today.”
ElPais.com (Spain)
Gucci Archives
Valerie Steele, director and chief curator, MFIT, on an exhibition at Gucci’s newly opened archives, located in Florence, Italy, which she curated: “The archive is a memory palace. Far from being a dusty attic, it is a dynamic system of knowledge production and inspiration.”
Vogue.com
Vogue.com (Mexico)
Vogue.com (Brazil)
WWD
WWD.com
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