Roc Nation and FIT today announced the winners and finalists of a design competition hosted by Roc Nation, exclusively for FIT students. The collaboration—which celebrates a shared commitment to access, creativity, and empowering the next generation of fashion designers—unites two iconic New York institutions, underscoring the city’s enduring legacy as a global capital of culture and innovation.
Representing diverse cultures and influences, the five FIT finalists presented their fashion designs at Roc Nation’s headquarters before a live audience, showcasing their collections of hoodies, sweatshirts, pants, hats, and accessories on live models. Beatrix (Xuan) Mak, Fashion Design BFA, was awarded a $20,000 prize as the first-place winner, and one of her designs will be developed and available at retail later this year.
Jiwon Park, Fashion Design BFA, received the second-place prize of $5,000, and Zion Burrell, Fashion Design MFA, received a $3,000 prize as third-place winner. Outstanding finalists included Roy Luo, Fashion Design MFA, and Nicole Willette, Fashion Design BFA. The five designers were mentored throughout the months-long competition by FIT Fashion Design MFA Assistant Professor Zoran Dobric.
Check out their stories in a two-minute video directed by William Mun, Film and Media ’21, posted at the top of the page or watch it on Vimeo.
“The talent showcased through this competition exceeded every expectation and was truly inspiring,” stated Desiree Perez, CEO of Roc Nation. “From concept to execution, these designers demonstrated not only technical excellence, but a strong sense of perspective. These young designers reflect the future of fashion.”
“This is the magic of FIT in NYC—uniting the powerhouse energy of Roc Nation with the exceptional creativity and technical skills of our amazing students. Their work exemplifies why FIT is the laboratory for creative careers in the 21st century. We are proud to be Roc Nation’s first college partner and deeply grateful for their investment in our students,” said Jason S. Schupbach, president of FIT.
“We have a lot in common with Roc Nation—and not just that we are both located in NYC a few blocks away from each other,” said Dr. Brooke Carlson, interim dean of the School of Graduate Studies. “Both organizations deeply believe in advancing social good, social impact, and social justice. We share the belief that accessibility to a college education is a way to empower the next generation of talent—in both the entertainment and fashion industries.”
“I’m very honored to receive this recognition from Roc Nation,” said Beatrix (Xuan) Mak, Fashion Design BFA, and Roc Nation contest winner. “To have my fashion point of view resonate on such a prestigious platform, alongside a cultural leader like Roc Nation, is truly humbling. It’s an emotional milestone that transforms a career goal into a reality, validating the years of hard work and passion I’ve poured into this craft.”
Fashion has long been connected to music, transforming an auditory experience into a full expression of identity and artistry. This collaboration with Roc Nation connects the fearless creativity of FIT’s students with real-world opportunities and a platform for global cultural reach.