Today’s College: Fashion Institute of Technology
Generally when we think of Institutes of Technology, places like MIT or Virginia Tech are most likely to pop into our minds. But there is another sort of Institute of Technology in the heart of Manhattan where the same sorts of engineering challenges greet students daily. Well, maybe not the exact same. But some of them are pretty technical.
The Fashion Institute of Technology isn’t just an art school. And yes, you can study fine arts here or graphic design, illustration, photography, or art history. Most students, however, are here for the big stuff: fabric styling, jewelry design, accessories, fashion design, menswear, textiles. Students at FIT are here to be the next Tom Ford, Stella McCartney, or Zac Posen. They want to be the next star of accessories like Kate Spade or Tory Burch or they plan to create the kinds of haute couture that people wear on a red carpet like Elie Saab, Rodarte, and Irene Neuwirth.
Knowing your major before you arrive is important here, unlike at a liberal arts school or even an engineering school. Students go to FIT knowing they want to work in fashion because they will start doing it on day 1. When you apply to FIT you will apply to the program you want to be in specifically. For example, if you want to do fashion photography you will apply to the BFA in Photography and the Digital Image. Likewise, if your plan is to be the next Meira T., you would enroll in the Jewelry Design Program (although this is only an Associate’s Degree program).
But here’s the thing about FIT. They are not kidding when they offer these programs. And here’s a snapshot of it. Let’s look at their Fashion Design program:
To be admitted to FIT students must submit a portfolio through SlideRoom. This is a serious portfolio and it requires multiple pieces to be submitted. They offer in person portfolio viewings and tips on how to best prepare your portfolio, all of which is encouraged prior to submission. FIT is part of the State University of New York System, so you must also apply to the SUNY application. SAT and ACT scores are not required unless you want to be in the Honors Program for their liberal arts section.
Going to FIT is not like going to college. It’s like apprenticing in a working environment. You will not be going to football games or tailgates or rushing a fraternity or sorority. There is on campus housing (which is something to be grateful for because, Manhattan) and a meal plan as well. FIT has some sports to keep you sane and it has some clubs as well, but as you might expect they are often industry related (Children’s Wear, Cosmetics and Fragrance Making, Blush Magazine, Urban Sketchers, etc.). This is a school for people who are passionately devoted to what they want to do now and in their future.
Is FIT for you? It may be. They have some incredible programs. They boast the only BFA in Toy design nationally (one of their alums invented Tickle Me Elmo and another Littlest Pet Shop), the oldest program in Fashion Business Management nationally, the only BS in Fragrance and Cosmetics in the country with graduates going on to work in places like L’Oreal, MAC, and Clarins. You can get a degree in home furnishings (lamps, curtains, bedspreads, decorative objects). If you’re dedicated and already are doing this sort of thing, this is for you!
Pros:
Cons:
Generally when we think of Institutes of Technology, places like MIT or Virginia Tech are most likely to pop into our minds. But there is another sort of Institute of Technology in the heart of Manhattan where the same sorts of engineering challenges greet students daily. Well, maybe not the exact same. But some of them are pretty technical.
The Fashion Institute of Technology isn’t just an art school. And yes, you can study fine arts here or graphic design, illustration, photography, or art history. Most students, however, are here for the big stuff: fabric styling, jewelry design, accessories, fashion design, menswear, textiles. Students at FIT are here to be the next Tom Ford, Stella McCartney, or Zac Posen. They want to be the next star of accessories like Kate Spade or Tory Burch or they plan to create the kinds of haute couture that people wear on a red carpet like Elie Saab, Rodarte, and Irene Neuwirth.
Knowing your major before you arrive is important here, unlike at a liberal arts school or even an engineering school. Students go to FIT knowing they want to work in fashion because they will start doing it on day 1. When you apply to FIT you will apply to the program you want to be in specifically. For example, if you want to do fashion photography you will apply to the BFA in Photography and the Digital Image. Likewise, if your plan is to be the next Meira T., you would enroll in the Jewelry Design Program (although this is only an Associate’s Degree program).
But here’s the thing about FIT. They are not kidding when they offer these programs. And here’s a snapshot of it. Let’s look at their Fashion Design program:
- On 5th Avenue in NYC
- Designers serve as critics of the yearly Runway Show (have included Norma Kamali, Gemma Kahng, Calvin Klein, and Bob Mackie)
- Internships are available with Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and Calvin Klein
- Sponsorship from Lululemon Athletica, Cotton, and the CFDA, for various contests
- Faculty members are currently professionals in their field
- Students are encouraged to study abroad in places like Milan, Italy as early as 1st year
To be admitted to FIT students must submit a portfolio through SlideRoom. This is a serious portfolio and it requires multiple pieces to be submitted. They offer in person portfolio viewings and tips on how to best prepare your portfolio, all of which is encouraged prior to submission. FIT is part of the State University of New York System, so you must also apply to the SUNY application. SAT and ACT scores are not required unless you want to be in the Honors Program for their liberal arts section.
Going to FIT is not like going to college. It’s like apprenticing in a working environment. You will not be going to football games or tailgates or rushing a fraternity or sorority. There is on campus housing (which is something to be grateful for because, Manhattan) and a meal plan as well. FIT has some sports to keep you sane and it has some clubs as well, but as you might expect they are often industry related (Children’s Wear, Cosmetics and Fragrance Making, Blush Magazine, Urban Sketchers, etc.). This is a school for people who are passionately devoted to what they want to do now and in their future.
Is FIT for you? It may be. They have some incredible programs. They boast the only BFA in Toy design nationally (one of their alums invented Tickle Me Elmo and another Littlest Pet Shop), the oldest program in Fashion Business Management nationally, the only BS in Fragrance and Cosmetics in the country with graduates going on to work in places like L’Oreal, MAC, and Clarins. You can get a degree in home furnishings (lamps, curtains, bedspreads, decorative objects). If you’re dedicated and already are doing this sort of thing, this is for you!
Pros:
- Takes a dedicated student and makes her a professional
- Gives you access to top professionals
- Amazing internships and study abroad opportunities
- Passionate fellow classmates
Cons:
- Competition is fierce here
- Your work is your life and you live for your work
- You need to be extremely independent
- Non traditional school