FIT MFA Fashion Design Show SS25
Designer Bryan Barrientos
On September 10, during NYFW, FIT hosted its annual runway show, **BEYOND**, showcasing the collections of 13 emerging designers from the 2024 graduating Fashion Design MFA class. This year’s event, held for the first time on FIT’s campus, was a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage, personal narratives, and innovative fashion, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the designers.
“Our recent MFA graduates have developed impressive inaugural collections and are already establishing themselves as designers to watch in the fashion world,” said Dr. Joyce F. Brown, President of FIT. “We are so pleased to be able to present the runway show for the first time here on the FIT campus as part of New York’s celebrated Fashion Week and help launch the careers of these talented alums.”
**Celebrating Diversity and Creativity: The Designers and Their Work**
The collections presented at BEYOND were deeply personal, drawing from each designer’s life, culture, and creative vision. From South Asian embroidery’s vibrant hues to the minimalist elegance of Scandinavian design, each garment reflected a story of heritage, courage, and boundless creativity.
Designer Bryan Barrientos
The designers collectively described their theme: “Welcome to the culmination of our journey BEYOND, where FIT Fashion Design MFA students from diverse backgrounds and cultures converge to redefine boundaries and celebrate unity in diversity. BEYOND explores the limitless possibilities where creativity knows no borders. Drawing inspiration from our unique heritages, each garment transcends traditional norms, embracing fluidity in silhouette, texture, and identity.”
**A Platform for the Future of Fashion: About the MFA Program**
The FIT Fashion Design Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program is a rigorous two-year course of study where students engage in intensive research, resulting in eight-look collections, thesis papers, presentations, videos, lookbooks, brand business plans, and portfolios. As part of FIT’s School of Graduate Studies, the program prepares students to make meaningful contributions to the fashion industry, whether working within established brands or launching their own.
Designer Brunela Ramirez
Designer Brunela Ramirez
Runway Show Highlights and Sponsors
The BEYOND show was supported by industry partners, including Beautick, Benefit, Fekkai, and JINsoon. Makeup was crafted by Marcello Costa, hair by Anna Cecchi Smith and Eric Gomez, and nails by Alexander Bondoc and Myx Lee. The event’s vibrant atmosphere was further enhanced by music from Laurent Vacher of Maison Labtonic and the lighting design by All Access AV, with production by The Riviere Agency.
About FIT
Part of the State University of New York (SUNY), FIT has long been a leader in career education in art, design, business, and technology. With over 8,000 students, FIT offers a distinctive curriculum that combines hands-on, practical experience with a strong liberal arts foundation. The college’s proximity to New York City provides a dynamic, creative environment, with nearly 50 majors designed to prepare students for success in the evolving creative economy. FIT’s esteemed alumni include Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, and many other industry leaders.
BEYOND was not just a runway show—it was a testament to the power of creativity, the richness of cultural diversity, and the enduring impact of fashion as a universal language. As these young designers step into their careers, their work at BEYOND will remain a vibrant reflection of their journeys, united in a celebration of art, identity, and the future of fashion.