Fashion Institute of Technology: Notable Alumni
The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), a public college that is part of the State University of New York system, has a long history of producing successful graduates in the fields of art, business, design, mass communication, and technology related to the fashion industry. FIT, established in 1944, offers seventeen majors through the School of Art and Design and ten through the Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology, awarding degrees such as Associate of Applied Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Bachelor of Science. FIT also provides a variety of non-credit courses through the Center for Professional Studies. This article highlights some of the most notable alumni who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.
Fashion Design and Industry Leaders
FIT has been a training ground for numerous influential figures in the fashion industry. These alumni have not only created successful brands but have also shaped the trends and aesthetics of the fashion world.
Michael Kors is perhaps one of the most recognizable names associated with FIT. As the chief creative officer of his brand, Michael Kors, he oversees a global empire that includes men's and women's ready-to-wear, accessories, watches, jewelry, footwear, and fragrance. Before focusing on his brand, Kors was the first women's ready-to-wear designer for the French house Celine from 1997 to 2003. His influence extends beyond design, as Michael Kors Holdings Limited, which includes Michael Kors, Jimmy Choo, and Versace, officially changed its name to Capri Holdings Limited on January 2, 2019.
Francisco Costa, a Brazilian designer, served as the Women's Creative Director of Calvin Klein Collection. Costa's contributions to the fashion industry have been recognized with the Council of Fashion Designers America (CFDA) award for Womenswear Designer of the Year in 2006 and 2008, as well as the National Design Award in 2009. More recently, he launched Costa Brazil, a beauty concept inspired by his native Brazil.
Bibhu Mohapatra, an Indian designer based in New York, has made a name for himself as a fashion and costume designer.
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Christian Siriano gained prominence after winning the fourth season of Project Runway in 2007, becoming the youngest winner in the show's history. In 2008, he launched his eponymous Christian Siriano collection, which quickly became a successful venture.
Isabel Toledo, a Cuban-American fashion designer based in New York City, was known for her craftsmanship and the "sophisticated simplicity" of her garments.
Austin Scarlett is an American fashion designer and artist known for his appearances on the first season of Project Runway, 2012's Project Runway: All Stars, and his own series, On the Road with Austin and Santino.
Chloe Dao, winner of the second season of the reality show Project Runway, presented a collection of women's evening wear featuring billowing sleeves, removable shrugs, and brocade prints.
Shaina Nana Chudasama, also known as Shaina NC, is an Indian fashion designer, politician, and social worker. Known as the 'Queen of Drapes,' she holds a Guinness Book of World Records title for fastest saree drape.
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Entertainment and Media Personalities
FIT alumni have also made significant strides in the entertainment and media industries, showcasing their talents as actors, television personalities, and media moguls.
Laverne Cox is an American actress and LGBT advocate. She rose to prominence with her role as Sophia Burset on the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black, becoming the first transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. In 2015, she won a Daytime Emmy Award in Outstanding Special Class Special as executive producer for Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word, making her the first trans woman to win the award. She has also appeared on broadcast TV as Cameron Wirth on CBS's Doubt.
Karen Allen is an American film, television, and stage actress. She made her film debut in Animal House (1978) and has since starred in numerous notable films.
Stephen A. Smith, also known as SAS, is an American sports television personality, sports radio host, and sports journalist. He is an NBA analyst for ESPN on SportsCenter, NBA Countdown, and the network's NBA broadcasts. He has also hosted The Stephen A. Smith Show on ESPN Radio and is a commentator on ESPN's First Take.
Sonja Morgan is an American television personality, socialite, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She is known for her role on The Real Housewives of New York City.
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Aquaria, whose real name is Giovanni Lucca Palandrani, is an American drag queen, television personality, and recording artist best known for winning the tenth season of RuPaul's Drag Race in 2018.
Amber Lee Ettinger is an American actress, Internet celebrity, model, and singer.
Robert Verdi is an American TV personality and style expert known for hosting TV programs featuring fashion and interior design.
Oscar Nunez is a Cuban-American actor and comedian, best known for his role as Oscar Martinez on NBC's The Office.
Artists and Designers
FIT's focus on art and design has fostered a community of talented artists who have made significant contributions to various creative fields.
Nikki S. Lee is a South Korean visual artist with a focus on performance, photography, and film. Her work explores themes of identity, particularly as it relates to others. Her photography series Projects (1997-2001) is her most notable work.
Molly Crabapple is an American artist and writer. She is a contributing editor for VICE and has written for a variety of other outlets, as well as publishing books, including an illustrated memoir, Drawing Blood (2015). Her works are held in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, The Barjeel Art Foundation, and the New-York Historical Society.
Ivy Ross is an American business executive, designer, and Chief Design Officer.
Greta Zimmer Friedman was an Austrian-born American who was photographed being grabbed and kissed by a Navy sailor in the iconic V-J Day in Times Square photograph.
Political and Social Figures
FIT alumni have also ventured into the realms of politics and social activism, using their platforms to advocate for change and serve their communities.
Gulnara Karimova was the elder daughter of Islam Karimov, the president of Uzbekistan from 1991 to 2016. She held considerable influence in Uzbekistan due to her business dealings and family connections.
Kim Coco Iwamoto is an American politician from Hawaii and a member of the Hawaii House of Representatives. Iwamoto is the first transgender state legislator in Hawaii history.
Elizabeth S. Crowley is an American politician who previously served as the New York City Council member for the 30th district from 2009 to 2017.
Janelle Commissiong is a Trinidadian politician, model, and beauty queen who was crowned Miss Universe 1977.
Business and Entrepreneurship
FIT equips its graduates with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the business world, and many alumni have become successful entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Stefano Rosso is an Italian businessman and the co-founder and CEO of D-CAVE, a lifestyle platform for the gaming community. He is also a board member of OTB Group, the parent company of fashion brands Diesel, Maison Margiela, Marni, Viktor & Rolf, Staff International, and Brave Kid.
Radhika Khanna was an Indian-American fashion designer, entrepreneur, and author.
Other Notable Alumni
The Fashion Institute of Technology has produced a diverse range of alumni who have excelled in various fields.
Guru, whose real name was Keith Edward Elam, was an American rapper, record producer, and actor. He was a member of the hip hop duo Gang Starr.
Prince Egon von Fürstenberg was a socialite, banker, fashion and interior designer, and a member of the former German princely family of Fürstenberg.
Leah Christine McSweeney is an American fashion designer and television personality. She founded the women's streetwear line Married to the Mob in 2004.
Enrico Casarosa is an Italian director, screenwriter, and storyboard artist known for his work at Pixar. He directed the short film La Luna (2011) and the feature film Luca (2021), both of which were nominated for Academy Awards.
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