Fashion’s future is here, and they have the diplomas to prove it.

Near the end of last month, the CFDA and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) partnered to host the inaugural Fashion Future Graduate Showcase (FFGS) in New York City. The Made in NY exhibition at Center 415 spotlighted 60 design graduates from Parsons School of Design, Pratt Institute, Fashion Institute of Technology, Rhode Island School of Design and Academy of Art University.  An additional 26 designers are also included in the ongoing online showcase on CFDA.com.

The showcase included students from all specializations and interests including apparel, materiality and accessories through the lenses of sustainability, social innovation and creative technical design.

The space was laid out like a sophisticated showroom; each designer with their own space curated to their personal aesthetic. Open to the public for two days, the goal of the FFGS was to connect emerging talent with industry opportunity. In addition, the students participated in two days of inspiring and educational discussions from industry leaders including Dao-Yi of Public School, Wen Zhou of Phillip Lim and Bridget Foley of WWD.

Walking around the space, it was overwhelmingly evident that the fashion curriculum has changed and the bar has been raised. Not only did these students have beautifully designed clothing, textiles and accessories, but they wrote books, and had elaborate look books, videos and branding – all while supporting ethical, innovative and conscious concepts with extensive research and philosophical thought.

The Fashion Future Graduate Showcase was a glimpse of what lies ahead for this industry. These students are ready to step out into the industry with resumes full of systems thinking, social innovation, and sustainability. They also question gender, body image, health care, functionality and advocate for under-represented customers.

Fashion’s future is here. It’s now up to industry to provide opportunities to these young designers to allow them to help move the fashion industry forward.