Watch this Talent! Inside the 2018 Fashion Future Graduate Showcase

July 11, 2018

Rachel Glicksberg

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Peng Ye, Parsons School of Design

For the second consecutive year, the CFDA teamed up with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) to present the Fashion Future Graduate Showcase (FFGS), a two-day event that featured top fashion graduates from eight American fashion colleges.

The participating schools were Academy of Art University, California College of the Arts, Fashion Institute of Technology, Kent State University, Parsons School of Design, Pratt Institute, Rhode Island School of Design, and Savannah College of Art and Design.

Fifty-three designers were selected; the showcase included recent graduates from both BFA and MFA programs.

Stationed at Industria Studios this past Monday and Tuesday, FFGS presented the featured designers with access to industry—including buyers, press, stylists, and hiring teams. For many, this is their prized first entry into the industry. For the industry, FFGS, made possible by Reebok, is an ideal way to discover new talent.

The designers unanimously agreed that FFGS was an exceptional opportunity to both meet industry professionals and create relationships with peers. FFGS also gave them the ability to work on personal growth and develop necessary skills as they make their entry into the industry. Parsons grad and womenswear designer Yiru Wang was inspired to step out of her comfort zone. “I’m not really a talkative person,” she said, “so this opportunity helped me challenge myself to talk people about me and my brand, and I appreciated the opportunity.”

For FIT grad Kihyun Kim, who hails from South Korea and focuses eveningwear, FFGS plays a considerable role in his professional trajectory. He was able to meet new people and network, particularly with stylists. Kim explained that this was the first time he had the opportunity to exchange business cards with people he admires, and he was excited to receive a request to borrow a dress.

RISD grad and womenswear designer Avery Albert valued the face-time she had with show-goers. “It is a great way to express your concepts and get people to really understand what you’ve done, and why it’s important to you,” she said. Albert clearly made a strong impression- she landed an interview to work for a major American designer on day one!

View portraits of some of the 2018 FFGS students, and learn more about the program here.

Photos by Andres Altamirano

Academy of Art University

california college of the arts

Fashion Future Graduate Showcase

Fashion Institute of Technology

FFGS

Kent State University

NYCEDC

Parsons School of Design

Pratt Institute

Reebook

rhode island school of design

Savannah College of Art and Design

Jahnkoy Spring-Summer 2019

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Watch this Talent! Inside the 2018 Fashion Future Graduate Showcase

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