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By Rachel Ellner, June 13, 2013 2:25 pm

… some primer, a little paint, 15 discarded music books, 1/3 gallon of glue, and created one of the 88 pianos re-envisioned by artists for Sing for Hope (a public arts organization in NYC). The artist responsible for this piano is Art and Design Dean’s Office staff member Amy Bauer.

In February Bauer submitted a proposal to be chosen as a Sing for Hope artist. She envisioned tearing pages from vintage music books and covering an entire piano with them. It’s in keeping with an artistic process that involves using discarded paper for works that have nostalgic and recycling themes.  

Being fine tuned

In March, Bauer received confirmation that her proposal was accepted. April and May were spent working on her masterpiece.

Being prepared for the elements

Until June 15 Bauer’s piano will remain outdoors for anyone to admire and/or play. The  piano will then be donated to a school or community center in NYC. 

Current location: On the porch of the Van Cortlandt House Museum in the Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx.

Tickling the keys.   Photo: Richard Hecht

Sunday, June 16 all of the pianos will be located at the Josie Robertson Plaza at Lincoln Center for a free all-day celebration from 11:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

For more information about Amy Bauer, her piano  and art work visit: www.amybauerdesigns.com.

Photos by Amy Bauer

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By Rachel Ellner, June 10, 2013 3:38 pm

Pretty in pink. Pretty in aqua. Pretty in trapeze shapes. Pretty in flounced and flouted prints. Pretty with broad straps or spaghetti ties.  All this sweetness is exclusively online at Galette Children’s Apparel and Nula Kids.  They are just two of many childrenswear e-shops created by FIT fashion design alums.

Scrolling instead of strolling it seems, offers benefits to designers and their customers.

“Postcard” composite from Galette Children’s Apparel

“It allows me to work in small quantities and shorten my lead times as I test the market,” says Leah Aronhime (’09), owner of Galette. “This makes it easier to fit into manufacturers’ busy schedules and get the great quality that I want to offer.”

“Producing a line in the US is very costly,” says Ashlie Kodsy (’11) co-founder of Nula Kids. “Cutting out the middle man – the traditional retailer – allows me to have a competitive price point. I can also see what is and isn’t selling immediately, without having to wait for a buyer’s feedback.”

Addie dress from Nula

Fashion Design professor Sandra Markus agrees. “It circumvents selling wholesale, so they can make a better profit. They can charge retail prices, and it’s a way to have your own life.”

Working from one’s choice of location is attractive for Aronhime, who lives in Baltimore. 

For Kodsy as well. “In L.A., I have access to a variety of manufacturers and vendors. Thanks to the (FIT’s) Childrenswear program, I can effectively communicate with these manufacturers in L.A., my business partner in New York, my screen printer in San Francisco, and so forth.”

Lucy outfit from Nula Kids

“They have the digital skills to do this,” says Markus about recent childrenswear grads.  “The whole upper division in the Childenswear major focuses on gaining digital skills that can be used for practical applications.”

None of these practical applications impinges on the primary focus of designing great childenswear.

“It’s wonderful to see such playful designs,” says Sass Brown, Assistant Dean of the School of Art & Design. “Both designers have achieved a cute and playful balance of wearablity and age appropriate practicality.” They’ve avoided, she says, an “over sophistication” of children’s designs that can be out of keeping with childhood. “They know who they’re designing for,” says Brown.

Galette Children’s Apparel

Aronhime credits FIT with helping her find her individual style as a designer. Upon graduation she knew she wanted to start her own company.  The challenge she says “is finding a market niche and getting people to notice my company among everyone else’s on the web. My goal is to build a business through my website that is recognized in the industry.”

“Mine is to reach a larger audience with my brand,” says  Kodsy. “We’ve been fortunate to have some international interest, but the challenge is getting the word out there.”

Photos used with permission. Photos for Nula Kids:  Angeline Woo.  Photos for  Galette Children’s Apparel: Anat Dubin

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By Rachel Ellner, May 29, 2013 2:32 pm

What kind of song and dance will it take to get you to the Media Design Club’s “Tempo” exhibition? Well we’re glad you asked.

Here is your video invite: (Note: The Communication Design Professor C.J. Yee character was not impressed with this, but you will be!) 

There will be food, a panel discussion, important people, and inspiration. Sorry for the short notice.

The Media Design Club’s “Tempo” exhibition is ONE NIGHT only. Catch it at: Helen Mills Event Space & Theater located: 137-139 West 26 Street, NYC.

Thursday, May 30, 2013, 6 p.m – 10 p.m. It’s free.

The art and design show, “Tempo,” explores the the relationship between time and visual communication.

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By Rachel Ellner, May 20, 2013 4:42 pm

There’s a new men’s shoe line being advertised as the “Don’t ask– Don’t tell” of military style shoes.  But tell we must!  

Roberto Vasi collection

The Roberto Vasi line began as  a business partnership formed in a class taught by Accessories Design Professor Vasilios Christofilakos 20+ years ago.

“My God we had fun!” Vasilios recalls of the sketching accessories class (LD261) that Robert Mingione attended. “He had left Bally’s footwear and was seeking more know-how. He was putting together a portfolio for a position at Kenneth Cole. I asked him to develop a men’s line. It was fun and passionate. He got the job. He comes from the business end of the spectrum. He was business-MBA with a creative edge.”

Roberto-Vasi

The Vasilios–Mingione partnership  has yielded the “military-meets-luxury” line of 75 styles. “We’re honing in, replicating some of the sharp tailoring military uniforms offer,” says Vasilios. Styles include casual, dress, athletic and fusion, and a “fabulous boot collection.”  

The line’s rugged masculinity is enhanced by daring combinations of materials and design techniques. “There are leathers with suede and nylons, hardware and decorative stitching, embossed patterns, men’s suiting fabrics, herring bone and hounds-tooth patterns, as well as stripes and plaids for the linings.”

The line debuted at the FN Platform shoe show in Las Vegas in February and will be on shelves at DSW and at Nordstrom.com this fall.

Roberto-Vasi

After studying with Vasilios, Mingione often took on FIT students as interns. “Many  became successful footwear designers,” said Mingione. “I love the creativity and passion that comes from FIT students. Young designers benefit by getting to see their work come to life. “

Roberto-Vasi collection

Now Vasilios and Mingione have to contend with the “other side of the business.” says Vasilios. “The logistists, all the little things you deal with regarding the business of shoes. Shipping — What happens when it lands in port? How do you get it to the corporate office or warehouse and how do they get it to the retailers? There’s the independent retailers. You’ve got 90 days to pay the bills. You make cold calls to buyers and hope they show up: ‘We just made it to Vegas. Hope to see you soon.’ Then you hope they meet with you once you’re back in New York.” 

Roberto-Vasi

Says Vasilios “It’s all about the relationships you make and nurture.”

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By Rachel Ellner, May 15, 2013 3:51 pm

      “When you leave the space…it should give you a new concept, a new memory.”   Interior Design senior Minsoo Kim

Find out what your next music hall, brain research center, interactive cinema, special children’s hospital and boutique hotels will look like. From FIT’s interior designers of the future!

Plans for these and other projects were on view last Thursday and Friday in Pomerantz building conference rooms, where seniors spoke of their visions for buildings of the future.  

Minsoo Kim’s “Momentum Immersible Cinema”

“I think interior design is not just about function or a convenient space, but should provide a unique experience,” says Minsoo Kim, graduating ID student. “When you leave the space, not only should it have been comfortable and functional, but the space should give you a new concept, a new memory.”

 “My project is a music hub with the purpose of bridging the gap between the artist and the fan,” said senior Amanda Hibbs. “The design intent was to make music tangible by applying elements that relate to both music and design.”

And then there was Sarah Hatch’s brain center project, which is naturally interactive.  “The integration of design with technology can change the way spaces are perceived and the way we operate within them,” says Hatch. “Spaces can operate for us, responding to our actions, and soon enough, maybe even our thoughts.”

Amanda Hibbs presenting music hub “Interlude” project

Recalling the past four years during which sleep was a “true luxury,” ID senior Hayley Park described the culmination of her studies:

“During the seventh semester we developed what’s called our design programs. It was for an envisioned facility of our choice in an existing building in the tri-state area.”

There were frequent all-nighters leading up to the presentations. “We had to write an approximately 150-page book describing our project, its purpose, justification, type of space, the facility required, and an analysis of the individuals who would be using it,” said Hayley. “For instance mine was a mission center to raise next generation missionaries. My building included educational facilities, a worship area and residential component.”

Hayley receiving the Decorator’s Club award

At the end of the 56 presentations, Hayley was “relieved it was over.” But ID chair Andrew Seifer said “It’s not over yet,” and began reading an award letter. “At first he thought it was a present for himself!” said Hayley.

It was an excellence award in the form of a white iPad from The Decorators Club,  a private interior design organization.  It was for Hayley!

“I was crying the whole time,” said Minsoo. “I was so impressed with her project. Every one was so into the spirituality of it”

Sarah Hatch rocking the house with her thesis project “NeoCortex”

Says Minsoo, “I want to start my career in New York and open my own interior architectural firm for commercial and retail spaces. I also want to do not just permanent space, but exhibition and public instillation interior design. The interactive event between people and their space is what interests me.” 

 Click here to read about Hayley’s Pave-winning men’s store

Photos:  Johannes Knoops 

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By Rachel Ellner, May 9, 2013 5:35 pm

Raising of eco-consciousness has long been taking place in the perfume and cosmetics industry. Now there are awards for how well that raised awareness manifests into a meaningful response. Jewelry Design Professor Wendy Yothers recently designed four trophies, in two different styles, for the Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW)  and the Educational Foundation for the Fashion Industries.

CEW is mum about the recipient of a bowl-shaped trophy made of precious koa wood, to be awarded this summer, which gives us time to linger over Yothers’ creations.

Eco award by Wendy Yothers

Three of the awards are tapering obelisks made of crystal. “They wanted something to reflect a sense of our great city,” says Yothers. “It takes water and patience and a study of the refraction to create the visual affect you want in crystal.”

CEW eco award by Wendy Yothers

Yothers used koa, considered the “royal wood of Hawaii,” for a bowl-shaped award. Koa can only be “harvested by windfall” says Yothers, meaning only felled branches or trees can be exploited. But like royalty it has a linage. “You can’t cross its grain. You must respect its character or you’re done.” Yothers worked from the side of the koa so the bark could remain as a design element along the bowl’s rim. “You need good control of your craft and you need to know where you want to go,” she said.

Yothers chooses to retire to the sidelines when her work is done. She says she wants the receiver “to look at it and say ‘I’m worth it!’ They don’t need to know about me. When the art is good, it goes straight through; It becomes yours,” she says of the receivers-to-be. 

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By Rachel Ellner, May 3, 2013 2:38 pm

Come see a brew of  computer animation and interactive media in the Katie Murphy Amphitheater. It’s the mischief of 17 BFA graduating seniors. (details below)

“Poppet,” (a British term of endearment” by Sean Peterson

ART & DESIGN GRADUATING STUDENT EXHIBITION/FIT SENIOR SHOW

MAY 8TH – MAY 23RD

Show Opening – May 7th / 6 – 9 PM
THE MUSEUM at FIT
7th AVE & 27TH STREET
NYC 10001
HOURS:  TUESDAY – FRIDAY 12 – 8 PM
SATURDAY – SUNDAY – MONDAY 10 – 5 PM

For more information on graduating student exhibitions in locations throughout the campus, please go to: A&D graduating student work.

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By Rachel Ellner, April 30, 2013 3:01 pm

When Communication Design student Paola Pachon isn’t stressing over homework assignments, like coding websites for Web Design class and getting crafty with 3D design projects, her quick fingers don’t stop.   For her boyfriend Michael Sheron’s 21st birthday, Pachon designed and crocheted a knight’s helmet.  Sheron, a SUNY Farmingdale programming student, gets loads of comments on it. He especially enjoys the visor, which he can raise, lower or remove.  “I love it because my girlfriend made it especially for me,” says Sheron.  “People stop and tell me all the time that it’s cool.”

Michael Sheron’s mug shot. Crocheted knight’s helmet

Sheron’s favorite video game is League of Legends.  He also enjoys other “role playing games” where he can play a knight. “He’s obsessed with knights,” says Pachon. “I got inspiration from a crocheted baby’s knight outfit on Etsy.”

This was Pachon’s first crocheted item. She relied on help from “La Madre,” her grandmother in New Jersey. The self-taught La Madre, says Pachon, is  a master of  intricate knitted and crocheted designs.

A crocheted helmet made with help from La Madre

“Now everyone is asking me for hats,” says Pachon.  Sheron’s father and two brothers all want ones of their own.

“Random people are complimenting me. I feel awesome because of it,” says Sheron.

Pachon is clearly tapping into a trend.  Photo: Rachel Ellner

Pachon’s response to this design featured in the FIT’s 2013 Future of Fashion Show: “Knitted knight-wear is clearly the way of the future!”

But for Pachon, Sheron is her one and only true knight.  “He’s my knight in crocheted armor,” she says.

Hat photos provided by: Michael Sheron

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By Rachel Ellner, April 29, 2013 3:09 pm

Veronica Romano is known for solving just about any quandary with a spectacular design solution. The Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design professor is also known for her ability to champion student work.

Romano was intent on finding a way to better showcase this year’s student portfolios at  GlobalShop, a leading convention for the retail and brand environment industry. She put her foot to the design pedal and brainstormed with her department chair Craig Berger. Soon they were searching their phones for sponsors.

Kiosk loaded with student portfolios from around the world

This year on the GlobalShop exhibition floor stood an enormous, show-stopping, orange-topped interactive kiosk with a 47” monitor, tended to by FIT students. It was loaded with student portfolios from around the world.

Double-sided screen allowed for increased viewing

“The energy of the students working the kiosk made industry pros want to connect with them,” says Romano. “They landed great job leads. It was the hot thing. Industry leaders were literally telling me that it was one of the most innovative experiences at GlobalShop.”

“Veronica is the biggest cheerleader of student work,” says VPED professor Anne Kong. The kiosk isn’t just about FIT, it’s about design students globally.”

FIT students interacting with industry

 “GlobalShop is a rare one-time event for FIT students to show their work to high-level industry professionals,” says Berger. “The kiosk was a unique way to accomplish this in a very public space.”

The kiosk’s inception: Last summer Romano had planned to incorporate interactive technology into her portfolio class. Wouldn’t it be a great idea, mused Romano, to exhibit all the portfolios in a traveling kiosk? A challenge was sent out to students around the globe to create digital portfolios to load into a kiosk.

Romano worked with Mona Lisa Tan, a previous winner of the PAVE [Planning and Visual Education Partnership] Student Design Competition to design the kiosk.

Digital rendering by Mona Lisa Tan

Visitors to the kiosk were able to touch a region of the world on the screen to locate design schools and select individual student’s bios and portfolio pieces. The interactive kiosk was loaded with portfolios representing 14 schools from 5 countries.

“I put together the group of sponsors who helped build and program the interactive kiosk,” said Berger. Each had an individual role and donated in various ways: Fresh Juice Global provided the technology; Panasonic the screens; PAVE helped coordinate; GlobalShop the space for the kiosk; B+N Idustries built the kiosk structure from Romano’s and Tan’s designs; and FIT kicked in for some expenses.

Ready to ship to next student porfolio launch

The student digital portfolios are available for viewing online at PAVE’s web site, www.paveinfo.org. The kiosk is coming to FIT to be adapted by students and faculty to feature future FIT student work.

“My passion is to enable students to create their own unique ‘visual presentation,’ get industry to engage with them, and to promote their talents effectively,” says Romano. “The kiosk accomplished all of this.”