FIT in Milan student work hits the runway


Waking up in Milan, you might think, is inspiration enough to create high fashion. But it’s just the start of the day for BFA fashion students studying at FIT in Milan.  In addition to 120 hours of classwork at the Politecnico di Milano, they visited museums, attended trade shows, took side trips and did internships to hone their fashion styling edge. By all accounts, they’ve had a dazzling experience. They recently showed their designs to an adoring public.

Jackii Ramis' Crunch, a sunburst pleated wing texture print dress

“Students work with an industry critic, and create five to seven looks for the catwalk. They’ll leave school with a full collection presentable to the press and  for production,” says Lisa Feuerherm,  Resident Director FIT in Milan.

These designs, from the Sportswear Portfolio class, were created as a “mini collection for the fashion show,” said Davide Volonté,  coordinator and events planner for FIT at Politecnico di Milano.

The fashion show included some superb touches with regards to location, accompaniment and use of sustainable fabrics.  The fashion show took place in a 12th century church Hospitale dei Pellegrini, and was set to music of a jazz quartet and violin duo by students at Conservatorio di Milano.

Mariko McNeill, "Transcience: Aesthetic Journey," metallic leather/ black organza “chakra” dress

“It was an exquisite, historic location, ” says Sass Brown, Acting Assistant Dean of the School of Art & Design.

 Vogue Italia,  in attendance, posted many great looks on their site under “new talents.” The local press took notice, as did cosmetic and beauty companies, which posted or printed photos and write-ups.
Meghan McGuffin's Coyle Twist, hand-knit cable vest with cable cowl over multi-layered tulle circle skirt

Most recently MUUSE paid a visit to the program (Read about Gitte’s post “New Yorkers in Milan). MUUSE, which represents graduate designers internationally from the top fashion design schools, picked up the designs of two Politechnic grads to feature on their website.

Jolie Mittleman's Progression of Innocence, a white leather lab coat with red taffeta cropped trousers

“The students were inspired after one of our field trips and wanted to integrate sustainability  into the show,” said Feuerherm. “The fabrics were donated by textile companies of Cittadellarte Fashion Bio Ethical Sustainable Trend.”

Kellie Lamkin's "Black Tie Optional," a neoprene valve coat with organza underskirt

“The fashion show was the final expression of the student-abroad experience and showcased a very sophisticated European sense of design. It was really a stunning show,” says Brown.

Click here for more about the FIT Fashion Design in Milan study abroad program.

Photos by: Corrado Crisciani, with assistance from his photo styling students

 


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