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By Rachel Ellner, November 9, 2012 7:20 pm

It requires some poking around and some leading questions to find out the extent of the awards, scholarships, internships and leadership recognitions Yecca Zeng (’12) received on the way toward her BFA in fashion design.  The short list: presidential scholar,  outstanding draping design, BFA runway show apparel designs, student ambassador, VP of the Intimate Apparel Club, peer tutor. Most notably, she’s a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence 2012.

Yecca strongly urges students to apply for is the Chancellor’s Award 2013.  She graciously answered questions about the application process, and where her suitcase full of accomplishments led her.

DEADLINE ALERT:  Applications for SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence 2013 due November 30.

Yecca Zeng

Photo:  FIT photography student Erin Glover

A&D: What made you decide to apply for the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence?

Yecca: I have always been a bit of an overachiever, and felt this award was created to recognize over achievement!  The application was not at all difficult. It only asks for a detailed list of accomplishments, both small and large. I figured, why not?

A&D:  What type of student is best suited to win?

Yecca: Anyone who pursued many different goals and succeeded. I just barely made the cut at 3.7 (GPA), and I think it is very fair.

Yecca’s latest wedding dress

Photo: JJ Mendoza

A&D: What was your mindset as an FIT student?

Yecca: From my first semester term garment to my final senior thesis, I took risks and finished complicated projects in the nick of time. I also pushed myself to overload on extra classes (both liberal and artistic) and participate in a barrage of activities. I was constantly exhausted because of my crazy schedule. There were definitely some bad test results. That never stopped me from trying to learn more, and discover new skills and ideas. I met some amazing people that I never would have if I had just stayed in the required fashion design course path.

This award is not about getting the highest grade in the class. It’s about getting the most out of everything college has to offer.

Yecca’s Femmy Gala award-winning design in Best of Intima magazine. 

Photo: Andrei Jackamets

A&D:   Do you think employers take notice of this award?

Yecca: I think it certainly doesn’t hurt. It’s given to just a handful of students and it’s a way to differentiate yourself from other job hunters.

A&D:  Tell us a bit about your work at American Eagle.

Yecca: Currently I work full time as an assistant bra designer for aerie. It’s quite interesting how much my duties change as a designer in the real world. I spend over half the day communicating between all the different hands involved in the creation of a product.  But the best part is I have evenings and weekends to enrich my life however I wish.

Yecca Zeng’s intimate apparel design chosen for the BFA runway show 2012

Yecca cont:  Back in college with all those sleep-deprived nights, when I was taking 15-minute naps every other day and drowsily riding the subway home 2 a.m. every night, I’d wonder to myself: Is it really worth it? Will I even find a job? And it is so incredibly rewarding, knowing that everything I work on now, is being produced and sold to millions.

Click here to download application for the Chancelor’s Award for Student Excellence 2013

Visit Yecca Zeng’s website

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By Rachel Ellner, August 20, 2012 3:41 pm

“I love the night because it allows me to see the stars and the moon, and when most people are sleeping I’m seeing everything in a different light.  Vivid colors, shadows and that eerie feeling of not knowing is exciting to me.” – Sam Verkaik, photography student

Street scenes, fashion shoots, cuisine, architecture, outdoor markets and a dance concert were some of the scenic indulgences of FIT photography students studying in Italy this summer.

“In Florence we visited the marketplace…I decided to go my own way. My first stop was a food market located in an old but updated building. The smell of the fresh produce excited me. I had visions of buying fresh meat  and vegetables and cooking in an Italian kitchen.” – Tiffany Wheeler.

The itinerary for this summer’s International Photographic Study and Practice included  Florence, Milan, Como, Venice and Lugano, Switzerland.

“Venice felt like another world…The colors were vibrant whether it be the colors in the fabric hanging to dry or the reflections in the water, Venice spoke to me.” – Paula Awad

Photo by: Paula Awad

“In contrast to the bustling city of Milan, Lake Como and the towns surrounding it proved to be quite the contrast. Locals and tourists alike enjoy soaking up the weather, the views, and the culture.” –   Kai Germano

To view student work go to: FIT Photography in Italy.  ”Feel free to comment on images you like. I’m sure the students will appreciate your thoughts,” says Photography Chair Ron Amato, instructor for the Summer in Italy program.

To read about Summer in Italy 2011 visit: My Italian experience

Photos used with departmental permission.

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By Rachel Ellner, July 30, 2012 5:31 pm

To be young, full of restless drive and talent and have studied at FIT. That’s Kieran Dallison, the inaugural winner of the GILT/CFDA All-Star Scholarship Award.  Dallison was poised yet full of excitement in describing the import of the award – having his womenswear collection produced and sold by GILT.com, an exclusive online fashion website. The experience was “surreal,” he said.

Kieran Dallison with his scholarship winner collection. Photo courtesy of Billy Farrell Agency

Fashion writers swooned in to learn more about the vision of the boy from the Grand Canyon. “I think the pure ‘un-fashion-ness’ of northern Arizona has totally affected my life in fashion,” Dallison told Lucky magazine. “We’re designing clothes with an end purpose—they have to be wearable…I’m from a ski town—it’s actually a highland desert. So I draw on a lot of those desert colors in my work.” Dallison’s  mom is a dancer, so “Movement and how clothes react to the body is hugely important to me…I also use a lot of “dancerly” fabrics and leotard-like necklines.”

Dallison, who was recently hired by ICB as an associate designer for its NY office, told us about the “great response” to the collection.  ”The sale was only up for two days. While it was up, about half of the pieces sold out, which is incredibly exciting.  I wanted to create  a collection of clothes that were easily understood, brightly colored, and super fun to wear. I like to put into my work lots of great pieces at affordable prices that still have a lot of the attention to detail and overall design aesthetic.”

In preparation for the CFDA award, Dallison told us he received an “incredible amount of support and guidance” from the Fashion Design Art department.  ”Those professors made themselves available to me at any time, and are spectacular people.  They really helped me gain the confidence in my own work that has been crucial for me to get to this point.”

Dallison attended the awards with GILT.com co-founders Alexis Maybank and Alexandra Wilkis Wilson. “It was incredible to attend the awards with them,” he gushed.

Kieran Dallison with his scholarship winner collection. Photo courtesy of Billy Farrell Agency

Dallison advises FIT students: “make it a priority to do as much outside of class as you do in class.  Internships are crucial, as you will inevitably need to foster positive relationships with your co-workers as you leave school and start to search for a job.  Contests are a fantastic way to improve on your work as well.

“If I just went along with the curriculum as it is, I would have never had the opportunities I’ve enjoyed over the past couple years.  Fashion Design is more than just a major – it’s a total life-commitment.  It’s hard work, but it definitely pays off.”

For more media coverage on Kieran Dallison go to:

Harpers Bazaar: http://www.harpersbazaar.com/bazaar-blog/gilt-cfda-all-star-scholarship-winner-060712?click=blog

Lucky magazine: http://www.luckymag.com/blogs/luckyrightnow/2012/06/on-set-with-gilt-cfda-all-star-scholarship-winner-kieran-dallison#slide=1

Styleite: http://www.styleite.com/media/kieran-dallison-cfda-gilt/#0

NBC NY: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/blogs/threadny/THREAD-Gilt-Groupe-CFDA-Kieran-Dallison-Scholarship-158146515.html

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By Rachel Ellner, July 23, 2012 2:41 pm

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.

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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By Rachel Ellner, June 8, 2012 4:27 pm

“I tell the students I love it when they have to stand on a chair to reach their project,” says Fine Arts Prof. Barry Sigel about the Accessory Design students who take his 3-D Design course.  For their final assignment, students had to make geometrical figures out of everyday objects.

Suyun Chng

“This is a really inventive project because Sue cut up two identical cups making them into one bigger cup,” says Sigel.

Caitlin Connelly

But wide works too. “Caitlin’s looks like something out of nature,” says Sigel about a construction made from barbecue skewers. “She brought it in on the bus leery that she might stick someone. She had a big coat over it.”

Brianne Desch

Brie –”as in the cheese” she likes to say–got into every project.

Hyeyoon "Sally" Jung

This wall of translucent cups had a wonderful optical illusion to it.

Natali Sznajderman

Natali’s caffeinated project was made out of coffee filters.

The change to a different blue gives Sonam’s tower of cups a unique feeling.

Mary Kimberly Gayatinea

Kim started out using straws, but came up with this interesting construction using insulation sleeves.

Nayeun "Nell" Kim

“This project appears both flat and 3-dimensional at the same time. The photo also shows how useful it could be as a head rest,” says Sigel

Photos by: Barry Sigel

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By Rachel Ellner, May 27, 2012 6:53 pm

Delayed gratification may be coming back in style. Recent graphic design grad Amanda Camodeo is putting an artistic emphasis on writing cards and letters — those that get delivered to your mailbox rather than your inbox.

Amanda Camodeo with her book of mail

“I’m a big fan of mail,” said Camodeo, whose writing booth at the Media Design Club exhibit at Center548 on Thursday was equipped with 60 handmade, Victorian-style, ready-stamped postcards and a make-shift drop-off box.  ”When you get something in the mail that isn’t a bill,  promotion or coupon, you just smile,” she said.

Suzanne Anoushian, Communication Design Chair, checking out the mail book

“With the advancement of technology people forget how beautiful mail is,” said Camodeo. The postcards seduced many hardened instant-message writers.   An hour and a half into the exhibit  so many postcards had been, well, dashed off, that Camodeo’s supply was running low.  ”I wanted to promote with the help of my drop off box sending mail and give people a chance to do so.”

Liat Alon and Natalie Eichengreen marvel at hand-written mail

Many more lingered over Camodeo’s hand-fashioned book containing old letters and quotes about mail.

A favorite of Camodeo’s is by an unknown author:

“Sending a handwritten letter is like sending a small part of yourself.”

Mark Twain was less gushy: ”Great letters are something everyone wants to get but hardly anyone wants to write, at least not at just this moment.”

Suzanne Anoushian, Chair of Communication lingered over the book’s contents and design.  ”Her research is very thoughtful. She’s created an art form out of what was the previous form of communication. Here we are at a show that’s about ‘process’ — how you get to where you get,” said Anoushian. “This is the precursor to communication as we know it now.”

Camodeo sent out the postcards after photographing them to complete the project. The cash-strapped post office should be glad. Perhaps they will mail Camodeo a marketing contract.

To see more of Amanda Camodeo’s work go to: AmandaCamodeo.com

Photos by: Rachel Ellner

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By Rachel Ellner, May 16, 2012 8:12 pm

With Barbie now ensconced in her parlors, bedrooms, and other habitats, and with a wardrobe to kill–and with Ken looking on–it was time for thinking of food and pink!  An awards ceremony recognizing those who catered many long months to Barbie’s every fashion whim took place May 10 in the Katie Murphy Amphitheater.  Cotton candy, pink cupcakes, popcorn, pink drinks, watermelon and strawberries were served to a jubilant gathering of students, parents, FIT faculty and Mattel representatives.

pre-award photo op w/ student finalists

“Play with Fashion” encompassed student work from five Art & Design departments. For the Visual  Presentation and Exhibition Design (VPED) department, their installation “The Pink Issue” serves as the graduating exhibition.

Prof. Ann Kong of VPED with students

Barbie luxuriates in her many settings and styles in the lobby of the D Building.

Maor Tapiro's winning Shopaholic design. "Barbie & I share the same shopping addiction."

A proud VPED instructor Prof. Glen Socoli with winning students Mike Jonhston, & Phoebe King

 FD Chair Colette Wong,  and A&D Dean Joanne Arbuckle toast the event 

The evening celebrated Barbie’s new looks and environments created by Art & Design students

Katie McTammany and her proud dad. McTammany won for Barbie's "green" digs. Her Interior Design showcase was made with reused and repurposed old clothes and accessories.

Jessica Mazur winner of "Timeless Barbie Powder Room" and Eirc Daniels Assist. Chair from Interior Design

Plenty of pink to go around: Prof. Johannes Knoops and Asst. Chair Eric Daniels of ID, with Craig Berger, VPED Chair

Luci Alpers' "Strike a Pose" bedroom for Barbie

Barbie finally gets  a moment to kick up her heels.

The Barbie exhibit will remain on view in FIT’s D-building lobby, corner of 27th & 7th Ave, until September 3, 2012.

photos: Rachel Ellner

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By Rachel Ellner, May 15, 2012 2:05 pm

Fellow students, proud parents and professional photographers came to critique and admire final prints displayed in D351A from the Advanced Style and Media class.  The course, taught and designed by Curtis Willocks,  is required for BFA photography majors.

Willocks served as King of Clubs for one of the photographs based on a character from a deck of cards. “I wanted to take a portrait as a character — something that person is not, and  see what happens,” said Jennifer Santastaso of her portrait of Willocks.

Jennifer Santanastaso's portrait of Adv. Style & Media instructor Curtis Wilocks

“It became clearer to me from this class that ad campaigns are the type of photography I want to do,” said Santastaso.

These occasions also lend themselves to picking up some photography know-how. “I used three grids (lights) in the studio here and shot with a Hasselblad digital back. I cornered off a space in the studio to keep it intimate,” said Santastaso. For added character and definition of features  she used Vaseline and black grease makeup and “a touch” of eyeliner. ”It never comes out exactly as you envision, but I was pleased with the outcome,” she said.

“There’s some strong work here” said Professor Tony Gale who dropped by. “It’s good to see what students all over the City are up to– to see what they’re doing in a broader way than what you’re exposed to day-to-day,” said Gale who teaches Studio & Light at Parsons.

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By Rachel Ellner, May 11, 2012 3:36 pm

Helpful info:

Student Exhibitions

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By Rachel Ellner, May 9, 2012 4:40 pm

If you’re an advertising design student, having your work shown at the The One Club 18th Annual Student Exhibition is more than a singular honor.  This year the student exhibition is showcasing the best advertising design projects submitted by students from 30 schools from 15 cities and 5 countries. Selected for display were 30 print advertising campaigns and 20 motion graphics projects created by FIT students from Advertising Design and the Media Design Club.

ad students checking out The One Club work/photo: Birgit Schwarz-Hickey

The event is part of The One Club’s Creative Week, which includes educational conferences, the Student-Client Pitch and various award shows. This year, the events were held at Eyebeam,  NYC’s prestigious art and technology center.

“The vibe was right and seeing all of the best ad design work in one room from schools across the country was inspirational,”  said BFA student Stephen Weisbrot,  whose digital work appeared on  one of FIT’s eight computers ” It took this theory of advertising that I’ve been studying and exploring at FIT and brought it into a real life application.”

“The response was outstanding,” said Assistant Professor Birgit Schwarz-Hickey for AD.FIT was one of the only colleges showing digital work, which is expected by the industry after graduation.” – Assistant Professor Birgit Schwarz-Hickey

30 print advertising campaigns and 20 motion graphics projects from FIT were selected for the exhibition.

FIT student work for  The One Club 18th Annual Student Exhibition was organized and curated by professors Joe Stalluppi, Birgit Schwarz-Hickey and C. J. Yeh.