Category Archives: Student Life

Welcome 1st Year Students!

Hi everyone!

Welcome back – or if it’s your first year at FIT, welcome! I know it is a big transition going from high school to college, so I have a few (FIT specific) tips!

Make friends in your major

Of course don’t limit yourself to your major, but having a few people whom you can talk to about classes, homework and major related things has been probably the most important thing I’ve done. Especially in small majors (my program, Production Management, has 50 student a year roughly) knowing the people you’ll be spending the next 2 to 4 years with helps! It’s also a key part of networking. These classmates are your peers now, and also after you graduate- you might be working with them some day. Even just knowing peoples names and being friendly can help you and them out a lot.

Take a walk

You’re in NYC! If you didn’t grow up here, and even if you did, there is so much to see and do! Check out Hudson Yards, check out the floral district, check out Madison Square Park. Walk the Highline, stroll Chelsea Piers. There’s so much to see in a 15 block radius.

Poke around campus

It took me way too long to find the student lounge at school- I wish I had walked around the halls more and seen what areas for students there are. Sometimes it’s hard to know what happens in buildings where your classes aren’t. There is even a bridge between the library and the main classrooms on campus. Don’t be like me and find all the good spots your last year! Enjoy them all 4.

Looking forward

Think you might want to be an RA? Now is a great time to start the process! Talk to your RA and find out what steps you’d need to take – there are some long lead time requirements so it is important to understand them if you think this is something you’d want to do. The process starts earlier than you’d think, so start exploring the option now if you’re interested!

Enjoy your first year at FIT, and don’t be afraid to invest in yourself. Make time to study, make friends at your pace, and enjoy what the city has to offer. There is no “right” way to be an FIT student – we’re all unconventional students following our uncommon goals!

See you around campus,

Sam

Packing For College

Hello Tigers!

It is August 1st, just three weeks until school starts and many of you are coming from different parts of the world. It becomes very hard to pack all of what you need in just two 50 lbs. luggage. So, how can you move to the city you’ve dreamed of without having to overpay for baggage on a plane?

Two years ago, I was in the same situation as you are now. Moving from Miami to NYC was not too easy, I did not know what exactly was important to bring along with me. So, along with a few college checklists and advises from friends in college, I started packing my bags.

I packed light on clothes, down to the basics, some of my most favorite looks, some winter coats, and great walking sneakers among other shoes. Now, why should you pack light on clothes? Well, you are going to NYC, a city big on shopping, a city also big on gems, so you never know in which corner you are going to find your new favorite garment!

I did not even focus so much on toiletries, unless it was that one curly hair cream I adore. Apart from this, I knew I could find almost everything that I had back home in New York. So, pack those unique products you absolutely cannot live without.

In my case, I had to make some room for all the fashion design supplies. Although you can find them in NYC, I had most of them at home already, so I packed them too. This included at least 5 rulers, and countless markers, colored pencils and microns. I really don’t know how I managed to squeeze all of that into my bags.

My last tip is that it is better that you start packing with time. Making sure that you have all your essentials, and, buying any that you might be missing back in your hometown might save you a couple of bucks.

To all of you,

Welcome to New York!

Maria

Summer Plans Ahead!

Hi everyone!

This semester flew by for me and now it is time for summer! This summer I will be interning for Madewell, which is owned by J Crew, in their Long Island City office! I will be doing Production Management for them, which even though it is my major I have never technically interned in- I’ve always done Product Development, my future dream job. I’m excited to see how a larger company does production, as most of the production work I have helped with has been for luxury or small businesses.

I worked at Madewell all during my freshman year as a sales support associate, so it really does feel full-circle to return to them for my senior summer. I look forwards to putting all my brand knowledge to good use in corporate, and getting feedback from my peers still at the retail stores! Working retail in high school and college is a great way to get your foot in the door at potential future corporate employers- find a company you admire and see if they are looking for retail workers. It can give you a big upper hand when it comes to internships down the road, and looks great on your resume.

Aside from work, I hope to go to a Yankees game and Coney Island! I’d also love to have a few picnics with friends, and check out the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Since last summer I spent my time in LA, I look forwards to getting some NYC summer living in.

I have the summer off from blogging, but I look forwards to hopefully updating you all in the fall about what I learned and did.

Have a great summer!

Sam

AAS Graduating Ceremony in Florence

Hello EVERYONE!

A little recap of the past weeks; we were finishing up our garments and portfolios for the AAS Exhibition in Florence, Italy! Meeting with our professors and industry critic, Mr. Mirko Bottai, from the design firm Emilio Pucci.

Last week we gathered in the ballroom of the Stibbert Museum. Located a couple of minutes from Florence’s historic center, to celebrate the ending of our journey here in Florence and to also exhibit our work completed abroad!

A ceremony filled with parents, professors, classmates, friends, it was certainly a joy to see everyone walking around and enjoying the evening. We had our professors and industry critic speak a little to the graduating class and to our parents. As an Italian tradition, instead of a graduation cap, we were placed laurel leaves crown, symbolizing our graduation!

Fashion Design Graduating Class of 2019 Florence, Italy

I got the great opportunity of being the class speaker, which also gave me the chance of thanking every single person involved in the process. From our industry critic Mr. Bottai, to our amazing and caring professors Cinzia Cardelli and Sophie Springer. A big thank you to the administrative team of FIT and Polimoda, as well as all those people who in one way or another cooperated so that we could satisfactorily complete our studies.

After the ceremony we had a reception made for the occasion in the Limonaia, with our portfolios and illustration work showcasing on tables. Guests walked around the room with little aperitivo plates while gazing at the very elaborated fashion design portfolios. In the end, it was a great way to finish with what are our design classes!

Arrivederci

Maria

Fashion Week in Milan Part 2!

HELLO EVERYONE!

This week I will continue to share with you the trip of Fashion week in Milan!

On our second part of the trip, there was still so much to discover. We made a stop at La Scala Laboratories, located in the Zona Tortona. The Teatro alla Scala in Milan is among the world’s most famous opera houses. At their Laboratory we were able to see where the magic begins and moves along onto the stage. Most of the handmade works for the production of stage design emerge from there. From set design, sculpture, carpentry works, mechanics workshop, set assembly, costume design, laundry, etc.

Teatro La Scala Ansaldo Workshops

The next day we visited S2B press office specialized in public relations towards the fashion design industry. We had a very informative tour in their loft office about a few of the rising young designers they are working with. Some of their services include advertising planning, events production, product placement & celebrities, social media management, and image consulting!

Image from S2B Press Office Loft (from website)

The last two days were a dream come true! Our final stop was at Pino Grasso Atelier, a master of embroidery for the most renowned haute couture and ready to wear fashion houses. Some important clients include: Givenchy, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana. I was mesmerized by all the handmade work and countless number of hours put into a garment. There are many countless possibilities when it comes to embroidery and materials, from beads to sequins, feathers to fringes. They even work with designers to create innovative solutions for design requests, like flowers from plastic bottles!

Me trying embroidery techniques for the first time!

Handmade samples from work for clients.

Our trip to Milan was so rich of adventures with enriching information for the student’s fashion career start!

Arrivederci, Maria