Audrey Schilt Returns to FIT


 FIT ’65 Alumna Audrey Schilt’s Illustrations

As They Were On View In our D-building lobby, Winter 2010
closeup2-as17
Drawings of Audrey’s Ralph Lauren gowns worn by Gwyneth Paltrow to the Academy Awards &  Emmy Rossum to the Golden Globes, plus original concept drawings, advertising images, design silhouettes.
Audry Schilt Exhibition - 2
Audrey Schilt Exhibition – 2

Illustrations of Audrey Schilt, a Fashion Institute of Technology alumna who worked closely with Ralph Lauren for 22 years, werer on display at FIT in an exhibition titled Art of the Collection: The Design Spirit of American Fashion Artist Audrey Schilt from December 3, 2009 through January 27, 2010.

Included were sketches of the pink silk Ralph Lauren gown worn by Gwyneth Paltrow at the 1998 Academy Awards, on which Schilt collaborated, as well as sketches of the white silk and organza Lauren gown worn by Emmy Rossum to the 2005 Golden Globes, which Schilt designed.  These were among the approximately 250 works created by Schlit between 1986 and 2008 on view, including original concept drawings,  advertising images, design silhouettes, and works in watercolor and chalk on paper.
Audry Schilt Exhibit -1
Audrey Schilt Exhibit -1

After graduating from FIT in 1965 with a degree in illustration, Audrey Schilt started her career as sketch artist for Halston, where she drew several of the hats for which Jacqueline Kennedy became known, including the pillbox, and Halston’s first women’s collection line.  From there, Schilt moved to freelance work, creating fashion ads for such clients as The New York Times, Vanity Fair, and Bergdorf . Schilt also returned to school to learn pattern-making and draping.  She then worked as a designer for Jacque Bellini for five years, as well as on a children’s line of clothing.

Hired as concept artist at Ralph Lauren, Schilt rose during her 22-year tenure to vice president and creative director of collection for the company.  Now retired from her position at Ralph Lauren, Schilt has turned her attention to other artistic endeavors and continues to consult as a designer.
exhibition was co-sponsored by the college’s School of Art and Design, the Gladys Marcus Library at FIT, and the library’s PrintFX Graphics Lab.
Audry Schilt - Window Display
Audrey Schilt – Window Display

FIT’s School of Art and Design offers programs leading to both the AAS and BFA degrees, including Accessories Design, the only program of its kind in the country, and two other pioneering programs– Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design and Toy Design.  Its most acclaimed program, Fashion Design, was established when the college was founded in 1944.

FIT, a leader in professional career-oriented education, is a selective college of art and design, business and technology of the State University of New York (SUNY), with 44 majors leading to the AAS, BFA, BS, MA, and MPS degrees.  The college serves more than 10,000 students and offers courses in a wide range of fields.  Visit www.fitnyc.edu.

Photos:  Rachel Ellner


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