Category Archives: Alumni

Instructor Spotlight: Kevin Tung

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Kevin TKevin Tungung is a graduate of the FIT Fashion Design program & Precollege at FIT. During his time at FIT, he studied abroad in Florence, Italy, and interned at Milly. Post-graduation, Kevin has had a diverse background in designing for companies like Milly, Aeropostale, Catherine Malandrino, T Tahari, and is currently an Associate Designer at White House Black Market. With his rich and current experience in working with fashion companies, Kevin is eager to share his journey with young designers who want to follow the fashion design path.

Teaching Philosophy:
“I aspire to give students a path to become successful fashion designers. I want them to learn creative problem-solving skills like how designers communicate and create businesses from trends & culture. I want to ignite a passion for fashion and foster an environment where students are encouraged to share their ideas & network. Through engaging course material, students will take away lifelong skills & connections that will help them succeed in their careers.”

 

Instructor Spotlight: Sooo-z Mastropietro

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Sooo-z Mastropietro, a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in Fashion Design and Textile Design, has taught art and fashion design in a variety of settings including the Quick Center at Fairfield University and the Aldrich Museum. Sewing since the age of seven, she turned to her own raw skills to define her self expression through her wardrobe. Her brand “Mastropiece” began as a silk painting business for wearable designs and now serves as a general umbrella for all things Sooo-z from fine art, to socks, to tableware. Her other endeavors have included community sculptural projects, curating, judging art shows, artist in residences, and classical bass playing.

Website: www.mastropiece.com

Sooo-Z Mastropietro Teaches:
JSX 011 Fashion Art: Silhouettes
JSX 013 Fashion Art: Faces and Figures

Teaching Philosophy:
I love it when my students realize they can do something they weren’t sure they could do after they’ve had a little guidance and inspiration. It’s about approaching the challenge, breaking down the problem, and rebuilding the answer into their own interpretation. It’s a great feeling to create something bigger than what you started with.

Industry Experience:
Sooo-Z has served as an art director, curator, and gallery director and now works on her own collection of fine art and develops select product lines. Her current work under the moniker, Knitiot Savant, is a unique fiber art form utilizing a triumph of fabric tubes, nuggets, and shreds. She has shown all over the country in juried shows and has appeared internationally in publications. Sooo-z recently had her installation, “MicroFiberOrganism,” featured at the newly re-opened library in Westport, CT.

Work by Sooo-z Mastropietro:

 

Congratulations Accepted Precollege Students

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Congratulations to all of our amazing Precollege alumni who got accepted to FIT for fall 2019!!! Whether you took one or six classes with us, we are so proud of you! Some of the majors featured here are: Photography and Related Media, Advertising and Marketing Communications, Fashion Design and Fashion Business Management.

Special shoutout to Faith who did an amazing job blogging about her Precollege Styling class at the Fashion Institute of Technology back in 2016.

Can’t wait to see you all in September!

Precollege student posing with FIT mascot tiger Stitch @haydenlrobinson image from official instagram account

 

Instructor Spotlight: Leticia Valdez

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Leticia is a New York City-based freelance fashion and portraiture photographer who works with digital, film and 19th-century alternative photographic processes.  Her photographic style is dim and soft, often drawing inspiration from art history and solitude. She is moved by dull and dark color palettes, opting for a quiet and serene mood.  Leticia earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the Fashion Institute of Technology and a Master of Arts in Costume Studies from New York University.





Leticia Valdez Teaches:
HSX 111: Fashion Photography Workshop
 
Teaching Philosophy: 
My mission is to excite students by introducing them to not only the technical skills needed to craft a photographic image but to expand their knowledge and vision by acquainting them with the history of photography and fashion photography.  My end goal is that my students put into practice the tools and lessons learned in the classroom and, when combined with their personal aesthetic and imagination, they embark on a visual fantasy with a realization there is no limit to what can be created photographically.
 


Industry Experience/Recent Exhibitions: 
Soho Photo Gallery, New York City
July 2016
The 30 Collective – BFA Photography Exhibition, Fashion Institute of Technology, New York City May 2015
Departures – BFA Photography Exhibition, Fashion Institute of Technology, New York City December 2013
Commission / Features:
Photo Vogue, Lucy’s Magazine, Icon Magazine, Latent Magazine, The Gloss Magazine, The Quiet Front.
Garment Collection Photographer for New York University and private collectors and retail.


Photography by Leticia Valdez:

Instructor Spotlight: Megan Madden

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Self-portrait by Megan Madden

Megan Madden, an alumna Precollege student, is an Associate Photo Editor on Refinery29’s Photo Research team. During her course of study, Megan interned for MILK Studios, Refinery29, and Ecko Unltd. Post graduation she was an assistant at SkyPie Studios shortly before joining the Refinery29 Editorial Photo Team. Megan graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with her Bachelors in Photography in 2016.
Website:
www.megan-madden.com

 

Megan Madden Teaches:
HWE 011 55A Creative Careers: Photographer

Teaching Philosophy: 
Curiosity is key! No matter how strange or random, it’s important to explore your ideas and exercise your visual muscles because regardless of the outcome it will always be a learning experience to grow from. Exploring and executing your creative ideas only leaves room for more to come! 

Industry Experience:
Post-college Megan assisted a stop motion animator working on visual campaigns for companies like Fendi, W Mag and Walmart. She then went on to work for Refinery29’s Editorial Photo Team producing and photographing original content along with creating imagery for Smirnoff, Halo Top Ice Cream and Sephora. 

Photography by Megan Madden: