Artwork by Glenn Hilario:
Artwork by Glenn Hilario:
Su Ku is a dynamic and dedicated fashion design instructor with extensive experience in design. She has been teaching in the Fashion Design-Art Department at FIT since 2012. She taught courses ranging from the first year foundation class to the senior portfolio development class. Before coming to FIT, Su Ku held positions of leadership in the fashion industry such as the Design Director of Liz Claiborne and designed multiple collections addressing all different price-points and lifestyles. She studied art and art history at Yale University as an undergraduate and received a masters degree in Regional Studies from Harvard University, along with a second masters degree in Art History from Columbia University. Su Ku also earned an associate’s degree in Fashion Design from FIT.
Prof. Su Ku teaches the following FIT Precollege Classes:
HSX 090 Fashion Design Using Global Inspiration
HAR 016 Creating the Fashion Figure
JSX 011 Fashion Art: Silhouettes
Teaching Philosophy:
I believe that utilizing history as a research tool to design means that you will never run out of ideas. Combining historical elements together with one’s imagination will create unique designs. I encourage my students to connect with the geniuses of history to find inspirations that will enable them to become great designers.
Industry Experience:
Director of Product Development at Carlisle Collection
Design Director at Liz Claiborne
Designer of Collection at Dana Buchman
Designer at Joseph Abboud
Inspired Designs by Prof. Su Ku:
Janice Giardina is a designer with experience in eveningwear, activewear, knitwear, and career and casual sportswear for branded and private label manufacturers. She is a graduate of the FIT Fashion Design program. Janice embarked on her career in Fashion Design while still in high school in the late 1980’s in FIT’s precollege Saturday Live program and was later accepted to the university. She is now an adjunct assistant professor at FIT. Her designs have sold to major department stores such as Lord & Taylor, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Talbots.
Prof. Giardina teaches the following FIT Precollege Classes:
JSX 011 Fashion Art: Silhouettes
JSX 012 Fashion Art: Rendering Fabrics
On Precollege Programs:
I started out in the Precollege program myself in the late 1980s! Since most art universities require you to know your major when applying, I think it’s great to explore this early. Taking Precollege classes is a great way to help you find out where your passion lies, and you’ll have fun and make friends while doing so!
Teaching Philosophy:
You will excel when you’re passionate about what you’re doing and enjoying yourself. I tell my students to have fun while they’re working. Find something that inspires you and bring that into your work. You cannot be creative without inspiration.
Artwork by Prof. Giardina:
Let’s face it, it’s fun to get dressed on Saturdays and go to class. Mixing and matching texture, design, and color. A woman’s time is most valued in the morning, getting the wells of creativity turning!
This week I thought it would be fun to create an album of different outfits I wore each week.
February 27
In preparation for my first class, my cowgirl boots popped in my head. This gave a good elevation for my flare jeans, also adding some contrast with the pointed toe of the boot. I paired this with a Free People top tucked in and then lightly pulled out. Of course, my knee length cardigan pulled it all together.
March 5
Today was a bad hair day, I needed something to cover up, and quick. I decided to wear my tie dye turban head wrap. Not a better way to wear it with a Ganesh graphic tee and Topshop leather jacket. I love this outfit because of it’s casual and cute feel.
March 19
This week I wore a denim jumpsuit, what a great base. I wanted to demonstrate the bounce of color from the pink and brown. How do you think I did? I threw on my cowgirl boots as a finishing touch before running out the door.
April 2
When mother nature cries, it’s the universe’s signal to wear my Calvin Klein trench. I layered this piece with a pair of printed pants and a black (material) one piece. And of course a light cashmere sweater, my savior.
April 9
Over all, I love overalls. Underneath I wore a J. Crew printed top (because underneath is really what matters). If you are like me and reach for the gold, I highly recommend going to an outlet store. This silk shirt I bought at the Jersey Shore Outlet, there are plenty others but the price in comparison is a steel! Because we were in the studio this week I decided to pair my outfit with comfy Aquatalia booties that are to die for. (Very thankful I fit into my mother’s shoes!)
April 16
Now I am starting to see a repetition of denim… But this week I decided to layer my denim dress with a fun beaded belt and warm grey kimono. I threw on a pair of comfortable purple flats from Target and one of my most comfortable shoes.
CONGRATULATIONS TO JESSICA CARUSO WHO WAS JUST ACCEPTED TO FIT THIS FALL 2015 FOR ADVERTISING AND MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS!
Courses taken in Precollege Programs include:
Fashion Art For Dashion Designers
Fashion Merchandising
Were you accepted to FIT this fall too? We’d love to feature you on the blog as well!
Email: [email protected] for more information