The FIT MFA Runway Spotlights Fashion’s Next Generation of Talent

The New York Fashion Week calendar may not have officially begun, but the shows and events are already underway. First off in the informal start to the week is the Fashion Institute of Technology’s MFA show—a chance for graduates to formally introduce themselves to the runway format and the global press. Every year, the show presents a smattering of fresh creatives who boldly announce themselves—and this year was no different.

Showcasing 18 designers, the runway featured the bold experimentation typical of hopeful young talent, including hand-knotted garments, complex embroideries, and sculptural silhouettes, alongside a mix of wearable contemporary clothing.

The afternoon showing opened with a speech from FIT president Joyce F. Brown, who highlighted the graduates’ hard work and the importance of nurturing young talent—remarks that the audience clearly appreciated, honoring her words with a standing ovation.

This year’s presentation showcased everything from Kiki Wanjing Zuo’s ruffled wearable art pieces to Lawson Park’s embroidered housecoats layered over delicately stitched undergarments, displaying the students’ unique perspectives. Many skills were on display, including Evelina Epps’s braiding, featured in both avant-garde and more subtle garments. Meanwhile, Matilda Tongying Liang’s dresses floated effortlessly off the body, thanks to carefully crafted wire hems.

Certain ensembles also echoed the current zeitgeist—Luna Unsol Kang’s oversized pearl necklaces nodded to Vaquera’s fall/winter 2025 runway, while Mina Khademi’s enveloping black woven garments felt fit for a Noir Kei Ninomiya collection, each with its own signature twist.

Overall, every design felt like a confident final statement from the students participating in the program. While celebratory, the runway also served as an introspective moment for those stepping into the increasingly uncertain world of fashion, leaving the industry poised and ready to watch what comes next.