The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) celebrated the remarkable creativity of its students at the annual Future of Fashion runway show, presented by Macy’s, on its New York City campus. The event showcased innovative and visionary designs by selected graduates from FIT’s Fashion Design BFA program.
The 2025 Future of Fashion show featured 82 designs created by 67 students, drawing inspiration from personal stories and themes such as sustainability, technology, cultural heritage, and more. The designs were presented across five concentrations: knitwear, sportswear, intimate apparel, children’s wear, and special occasion.
“For four years, our graduating designers have honed their skills and refined the tools they needed to best channel their creativity – and we are able to witness first-hand the results of those efforts,” said FIT president Joyce F. Brown. “At FIT, our graduating BFA students do not just turn in final exams; they craft beautiful designs that come to life on the runway, right before our eyes. Each year, the Future of Fashion show gives budding designers a unique opportunity to demonstrate for the world what they can achieve when their passion and training are synchronised and jointly applied.”
The designs showcased on the runway were curated by a panel of esteemed judges, including FIT alumni Joe Ando-Hirsh (fashion designer and actor) and Rebecca Moses (international fashion designer and author), alongside notable industry figures such as Vanessa Friedman from The New York Times, designer Phillip Lim, and Dr. Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of The Museum at FIT (MFIT), among others.
For the fourth year in a row, Macy’s served as the lead sponsor of the show. Through its social purpose platform, Mission Every One, Macy’s presented two awards to recognize the exceptional talent of FIT graduates. The Macy’s Capsule Collection Award was won by Khoboso Nale, who will collaborate with Macy’s executive mentors and develop a collection under Macy’s private label BAR III. The collection will be available at Macy’s Herald Square flagship and select stores across the U.S. The Macy’s Empowered Design Award, which celebrates a student’s ability to convey inspiration through design, was awarded to Allison Margaret Smith.
“This spring, Macy’s is proud to partner with FIT and the Future of Fashion runway show to empower young designers through Mission Every One,” remarked Emily Erusha-Hilleque, senior vice president of private brands at Macy’s. “The creativity and dedication on display at last night’s runway show illustrate our commitment to empower the next generation of designers.”
Dean Troy Richards of FIT’s School of Art and Design highlighted the importance of industry collaboration, stating, “The continued support from Macy’s exemplifies the industry influence on and investment in new talent. Our students benefit from the mentorship and opportunities that Macy’s provides, enriching the fashion design curriculum at FIT.”
Throughout the spring semester, students worked closely with distinguished designers serving as critics, gaining expert insights in their respective concentrations. During the event, 13 students were recognized as critic award winners, including Alexandra Dayton and Evelyn Hernandez (sportswear), Lauryn Ilasco (knitwear), Hannah Kisilevich (intimate apparel), Leah Robinson (children’s wear), and others.
The 2025 Future of Fashion runway show underscored the dedication, innovation, and talent nurtured at FIT, while providing a global platform for the next generation of fashion designers to shine.
