The MFA Fashion Design and Society at Parsons School of Design is the first graduate program of its kind in the United States, with a unique interdisciplinary and international approach to fashion. Each year, a small group of students join this academy for advanced studies in fashion design and train to become innovative and progressive world-class designers. Initiated by Parsons alumna Donna Karan, the program has received support from major names in fashion such as Diane von Furstenberg, Swarovski, Uniqlo, LVMH, and Kering.
Explore the MFA Fashion Design and Society community to see what students, faculty, and alumni are doing in NYC and around the world at fashiondesignandsociety.com. This program is part of Parsons'
School of Fashion.
Grounded in Design
The two-year, 60-credit program combines intensive studio-based projects with research and exploration. In the tradition of critical social research at The New School, the program helps students develop an understanding of the global business, intellectual, and ecological contexts of their work. Supplemental classes in filmmaking, presentation, and photography broaden students’ visual design vocabulary and communication skills, preparing them for success in collaborative professional settings and showing them how to present and position their work within the market.
Collection Capstone
At the end of their second year, in May, students present their graduation collections to industry insiders, headhunters, select press, stylists, and buyers in an exhibition format, which often results in employment or other professional opportunities. In addition, students present their collections on the runway during New York Fashion Week in September.
Forward-Looking Designers
Part of Parsons’ renowned School of Fashion, the MFA program offers students opportunities to exhibit their work on an international scale, to build relationships with industry leaders, and to participate in high-profile collaborations. Student work is regularly featured in a number of media outlets, including the New York Times, WWD, Vogue (US, UK), Vogue.com, Elle, Marie Claire (US), ID, Interview, and SO-EN (Japan). Recent graduates have gone on to work as designers at major labels such as Alexander Wang, NIKE, Oscar de la Renta, Under Armour, Kanye West for Adidas, St. John Knitwear, Burberry, Donna Karan International, DKNY, Calvin Klein Collection, CK Jeans, Coach, The Gap, Reed Krakoff, Ralph Lauren Black Label, Narciso Rodriguez, and Opening Ceremony.
Others have launched their own businesses and gone on to sell at Dover Street Market in New York, London, and Tokyo. Students have won or been finalists in fashion competitions such as Feel the Yarn at Pitti Filati in Florence, the International Fashion Showcase in London, International Talent Support (ITS sponsored by Diesel), H&M Awards, VFiles Made Fashion, New York Fashion Week, and the LVMH Prize.
Future Opportunities
Graduates pursue career paths including fashion design, art direction, curating, and teaching.