Inside FIT's 2026 Future of Fashion Runway Show

On Thursday evening, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)held its annual Future of Fashion runway show, located at the school’s Chelsea campus in New York City. The presentation spotlighted the work of 80 graduates from the Fashion Design BFA Class of 2026.

“I want [the audience] to be struck by how imaginative and creative these designers are,” FIT President Jason Schupbach told Fashionista over email, ahead of the event. “Their vision and execution are excellent. Our students learn not only the art of design, but also how to make the garments – they make all of these clothes by hand. These graduates have the entire package, and I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished.”

The evening began with opening remarks the recently appointed Schupbach, followed by Troy Richards, dean of FIT’s School of Art and Design, and Emily Erusha-Hilleque, senior vice president of Private Brands at Macy’s (the show’s sponsor). All three speakers proudly praised the students for their hard work and their new ideas that will shape the industry’s tomorrow.

Then came the runway show itself: 91 looks spanning children’s wear, intimate apparel, knitwear, special occasion and sportswear. Within the latter’s category, students embraced relaxed tailoring, utilitarian styles and lots of black and white. The children’s wear category showcased students’ penchant for patchwork, while knitwear designs played with proportions. In the intimate apparel and special-occasion sections, designers took on various versions of corsets.

Among the class, 12 graduates were named Future of Fashion Critic Award Winners – Evan Ciurca, Ainsley Goldman, Selin Gültekin, Ellen Kim, Charlotte Falkman, Kat Lin, Xuan (Beatrice) Mak, Rachel Marino, Jonathan Marroquin, Julia McClement, Tyler Mervine and Naïma Naas — selected by a jury of industry professionals.  Additionally, designers Marina Malkhasian and Athmiha Saravanen won Macy’s Empowered Design and Capsule Collection Awards, respectively. (Saravanen will have her collection sold in select Macy’s stores in a limited run, available next spring.)

“Despite industry pressures — the disruption of retail, sustainability challenges and the advent of AI — our students weighed all these factors and developed stunning collections that are responsibly sourced and produceable,” Schupbach added. “FIT considers itself the lab for the creative industries for the 21st century and we are here to help the fashion industry face its challenges head-on by producing the next generation of exceptional design talent.”

To see all the looks from the night, scroll below.

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