NOVEMBER 2015 • Vol. 21 No. 9
New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists
www.nyscc.org
FIT’s Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing Programs – Pay It Forward Blending academic study with hands-on experience and industry mentoring, the cosmetics and fragrance marketing program at FIT helps prepare future industry leaders for the business of beauty. … by Nancy Jeffries
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unique aspect of the beauty industry is its desire to pay it forward. Mentoring, young executive support, professional guidance, and philanthropy continue to be hallmarks contributing to its strength, and while corporate and organizational involvement are important, a pivotal part of the continuum may be found in academia— notably in the courses offered by the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), and particularly in its cosmetics and fragrance marketing programs. FIT, founded in 1944, is part of the State University of New York. It is located in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood, offering unique access and opportunities for its student body. Supported by a stellar group of individuals with first-hand knowledge of the industry, FIT’s programs enable professional partnering and high-quality field experience. A concept fostered by some of the beauty industry’s pioneers and guided by a staff of experts under the aegis of FIT president Dr. Joyce Brown, the original cosmetics and fragrance marketing program has seen several iterations since its inception.
This month’s feature article goes with the theme of the two-day Color Symposium being held on November 11–12 at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Please go to pages 2-12 for agenda, registration information, and speaker abstracts and biographies.
The Beginnings Recognizing the beauty industry’s need for innovative thinking, FIT established the cosmetics, fragrance, and toiletries associate degree program in 1978 with a chair endowed by Revlon, Inc. This position was initially held by the late Hazel Bishop, a chemist and pioneer of modern-day cosmetics, who founded her eponymous company and invented the first long-lasting “kiss proof” lipstick. The cosmetics and fragrance marketing baccalaureate program, founded in 1988, followed, coordinated by Peg Smith, a longtime (Continued on page 13)