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Find FIT-related news, events, and more right here.
Our students give insight on the fashion and culture going on around our beloved NYC.
Sports? At a fashion school? Yep! We keep FIT informed on all things sports.
Take a break from the serious news coverage that W27 provides each month and indulge in some fun stories by our writers.
ISSUE 1 FALL
FIT
FASHION & CULTURE
SPORTS
FUN & OPINION
N e w s pa p e r
The Voice of FIT.
The Fashion Institute’s Student-run Newspaper
FIT, to the World & Us
By Alice Liu (Interior Design ‘27) Photographed by Tiffany Hoang (Intl. Trade and Marketing ‘25) To be perceived, is inescapable and inevitable, especially with today’s hyperconnected digital space. While it is only natural to be colored by the perceiving eyes of others, the internet enables a platform of mass judgment and stereotypes. FIT students have always maintained a strong presence on social media. Yet, to go viral and take on the spotlight of the digital stage comes with a cost. In the last week of August, a video uploaded by Peichen Liu (Menswear, ’22, ITM, ’24), captioned “What students are wearing at my fashion school for the first day” went viral on Instagram, Tiktok, and X. A cursory glance at the posts presents us with a stream of comments, some nice, some nasty. A particularly popular retweet by user @ aero_wulf is captioned, “zoomers have gone insane.” Another comment from user @lueshi42 on Instagram writes, “First day of clown college.” While it’s easy to be consumed by the hate of the commenters, there are also others who applaud students for expressing themselves through their outfits. In the midst of the crossfire of social media comment wars, how do the
FIT IS STRETCHING TO W 28TH ST
FIT students feel about the labels society has placed on them? Tiffany Hoang (ITM, ‘25) and I bounced around campus to interview a couple of our fellow students. When asked about the common misconceptions about FIT students, Heer Sharma (FBM, ‘27) and Anshika Singh (FBM, ‘27) noted the flippant attitude directed towards students, “[They think] that we just show up to class to be a fashionista and then we go back to our dorm and sleep…that we’re just here to have fun, dress up, and apply makeup.” Sharma and Singh push back on those stereotypes by shedding light on the reality of attending FIT.
study. But the stereotype that is specific to FIT is that fashion is the sole subject taught. In an interview with Julie Gonzalez (IDM, ‘27), she explains, “Fashion is definitely a huge part of FIT, but the school offers way more than just that. I study interior design here which is definitely an intense major with a lot of work, and there are some cool majors that no one talks about like shoe design and toy design.” While the fashion aspect of the Fashion Institute of Technology certainly overshadows its lesser known majors, there are other creative disciplines that deserve much more appreciation from the public.
experience daily: it’s not always glamorous or easy—the five-hour classes, the allnighters for projects, and lugging heavy bags of materials through the subway. To further demystify the choice of unconventional outfits by FIT students, Deine says, “A lot of the outfits are like trial and error. People are finding themselves here. They’re trying to invent new things. This is where fashion starts. And I think it’s important that you don’t just follow the rules because then nothing new will be made.”
Ciara Deine (FBM, ‘27) thinks FIT students “But actually, the students here…are pretty receive so many hate comments because hard-working. They have a lot of stuff to “[they] put on a character for the cameras. do, especially the design students. And we But you don’t understand that students don’t dress to impress; it’s are putting in hours of just for ourselves….We do research into their studies work. We study. We have a “We don’t dress to and making clothes. It’s career goal in mind.” impress; it’s just for just that everybody takes ourselves” things at surface level but Perhaps the reason FIT is doesn’t really take the time not actively accepted as an educational or consideration to think deeper.” institution in the public’s eye is not exclusive to FIT itself; perhaps it’s due to The overly-curated world of social media the blanket label placed on art schools— certainly paints a narrative that is starkly that art is not a legitimate career or field of different from the reality FIT students
P03
Read about our new building and the tribulations behind the architecture. What does this new building have? Read about it here.
PRIMADONNA X NIKE
P06
Step into the dynamic world of Primadonna, a Gen-Z focused Zine founded by FIT students and garnered the attention of Nike.
DATING THE VINTAGE WAY
P08
It’s hard enough for people in their late 20s and early 30s to find a partner, where’s the hope for college students? Dive into the NYC dating scene and the challenges it comes with.
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ISSUE 1
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FALL 2023
FIT
Health Services: The Morning After at FIT By Madison Barton (AMC ‘25)
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College is a time for experimenting and having fun,” a line we have all heard throughout our childhoods. However, when the rights to abortion are put under siege, it’s important that everyone is aware of their options. While most students know that the Health Services offer checks on colds and medical emergencies, not every student knows about the wide range of other services FIT offers. The laws on abortion have become stricter. People are becoming more uncertain about where to turn and who to trust. As a girl in a new city, and for some people a new country, it’s a common fear many people have faced. With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the right to a safe abortion has already been revoked in 13 states. To combat the cut in legal abortions, a new abortion pill has been introduced. This is a safer and more accessible option which is being distributed across the US which can be discreetly delivered. This can reduce the need for surgical abortions. I visited Health Services to understand how this change impacts FIT students. In Health Services, I spoke to the head of Health Services, Anne Miller, to see how FIT was handling this subject. The answers I received shocked me in the best way possible. The most pressing question I had was will FIT be offering the new abortion pill? Miller stated that FIT does not currently have the abortion pill, but only because they have little demand for it. They have an excellent relationship and referral system with Planned Parenthood, which has more resources and experience to help and therefore can help students to a greater extent. However, in accordance with SUNY, if there was limited access to abortion services or a high demand for the pill itself then the new abortion pill could be introduced within the school. Because, SUNY released a statement announcing the abortion pill would be offered to every
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school in the State University System of NY if it was needed. This a reassuring answer, one that should make students feel more comfortable knowing that the school plans to put their students’ needs first. Miller went on to highlight how FIT can help in times of need, for example, with STD checks. 65% of undergraduate college kids are sexually active according to Medical Center at the University of Georgia. 35% of these students said they have had multiple sexual partners. This means that regular STDs checks are very important as STDs can lead to life altering illnesses. Miller mentions how the school does offer STD checks every weekday, Monday to Friday; these are billed to insurance (the school insurance does cover this). However, in some instances being discrete is necessary. If a student does not want to have STD checks billed to their insurance for any reason, the Health Services can connect you with Project STAY, which is administered every Friday in the Health Services office during fall and spring semesters in partnership with FIT and Columbia University. Project STAY (Services to Assist Youth) joined by the New YorkPresbyterian and the Harlem Health Promotion Center (HHPC) provide scared youth with the help and tests they need. For more information on Project STAY visit www.projectstay.nyc. Aside from abortion options and STD tests, Health Services offer a large range of free services including free birth control (pills and condoms), free pregnancy tests, and free morning after pills which can be
Illutsrations by Norberto Perez (Illustration ‘24) collected by any student. Having access to the morning after pill is reassuring, especially for the students who might not be able to afford it. Miller reassured that the department is always open to expanding the range of services if students have ideas for extra services they think are required. The Health Services FIT offers are vast; from hormone replacement therapy to acupuncture, catering to a school as diverse as ours. While FIT does not yet offer the abortion pill, there is a vast range of resources to bring a sense of comfort to anxious students. Overall, I wanted to answer the question: would FIT offer the abortion pill and how do they help sexually active college students? I think the answers I received provided me and others with a sense of comfort and a place to turn in times of need.
FALL 2023
W 2 7 N E W S PA P E R
ISSUE 1
FIT
FIT is Stretching to W 28th St. By Emerald Rucks (AMC ‘27)
The new academic building is underway. Photos by Kinleigh Alnutt (AMC ‘27)
W
27th St is celebrated for being home to the Fashion Institute Technology (FIT). The institution is growing with the construction of a brand-new academic building on W 28th St. The new addition will be the first in more than 40 years. Construction is occurring right now as your eyes are moving through this newspaper. The building is scheduled to be completed for early occupancy in the summer of 2024. This prominent building will create a state-of-the-art learning environment. Construction of this building will advance FIT’s commitment to a more sustainable campus and bring new opportunities for design and business innovation. FIT has always embraced the talents of students that are brought to the school’s community. The new academic building is not just a regular addition; FIT strives for the highest quality of learning environments for their students. The new building will improve the quality and expand the availability of student space. With student spaces growing, this gives FIT the chance to take classes offline and return them fully to the new classrooms. FIT aims to renovate all of their current buildings, ensuring they’re state-of-theart, with a commitment to maintaining this quality for the future. Just imagine you are navigating your way through the magical city, when you notice the shimmer of the new building. Your eyes glisten over the 10-story structure standing in front of you. You notice the glass facade of the building opening the campus to the wild vitality of the city. The glass facade creates a glimpse of college life for the neighborhood and the streets surrounding the building. Sherry F. Brabham, Treasurer and Vice President of Finance and Administration, gave me a sneak peak into what we can expect from the new building.
Just inside the doors, the building will have 26 smart energy efficient learning spaces, which include classrooms, studios, and labs. These spaces will increase 13% in classroom space. On the fifth floor is a major area dedicated to increase the amount of space students have access to. The building will also include a double height (fully accessible) knitting lab, a
The new building will advance FIT’s commitment to move to a sustainable campus. The new building is following a carbon footprint reduction of more than 5% in the past decade, furthering FIT’s commitment to becoming a more sustainable campus. SHop, the contractor in charge of this intricate project, faces challenges due to the limited space
with the Smithsonian’s National Design Award for Architecture. Covid. Everyone jumps for joy when they hear the word. As much as everyone would love to forget and move on, people around the world are still being affected. Postpandemic, there were a mix of delays with the building materials. Contractors were frustrated with materials not arriving within the set time frames. The bid document was for 2020, so the building process has been slowed down significantly since Covid. Not a single person could have foreseen the impact of the pandemic. Moving forward, there will be no disruptions as a consequence of the delays. FIT’s plan was to assume the building would not be ready out of an abundance of caution. FIT has operated for years within their current footprint without the benefit of additional space. Classes for spring semester are scheduled within the existing FIT footprint. If needed, it is a lot easier for them to add classrooms into the new building than to take them away.
double-height lobby that connects to FIT’s Marvin Feldman center on West 27th, and a soaring light-filled atrium set between the new building and Feldman Center, which will be a beautiful addition. The substantial answer you have all been itching for: “will there really be a Chickfil-A in the new academic building?” You heard it here first folks, unfortunately, the answer is no. On the bright side, the building will feed our hard-working hungry bellies. There will be a “grab-and-go” food kiosk on the 5th floor. See, we won’t need a Chick-fil-A.
available in New York City. Nevertheless, they are committed to pursuing LEED Gold certification through strategies that involve sustainable materials, smart technology, energy efficiency, daylighting, and sustainable construction practices. SHop has worked with the world’s most important and innovative institutions to create structures such as the Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and the new Uber Headquarters in San Francisco. They strive for a high-performance approach to design and create definitive new and enduring architecture to the magical city skylines and streetscapes. The diverse work of SHop has been widely recognized and rewarded
If you want to learn more about the new building, you can venture into our very own FIT’s website to take a virtual tour, watch a time lapse camera, and a construction slideshow. The virtual tour offers 360° views of the building’s atrium, student commons, lobby, and more. Take a peek at the time lapse camera to view the progress of the building. Scroll through the construction slideshow to access images of the construction in progress. This new academic building will bring endless possibilities!
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ISSUE 1
FALL 2023
FASHION & CULTURE
The Unwearable Collection
Exploring GPP Through Design By Alisha Singh (TDM ‘25) FIT’s latest exhibition was another example of its students’ ability to explore fashion and design through unconventional and imaginative routes. Through a partnership with Dutch designer Bart Hess and the German pharmaceutical firm Boehringer Ingelheim, Fashion Design MFA students Natalia Robles Oteiza and Urvi Selarka produced the latest piece in the Unwearable Collection. This venture moves to visually depict the pain and struggles of people diagnosed with Generalized Pustular Psoriasis or GPP. Known for exploring the close relationship between the body, beauty, and horror through his boundarypushing clothing, Hess designed four pieces for the collection, each depicting a different struggle; Physical Pain, Flare Intensity, Pain of Isolation, and LifeThreatening. The use of broken glass, shards of knives, and burnt fabrics made for stunning, larger-than-life structural garments that no one could safely wear, however for those living with GPP, represent a daily reality. When designing the fifth piece, Selarka and Oteiza decided to explore the mental and emotional toil the patients must deal with on a daily basis. From this came about the final and newest piece of the collection, Trapped by Uncertainty. Tulle and mesh obscure the wearer’s view of the world like a cloud of smoke while hands seem to struggle against the fabric wound tightly around the frame. Finishing out the gown beautifully, are crystals and glass shards meant to juxtapose the danger of this disease alongside the individuality and beauty of the people who carry it. When asked what it was like to bring their creativity and imagination to collaborate with new people, Oteiza answered, “We were tasked with a very intangible concept… representing not so much the physical impact of GPP, but the psychological impact and specifically the uncertainty of not knowing when you’re going to have a flare and not knowing how it’s going to affect your life.” “That was something we had to translate into something concrete. That required a lot of conversations where we had to adapt our design language, for it to be understood by a wider public that doesn’t always have the same references.” Helping them in this endeavor were also FIT students from multiple disciplines, creative agency Lorem Ipsum, and FIT Faculty, all of whom were tasked with designing and launching an exhibition that complements and advances the message put forth by the clothing.
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DISCOVERING ICONS IN THE MAKING:
PRIMADONNA x NIKE By Haneen Elmeswari AMC ‘24 & Emma Citro AMC ‘24
From her early days as a New Orleans native, Pilar Bradley told her parents she was going to be famous. A child with a vision for the future, Bradley chased her dreams all the way out to Manhattan. As a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology, she longed to pursue her dreams of becoming a journalist.
The Primadonna team initially started with 20 members, but within a year, they had over 900 applicants, mostly FIT students and some nationwide applicants. The team’s structure evolved from a small email-based talent pool to a larger team of writers, editors, directors, photographers, and stylists.
However, fate has an interesting way of stepping in. Bradley found herself feeling like she was ten steps ahead of everyone else. She then went on to launch her own creation, Primadonna Zine, which would later become such a trailblazer that it attracted the attention of the Nike executives.
In May of 2022, The Marketing Director of Nike Women reached out to Primadonna after seeing a viral TikTok featuring some of their behind-thescenes footage. After hopping on a call with them, Bradley was offered an opportunity to collaborate with the American multinational Bradley, the founding conglomerate. Together, Editor in Chief and Creative they would create a 22 Director of Primadonna, page magazine, styled had hopes of beginning her Photography by Maddie Paradise (Photography ‘23) completely with Nike career as a contributing writer for big-name garments, showing “it’s more than just magazines, building up her portfolio, and sportswear, it’s a lifestyle.” then launching a publication of her own. But Primadonna had been in a creative incubator Nike is presently in the midst of a strategic for years by this point, and surrounded by shift, evolving from its traditional focus on the inspiration of the city, Bradley took the athletic wear into a formidable player in the leap of faith and put herself out there. fashion industry. This transition has yielded a remarkable 9.6% surge in their annual Bradley joined forces with Madison Collins, revenue since 2022, according to Statista. also a student at FIT, and asked her to be For them, collaborating with Primadonna the Editor at Large, now Deputy Editor, marked yet another stride in that direction. after meeting her in a dorm room and However, Primadonna was treading
having an immediate connection. “I started brainstorming photoshoots, and wanted to find a way to bring print back with the right people,” explains Bradley. One thing about Bradley and Collins, is that Primadonna is not some fun weekend activity for them, Primadonna is their future. “This is not a side project, this is a duty. We take ourselves very seriously,” says Bradley.
uncharted waters with this collaboration. Never before had a small Zine been asked to collaborate with an industry leader, and to make it all happen in a month. Nevertheless, the collaboration was a perfect fit. “The innovation shared between our two companies is our strongest connection,” Collins remarked. “If ‘Just do it’ wasn’t Nike’s slogan first, it could easily have been ours.”
vision “There’s a unique energy Primadonna’s Established in 2021, for this collaboration at Primadonna that you was to promote selfPrimadonna Zine is a New York City-based won’t find anywhere else” expression and the magazine with a Gen-Z freedom of movement focus. Its rise to prominence is attributed within Gen Z. They aimed to shift the to its vibrant community and a pool conversation of movement being purely for of exceptionally talented contributors. aesthetics, but rather a form of liberation. Bradley notes, “There’s a unique energy at “That feeling of adrenaline that Nike creates Primadonna that you won’t find anywhere aligns beautifully with our magazine,” else.” Bradley remarks. Primadonna is a bi-annual publication that delves into a spectrum of topics, intersecting fashion, wellness, and culture. When asked about the driving force behind Primadonna, Bradley asserts, “There’s no other option other than to be amazing.” The publication’s core mission is to showcase “where the power of print meets the force of self-expression.”
to look to, so we did it the Primadonna way, ” Bradley explains, “We immediately went into a workshop.” For Primadonna, this opportunity helped them solidify themselves within the industry, becoming a force to be reckoned with. “We were so grateful and excited, but also this gave us the sense that we knew Primadonna was amazing and now someone big knows it” says Collins. Primadonna hosted a pop-up event in Brooklyn to launch the Nike collaboration issue titled “Cityscape” and the event was a huge hit. Influencers, brands, and creatives filled the block to show their love and support for Primadonna’s new chapter. “It hit me after the event, walking home, where I started bawling, crying,” says Bradley. Now Primadonna is looking to the future. When asked what they’re plans looked like, the co-editors beamed, expressing ambitions of wanting to become the ultimate creative hub. They also look forward to seeing copies of their magazine in brick and mortar stores and to one day have an office. They are also on a path to evolve beyond just a publication; their aspiration is to establish themselves as a prominent name within their industry. “It used to be solely about producing a magazine, but now it’s about cultivating a brand,” Bradley explains. “Magazines of the past were primarily created for information and entertainment. Respectfully, we don’t want to know what
color nail polish Hailey Bieber is wearing. We want to tell the stories no one is talking about” Bradley adds. Even as Primadonna grows and becomes the media powerhouse that its founders hope for it to be, Bradley and Collins want it to stay as your ‘Jenny from the block’—a hometown star who never forgets her roots and always remains connected to her audience.
This special issue was only 1/5 the size of a regular issue. A standard Primadonna issue typically encompasses a diverse array of stories, including features, round-ups, and investigative pieces. Few magazines have ventured into creating dedicated special edition issues for collaborations. “We had no other examples
Photography by Maddie Paradise (Photography ‘23)
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FALL 2023
ISSUE 1 FASHION &
November Trend Forecast:
CULTURE
Fall Fashions to Watch for This Season By Chloe LaBel (AMC ‘27
New York City is gearing up to make the switch to fall fashion. As one of the world’s largest fashion hubs, NYC slowly prepares for the revival of past decades during the fall season.
Photo by pexels.com
Longchamp Le Pliage: The Bag of the Fall By Fareeha Ahmed (Fashion Business Management ‘26) FIT students are trendsetters in more ways than one, but especially this fall season with their Longchamp Pliage bags. Sketches by Jessica Lyle (Illustration ‘25)
A
s New York’s scorching summer makes way for a brisk autumn breeze, it’s time to dive into this year’s fall fashion trends. Based on observations, discussions with peers, and research, I’ve curated a list of the trends to look out for this November and throughout the fall and winter seasons. The Rein of Cherry Red Red, particularly the vibrant shade of cherry red, will be dominating the fashion scene this season. This trend, referred to as “Tomato Girl Fall” by Vogue’s Kristina Rutkowski in her article, “Tomato Girl FallRed Hot Fashion to Shop Now for the New Season,” has graced the runways of major designers like Ferragamo, Gucci, and Stella McCartney for their Fall/Winter 2023 collections. Beyond the runways, red is everywhere, especially in accessories, from ballet flats and belts to beauty products like lipsticks and nail polishes. It’s the go-to color for a striking contrast to the otherwise neutral fall color palette. Underwear As Outerwear? Absolutely. Intimate apparel seamlessly merges with everyday wear this season. Fashion Snoops, a leading trend forecasting service, highlights the prominence of visible garters on the runway, as seen in several runway shows like the Dolce and Gabbana show, where they integrated garter belts into various pieces, including corsets. According to Worth Global Style Network, a leading trend forecasting network, Boudoir-inspired corsets and bustier tops, often layered with knits this fall, draw inspiration from Y2K boho styles. Lace is prevalent this season, peeking out from under sheer tops, low-rise pants, adorning skirts, socks and tights. The integration of underwear and outerwear continues to rise, and I don’t see it going anywhere anytime soon.
The Revival of 90s Grunge & Y2K Boho The influence of the 90s and 2000s in this year’s fall trends is undeniable. The combination of grunge and boho styles is a cornerstone of the season’s most relevant looks. According to WGSN, bomber jackets are making a comeback, mini box-pleated skirts with belts are reminiscent of the 90s and 2000s, and weathered leather and biker boots reference 90s grunge. Y2K Boho manifests through layered tops, skirts and dresses, with distressed hemlines serving as a quintessential nod to the era.
With lace and satin taking center stage due to lingerie trends and the blend of athleisure and everyday wear post-Covid, ballet core is in full effect this fall.
Embracing Ballet Core This season, the world of dance, particularly ballet, is significantly influencing fashion. With lace and satin taking center stage due to lingerie trends and the blend of athleisure and everyday wear post-Covid, ballet core is in full effect this fall. According to Héloïse Salessy for Vogue France, “ballet core” is embraced through ballet flats, bodysuits and legwarmers. Ballet flats in shades of red, metallics and pastels have appeared as a staple in everyday wear this season.
Julia Guerra for InStyle Magazine describes legwarmers as a practical yet stylish accessory for the colder months, paired with Uggs or Docs. Bows, whether on shoes, clothes, or bags, add a touch of ballet-inspired femininity to the overall look. In addition, ribbon being used as shoe laces and in hair is an undeniable nod to ballet. “Ballet core” is a trend I see sticking around this upcoming spring. Cowboy Boots in New York? While cowboy boots have been a recurring trend, the Western influence in fashion is expanding this fall. Fashion Snoops reports the appearance of “Western ruggedness” in the runway shows of Masha Popova and Ashluwalia with braided belts, oversized buckles, weathered leather bags with fringe, and reimagined cowboy boots. This trend has merged seamlessly with Y2K and grunge influences, incorporating weathered leather, hardware, and slouchy styling to bring an edgy and sensual Y2K feel to classic Western styles. In addition, ribbon bows adorning cowboy boots blend this trend with the “ballet core” trend seamlessly. Bye Bye Backpacks Backpacks are making way for tote bags this season. In an increasingly digital world where physical textbooks are becoming obsolete, tote bags offer a versatile alternative. Totes come in various sizes, styles and designs, making them a staple for this fall. Their popularity isn’t limited to this season; WGSN predicts the emergence of tote-to-backpack transitional bag designs in the future.
The bag proves versatility and comes in about any color you can think of. So what are my thoughts on the bag? Let’s dive into it. Yes, I did get sucked into the bandwagon. I can’t say it’s one of my most original ideas, but I am content with my purchase since the Longchamp Pliage is a designer bag of the best quality and price. $140 for a designer bag that can hold your laptop, notebooks, and more isn’t too shabby. Additionally, the bag has room for a divider, which is a must for organizational purposes. During a torrential downpour this past week, I had to walk to and from work in the rain, yet the bag was left undamaged, confirming it is waterproof. My friend also happened to drop nail polish on her bag, and not a stain was left on it after she cleaned it off. To add on to the fun, the bag can also be personalized at the Longchamp store on Fifth Avenue — for free! The bag does come with its fair share of pros, but what about its cons? Making sure the strap stays on my arm is a deal breaker for a tote bag. I hate to break it to everyone, but this bag doesn’t meet my standards in that way, especially if I am wearing a bulky jacket or sweatshirt. Additionally, trying to get the bag to open by fighting with the zipper and the button is a hassle. To top that off, the bag comes with two tiny pockets that barely fit my AirPods. All that being said, will you hop on the Pliage crusade?
In a world where trends evolve rapidly, it’s exciting to see how individuals interpret and incorporate these trends into their unique styles on the streets of NYC and around FIT’s campus. Fashion is not just about what’s in; it’s about how you make it your own.
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ISSUE 1
FALL 2023
SPORTS
Photos provided by Kiley Cacace (Photography ‘27)
Meet FIT’s Head Women’s Soccer Coach Hatem Gabr By Noreen Hofving (AMC ‘24)
If you have been keeping up with the successes of FIT athletics, you may know that the women’s soccer team has been transformed into a winning group. The team established this impressive record in the fall of 2022, when head coach Hatem Gabr, the Kuwait native and soccer expert, took the reins. As one of the first ten coaches in the USA to earn a masters degree with a specialization in soccer, attending Ohio University’s masters program for Recreation & Sport Science, Gabr’s education solidifies his passion for the sport. With dual licensing from the United States Soccer Federation and United Soccer Coaches and a variety of coaching experience including some of the top teams in NYC, a few of which include The United Nations International School, The Dalton School and the Manhattan Soccer Club, Gabr’s arrival has revived FIT’s women’s soccer team.
As we sit to discuss an impressive journey with Coach Hatem Gabr, we gain insight on his triumphs, obstacles and future plans for the women’s soccer team. Noreen Hofving: As one of the first ten coaches in the USA to earn a soccer specific masters degree, what inclined you to pursue this unique education? Hatem Gabr: I chose this degree because I always look for something different. I researched who created this masters program at Ohio University and found Dr. David Carr, the President of United Soccer Coaches. He became my mentor and somebody I look up to. Carr picked the best of the best to be in this program, so to be in an environment with top level educators and coaches was an opportunity that I wouldn’t leave at all. As one of the first ten in the USA to complete this degree, it was very challenging, but it was very good. NH: Growing up in Kuwait and Egypt where soccer is the most popular sport, what role did soccer play in your early years?
HG: I was born in Kuwait, but my parents and I traveled a lot. We were always back and forth between Kuwait, Egypt, and the USA. I think that any place you go in your country or even here in school, you want to make friends and find your happy place. So for me, soccer was definitely the way to meet people, you know? To feel like even when cultures are different, there is a lot of similarity to it. NH: Did you always know you wanted to coach? HG: No, I actually did not want to coach. I played until I got injured and of course, when you’re younger, you always dream of becoming a player. My injury made me stay away from anything that reminded me of the game. I didn’t like to watch soccer or even be near the field for a while. But then one time a friend of mine asked me for a favor to cover his shift. He was coaching little kids and I showed this girl some move and then she did it. That feeling made me like oh, okay, I do want to coach. NH: Off the field, what steps do you take to ensure a cohesive team dynamic? HG: Off-season, we do a lot of activities like Tuesday open gym sessions, we’ll just have fun. I let the players boss me around for a change. We also play in an away tournament to start off our season, this year in Massachusetts. While we’re there, we’ll go for dinner and do other activities off the field. When we return from that trip there is already friendship building. We also try to work with a charity for a few games, like our Alzheimers and Breast Cancer Awareness games, and I’ll involve one or two or the girls to help organize. NH: To continue the team’s current success, how do you plan on maintaining a competitive reputation and recruiting new players? HG: We have already recruited a few players for the next two years that are in high school. We usually contact the coach or the coaches contact me, as I know a lot of people in the field. I also think everybody that used to play should be an ambassador for the soccer program. Former players are proud and always promote it, which can help us recruit as much as possible. The program itself is very attractive and it’s a great school, so we’re going to get a lot of high end players that want to come here and have fun.
Photo from fittigers.com/sports/dance-team
From Unsure to Encore: FIT’s Dance Company Returns By Noreen Hofving (AMC ‘24) To begin the fall 2023 semester, the FIT dance company has made an astonishing return. Under the instruction of new director Lenard Foust, New York City and Atlantabased dance prodigy, the dance company begins their comeback season on Sunday, Oct. 8, as auditions commence. Following the exit of FIT’s former dance directors, a sense of uncertainty for the dance company’s future lingered. However, Foust’s decision to lead provides FIT dance veterans an opportunity to continue their passion. “I’m super excited for this season, I didn’t want to not dance my senior year,” stated senior Kailee Ryan (CFM ‘24). With a diverse dance background in musical theater, performances alongside notable artists, and collaborations with cruise lines and ballet companies, Foust arrives at FIT with abundant experience. With plans to incorporate styles like hip hop, street jazz, and AfroFusion contemporary, a wealth of talent and diverse choreography can be anticipated this season.
Starting The Season in Style: Women’s Soccer Jerseys By Christian M. Centeno (AMC ‘27)
“I feel more confident in this cut rather than a more straight-cut. I also like the contrasting shades of blue that work complimentary together to make for a sleek look on the field.”
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The start of fall kicks off the soccer season and FIT’s Women’s Soccer Team is starting the season in style. Uniform in sport is a key role in a team’s identity and the Fashion Institute of Technology has applied their status on the field with brand new uniforms. The home jersey is a navy blue top with white stripes, while the away jersey is all white. Both jersey’s have the school’s mascot, Stitch the Tiger, above the FIT Soccer crest. When you think of fashion design, a sports jersey is not the first thing that comes to mind. However, FIT provides the players comfort and flair. Forward Kiley Cacace loves the jerseys. She stated ,“I feel more confident in this cut rather than a more straight-cut. I also like the contrasting shades of blue that work complimentary together to make for a
sleek look on the field.” In the end, Kiley summed it up best, “ If we’re gonna do one thing as a sports team at a fashion school, we’re gonna play in style!”
Photos provided by Kiley Cacace
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Say Goodbye to Pandas; And Hello to Sambas By Kinleigh Alnutt (AMC ‘27) Walking around FIT, there are distinct style aesthetics, but one shoe seems to have a firm grip on all the students. A simple black sneaker with three white stripes. All the fashion babes are wearing Adidas Sambas. Especially with sneakers, there is always a new shoe that captures the heart of everyone, with the year prior being the Nike Dunk Low Pandas. But since 2022, Sambas have made a rapid resurgence all over the world. After being spotted on popular supermodel Bella Hadid, Sambas are an essential for everyone’s closet. Fashion is a cycle after all, so naturally, this isn’t the first time they have made a comeback. In the ‘90s, skateboarders made Sambas a skater staple due to their durability and comfortability. Although the skaters of the ‘90s made them their own, they were originally intended for the soccer players of the ‘50s. Created in 1949 by Adi Dassler, they were put on the map by the 1950 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and were a go-to shoe for indoor soccer players. They’ve gone from running to runway since the fashion world has gotten ahold of them. With this being said, I can’t help but wonder: Are Sambas here to stay for good, or are they just another “shoe of the year”?
ISSUE 1
The Unseen Side of Things: FIT’s Major UnderRepresentation By Julia Kobeszko (Packaging Design ‘25)
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he Fashion Institute of Technology has over 35 baccalaureate and associate programs and according to Application and Enrollment statistics for Fall of 2022, over 8,000 students are enrolled on campus. According to U.S.News.com, the most popular majors at FIT in 2022 include Fashion Business Management at 24% and Fashion/Apparel Design at 18%. The FIT Instagram, website, school events and internship programs center around fashion and its opportunities, giving the institution a bold and famous identity. But what about all the other programs FIT provides? The school prides itself on its social diversity and inclusion for all students, yet fails to bring to light the success of its students studying different career paths. I found myself asking a series of questions. What majors do we know little about and how do students feel that they fit into the FIT community? Is there anything that FIT could be doing to be more representative of their smaller degree programs? The best way to answer these questions is to speak directly with students on campus and get insight about the situation.
Interview with (Illustration ‘25)
Evangelina
Colucci
Julia Kobeszko: What do you think about the under-representation of your major in the FIT community? Evangelina Colucci: I do feel the school focuses more on the fashion aspect, which I guess makes sense considering the name, but I feel like the illustration majors and other art majors are somewhat underlooked. There’s not a lot of internships for us and it is hard to land one. We think it’s slightly unfair that the majority of the internships go towards fashion and business students. JK: How does that make you feel? EC: It makes me sad. When I went to the internship bank there weren’t a lot of options. It would be nice if our major was given some thought once in a while. Interview with Matthew Olfindo (Animation, Interactive Media and Game Design ‘25) Julia Kobeszko: What do you think about the under-representation of your major in the FIT community? Matthew Olfindo: I think it’s near nonexistent. It is still coming up though. There have been mentions of having add-ons to the major, but it’s probably not going to be coming in a while. JK: What do you think the FIT social media can do better? MO: Just mentioning it in general and
showcasing students or other events outside of the school that pertain to it, maybe highlighting work from previous years that show where those students are now in the real world. Just acknowledgement, really. During interview sessions, both students mentioned how the events displayed in the main level of the Pomerantz Center should be geared more towards the art majors that reside in the building, including programs like Photography and Graphic Design. This tension creates a divide between the student body. FIT rarely posts about these majors on its social media platforms, which is strange considering the success of majors like Interior and Packaging Design. FIT is the best Interior Design school in New York and Packaging Design has a one-hundred percent rate of job offers for students. There is a lot of stigma surrounding funding, internships, and events for niche majors in our community. Just because FIT has a designated image to gear towards, it doesn’t mean other students of the school should have less opportunities. With the right social media exposure and proper resources, FIT could bring in new minds and inspire their current students further.
Illustrations by Amina Sokolji (Illustration ‘25)
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Dating The VintageWay
Mark Your Territory! respectfully, of course.
By Jaya Lockhart (FBM ‘24) “Marking territory” is often associated with an animal of some kind, taking what is most valuable to them and hiding something from anyone that might threaten to take it from them. We all have experienced our fair share of “marking” — our food, our clothes, our work and even our relationships. We are territorial beings, we walk around confidently believing “what’s mine is mine and what’s yours is also mine.” We can so easily get consumed with what is ours that we had to actually be taught that “sharing is caring”. The question is, when did the consideration of others become the inconsideration of ourselves? When are you allowed to say no because your yes is wearing thin? Marking your territory is less about taking something you deem holds great value and hiding it away for safekeeping, but more about YOU standing up for YOU. In today’s society the line between loving others and loving yourself is so faint that it makes it challenging to actually decipher how to set healthy boundaries. It makes perfect sense, since you wake up with you, go to bed with you, work with you, breathe with you, even take vacations with you, how could you really not start with loving… you? The true answer is, you can very easily when you give more than you ever receive. Mark your territory and set the standard, take inventory of your life and what you’re pouring out. True lovers & friends, they’ll meet you where you’re at and that is enough.
By Grace O’Hanlon (FBM ‘26)
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here is a dark cloud of tribulation residing over the dating culture of New York City. It’s hard enough for people in their late 20s and early 30s to find a partner, where’s the hope for college students?
In our generation, there is a common fear of commitment proven in the average lifespan of relationships. Think of your own friend group, how many of them have been in a relationship for longer than five months? The universal fear of risk, the increasingly high standards, and unfavorable dating apps, make the pool of eligible singles appear alarmingly formidable. Is the Old Hollywood, ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’, ‘When Harry Met Sally’ love, dead? When will we learn to stop romanticizing heartbreak, and the manic dating culture of Sex in the City, to refocus our priorities on what we actually want in relationships? I’ve done extensive research and interviewed students across Manhattan to answer our most pressing questions. Dating platforms provide users with an abundance of seemingly endless options, yet the success rate among the people I’ve interviewed was miniscule. The majority unanimously agreed that apps like Hinge provide low quality interactions. I went to the FIT, NYU, Parsons, and the Fordham campuses in order to ask students what their biggest issue with meeting people was. The average NYU student answered “I’m afraid to approach people.” This can be understandable for freshmen and sophomores attempting to navigate Washington Square Park, but eventually you would think they would gain the confidence, right? The average Fordham student said, “I am afraid of rejection.” When I asked the average FIT student what their biggest problem with the dating culture was, the most common answers were, “I can’t seem to meet anyone” and “My standards are too high.” Of course fashion students would have high standards for their significant other, it’s like that Clueless quote, “You see how picky I am about my shoes, and they only go on my feet!” The answers from Parsons were varied but most similar to that of FIT. NYU had the largest amount of relationships which made sense considering the sheer size of the student body. After speaking to singletons, I decided to shift my focus to lovely couples. I wondered if they would have the answers to where and how we should meet people. The concordant solution was this: if you want an old fashioned New York romance, you need to reach out to your friends. Ilustration by Jacob Frazier (Illustration ‘25)
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Fifteen years ago, the majority of Americans met their partner through a mutual friend or acquaintance. It makes sense why these relationships are so successful considering that a mutual friend means you forgo the risk of unanswered texts, and standing outside of a restaurant when your Hinge date is a no show. There is a certain air of responsibility placed on both members in a relationship when you have a mutual friend in the mix. It’s basically the best insurance factor you could have in the dating world. If you have reached out to your close friends and the answer is ultimately no, hope is not lost. I kept track of the most common settings couples mentioned when I asked them where they met their partner. This all depends on the type of person you are attracted to, but nevertheless, they seem to work the best for people wishing to meet others naturally. Option one: Join a gym or workout group. If you like running, consider a running club. When you are forced to interact with people in a setting like a workout class, there are a multitude of conversation starters you can uncover. Also, you can build up the confidence to ask them a question if you’re forced to spend an allotted amount of time together. Option Two: Dog parks. I’m not kidding. Someone told me this was the best option in an interview. If you don’t have a dog, find a friend who does. If you don’t like animals this might not be the best option for you. Pick a sunny day and remember smiling goes a long way. Option Three: Pizza places in the NYU vicinity: The best options I’ve uncovered are: The line in front of John’s of Bleecker Pizza on a Friday or Saturday night, Lombardi’s Pizza in Nolita, and Prince Street Pizza. Worst comes to worst, at least you got to eat some solid food. Dating apps are creating a generation that is afraid of vulnerability, and true commitment. Putting yourself out there can be your own way of pushing against what society tells you is the modern day “normal.” If you feel dispirited but part of you is still hoping for that ‘old Hollywood perception of romance, don’t give up on dating just yet. In a city of 8.4 million people, there has to be someone out there who wants what no one else can offer: you.
“You see how picky I am about my shoes, and they only go on my feet!”
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who you aRe
ISSUE 1
Tell Me and I’ll Tell You What to Wear The Everlasting World of Personal Shoppers By Beatrice Nicolini (AMC ‘25) We all need to feel a little special, cared for, listened to. And as much as one tries to find it from within, a lot of our confidence comes from the outside. Appraisal, winnings, feedback, everything matters in the race toward uniqueness. A race that, inexorably, starts from the closet, and the question of “who am I going to be today” – although the answer to it is often hard to figure on one’s own. Personal shoppers are the heralds of that answer. By definition, they “assist shoppers to choose their purchases.” By heart, they are much more than a Merriam-Webster cue. They’re listeners, therapists, problemsolvers, confidants. Yet, they’re hard to spot between spare hangers and regular personnel these days.
Certainly, data over the existence – and persistence – of this occupation is also hard to quantify, especially as the nature of this role is behavioral, and the courtesy offered is often mistaken for a branch of customer service.
success only to one gift of hers: listening. “You have to understand that it’s not only selling. You’ve gotta give something back to these people,” she reveals in an interview with The New Yorker, “whether you buy or not...I strike out a lot, but I don’t feel it.”
Besides, shopping has drastically changed due to factors like globalization, fast production, the pandemic, or the exponential rise of online retail, which have prompted customers to redefine their shopping habits, and personal shoppers to adapt accordingly.
To lose sight of a job’s purpose could either be a sign of inconsideration or utter passion, but Halbreich’s case surpasses all odds, making of this role a treasurer of intimate sharing,and providing evidence on how it could solely come to life through a physical, personal, and custom-made interaction with the client.
But some, still remained steady on their ground. At least, Betty Halbreich did. As the first personal shopper employed at Bergdorf Goodman and author of “Secrets of a Fashion Therapist,” Halbreich credits her
having somebody on the inside being your eyes and ears, keeping you up to date on trends, texting you, seeing what you can’t see…it’s such a good feeling.”
“Boutiques are successful because they’re more than just stores: they’re style educators,” says indeed Ashley Alderson, founder and CEO of The Boutique Hub, to Forbes Magazine. “Amazon is functional and useful when we know what we want, but there’s a difference between buying and shopping, and Amazon does not address the shopping experience.” We all need to feel a little special, cared for, listened to. The marketplace may be traveling at a different pace – between the colossus of e-commerce and Zara-like franchises –, but personal shoppers remain the light of guidance for many customers. Perhaps, we just have to meet them along the way. After all, they have never left.
?
Who am i going to be today Photography by Adriana Bolanos (AMC ‘25)
Featuring Personal Shopper, Dana Paz (FBM ‘26)
This lack of involvement gives a comparative advantage to personal shoppers, forcing many in the industry to pose new questions on the relevance of the in-person thrill, and the answer might just be in front of our eyes. “People used to go to the modiste and get their clothes fitted on their body, and that idea of having someone tailor a service for you is something people have always wanted,” tells Armelle Fleurenssaint (AMC, ‘22), now assistant personal shopper at Bergdorf Goodman. “Just
F.I.T. RATS
By Luna Paluck Teeter (Fine Arts ‘27)
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The People Behind this Incredible Issue! Writers
Graphic Designers
Illustrators
Alice Liu
Adriana Bolanos
Amina Sokolji
Alisha Singh
Jessica Ehrenfeld
Jacob Frazier
Beatrice Nicolini
Julia Kobeszko
Jessica Lyle
Chloe LaBel
Kalia Donohue
Luna Paluck Teeter
Christian M. Centeno
Luna Paluck Teeter
Norberto Perez
Emerald Rucks
Mimi Vieux-Gresham
Adriana Bolanos
Fareeha Ahmed
Tiffany Hoang
Kiley Cacace
Grace O’Hanlon
Kilneigh Alnutt
Haneen Elmeswari
Tehila Soleimani
Jaya Lockhart Julia Kobeszko Kinleigh Alnutt Madison Barton Noreen Hofving Emma Citro
Photographers
Tiffany Hoang
Adriana Bolanos Kiley Cacace Kilneigh Alnutt Tehila Soleimani Tiffany Hoang
Letter From the Editor Before officially starting this new role, I thought to myself: what is a newspaper? A newspaper, according to Oxford Languages, is a printed publication consisting of folded unstapled sheets and containing news, feature articles, advertisements, and correspondence. With this issue, we return to a traditional newspaper format and rededicate ourselves to informing students about what is happening at our school and in our industry.
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So there you go FIT students - your school newspaper. Grab a copy and a cup of coffee. I hope to see many seated with their legs crossed (preferably ankleon-knee) enjoying the October ‘23 issue of W27 Newspaper.
- Abigail Zwirecki, Editor-In-Chief
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ISSUE 1
A Closer Look. Photographed by Tiffany Hoang (Intl. Trade and Marketing ‘25)
Photographed by Kinleigh Alnutt (AMC ‘27)
Illutsration by Norberto Perez (Illustration ‘24)
Photographed by Adriana Bolanos (AMC ‘24)
Ilustration by Jessica Lyle, (Illustration ‘25) Ilustration by Jacob Frazier, (Illustration ‘25)
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www.w27newspapers.com
Photos taken by Tehila Soleimani (AMC ‘25)
Meet the Team at W27!
Abiga il Zw irec ki
Adriana Bol añ os
ed it or-i n -c h ie f
Je ss Eh re n feldesig n
h ead o f g ra ph ic
d
creati ve di rec tor
Jess L yle
a rt d irec tor
Photos taken by Tehila Soleimani (AMC ‘25)
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assista n t ed it or-i
Orfi lia Go m e z Sec re ta ry
Ha n ee n Elm eswa ri
n -c h ie f
Fa re eha Ah m ed Treasure r
