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The Future of Fashion Critic Awards are given each year by the industry mentors who work alongside students in their final semester of study. Each critic is a leader in one of our areas of specialization, and many are alumni of FIT’s Fashion Design program. Work selected by the critics is considered the best of the best.

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Childrenswear

Hawwaa Ibrahim Collection Photo 1 - Child with flowers in hand
Hawwaa Ibrahim Collection Photo 2 - side view

Hawwaa Ibrahim

Awarded by Erin Rechner

This look was inspired by art in the Islamic world combined with genderless fashion for children. The original prints were inspired by arabesque designs, commonly seen in Islamic art. A combination of nylon and cotton twill was used to create the jacket and pants. The Arabic words translate to “inclusive.”

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Intimate Apparel

Lauren Starobin Collection Photo 1 - Front view of bustier, rope over chair
Lauren Starobin Collection Photo 2 - Model sitting on chair, with legs pointing up

Lauren Starobin

Awarded by Jane Woolrich

The inspiration for this collection began with a series of paintings that the designer’s aunt, Wendy Jackel, created in New York City in the late 1970s. The look features a hand-painted silk charmeuse robe and a corded bustier with Art Deco hardware.

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Knitwear

Gabriela Villatoro Collection Photo 1 - Knitted lock full
Gabriela Villatoro Collection Photo 2 - Knitted white pants, hanging from wooden stick
Gabriela Villatoro Collection Photo 3 - Top with green and white color gradient

Gabriela Villatoro

Awarded by Stacey Tester

Ciudad Blanca (White City) is an unexplored ancient city in La Mosquitia rainforest of Honduras. The idea of a white city lost in nature inspired the colors and textures. The collection was created using the machine, hand knitting, and felting.

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Saemi Jeob Collection Photo 1 - Full look, model bending down with hands behind back, attempting to smell flower
Saemi Jeob Collection Photo 2 - Full look, model standing next to flower vase

Saemi Jeob

Awarded by Victor Glemaud

My collection, “The Memory Vessel,” was inspired by memory jugs that are vessels into which small objects representing cherished memories are placed. The styling of each memory jug is unique, covered with texture and multiple materials, making it a perfect container for objects that will keep your memories from fading away.

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Special Occasion

Natalie Rapallo Collection Photo 1 - Full look, model kneeing on bed
Natalie Rapallo Collection Photo 2 - Closeup back of dress

Natalie Rapallo

Awarded by Jessica Ly

This dress is inspired by the feeling of being home, safe in bed. The feeling of being swallowed up in a blanket as the morning light changes to night. The dress is created in a taupe, stretch, silk georgette. The embellished tulle was hand-dyed and woven to mimic a cable-knit design.

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Ece Sena Ercanli Collection Photo 1 - Full look on black background
Ece Sena Ercanli Collection Photo 2 - Side view of black and red dress on black background
Ece Sena Ercanli Collection Photo 3 - back view of black and red dress on black background

Ece Sena Ercanli

Awarded by Sergio “Celestino” Guadarrama

“Zero” dress side embroidery detail with red satin stitch thread embroidery and chiffon piping technique. Black and silver Swarovski bead combination border along with thread embroidery.

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Sportswear

Jiashan Liu Collection Photo 1 - Front view

Jiashan Liu

Awarded by Megan Smith

Top made of floral-printed sheer silk charmeuse, with its raw edges finished using burned organza. The skirt is made off of Japanese selvedge denim, and decorated with line and fluted details using faux leather and silver metallic nylon that gives structure and a futuristic vibe.

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Esther Yitao Li Collection Photo 1 - Front view of garment. Green grass environment, blue sky in the background
Esther Yitao Li Collection Photo 2 - Model sitting. Green grass environment, blue sky in the background

Esther Yitao Li

Awarded by Haidee Findlay-Levin

This collection is inspired by the process of distortion. It started with manipulating filters on regular objects, sculptures, and clothing to develop new silhouettes and possibilities. Lace and plaid are combined to create contrast patterns on the body and experiment more with concepts and shape.

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Jingwen Xuan Collection Photo 1 - Front view of garment. Model leaning against green ladder
Jingwen Xuan Collection Photo 2 - Close-up front view of garment and model

Jingwen Xuan

Awarded by James Thomas

The lightweight and water-repellent parka blurs the line between the daytime wear of a career professional, yet stylish for an evening party. It combines a Tyvek shell with detachable sleeves and an organza layer revealed by a leather piece, which can be worn as a skirt or a strapless dress separately.

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Abraham Azamy Collection Photo 1 - Front view of garment and model on white background
Abraham Azamy Collection Photo 2 - Close-up back view of garment and model on white background

Abraham Azamy
 

The concept of this look was based on sex appeal as a suggestion rather than an obvious statement.   Focusing on the playfulness of undressing and the subtle illusion of skin exposure. The intention is to give the wearer the power to be provocative in a way that is subtle and refined. 

Awarded by Jussara Lee

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Core Rian Collection Photo 1 - Front view of garment and model

Rian Core

Awarded by Sophie Theallet

A mix of semi-precious, bugle, and seed beads. Roller pins dangle from the beaded loops. Bobby pins line the collar while the rollers line the hem/cuff.

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Kerrigan Steger Onno Collection Photo 1 - Front view of garment and model. Building in the background
Kerrigan Steger Onno Collection Photo 2 - Front view of garment and model. Building in the background - different pose
Kerrigan Steger Onno Collection Photo 3 - Back view of garment and model. Building in the background

Kerrigan Onno

Awarded by Kobi Halperin

This collection, “Rethink,” is inspired by Maria Bartuszova, a post-war plaster artist who explored the haptic and fleeting shapes of nature. The fluid drape and knotted rope are an echo of one of her 1963 plasterworks. Here the models’ feet are plastered in reference to Bartuszova’s medium.

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