Interview with Joyce F Brown

Joyce F Brown
President
Fashion Institute of Technology

Students must also develop social media strategies and concepts for branding...

Dr. Joyce F Brown is the president of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). She speaks on the importance of social media for students in her interview with Fibre2Fashion Correspondent Mary Christine Joy. Synopsis: Fashion Institute of Technology is a college under State University of New York. It is an internationally recognized college for design, fashion, art, communications, and business. Founded in 1944, FIT offers Associate of Applied Science Degrees, Bachelor of Science Degrees, Bachelor of Fine Arts Degrees, Master of Professional Studies Degrees, Master of Arts Degrees, and a Master of Fine Arts Degree. Today, the campus encompasses an entire city block, and serves more than 10,000 students. Dr. Brown is the president of FIT since 1998. She has had over 30 years experience in public higher education. Prior to her appointment at FIT, she was professor of clinical psychology at the Graduate School and University Center of CUNY. Dr. Brown earned her doctorate and master's degree in counseling psychology from New York University and her bachelor's degree from Marymount College in Tarrytown, New York. Excerpts:

Markets are depressed, how is this impacting employment in the overall textile and fashion industry? How can aspiring candidates gear up for this scenario?

In 2012, the last time FIT surveyed recent graduates, we were able to report that of those who responded, nearly 80 percent of associate degree graduates and 90 percent of bachelor’s degree graduates were employed. And this predates the gradual economic recovery that some countries, including the United States, are experiencing. To make our students superior job candidates, we not only provide an in-depth education in our students’ primary area of study, but also educate them to be as versatile as possible and this gives them an advantage in a bad economy. Courses are designed to broaden their understanding of the humanities, strengthen critical thinking and communication skills. The fact that markets have been challenged is, in fact, an opportunity for our students and recent graduates. They can take the innovative concepts we teach in the classroom into the marketplace. These are fresh, new ideas that will regenerate the market. Regarding employment for FIT graduates and alumni, our graduates tend to live in consuming countries and travel to producing and trading countries to develop fabrics and related products. They work side-by-side with fashion designers, merchandisers, and the production departments to make sure that new fabrics and new products are developed or modified for every product line.

Which geographic regions are growing in terms of opportunities for fashion design students? This can be cities, countries, or any area in particular. For example, we know that many fashion design students are moving to Chinese universities because there is a lot of scope in China, nowadays. What is your opinion?

There are particular opportunities in Asia today, including in China, of course. China is changing from a manufacturing site to one where fashion designers are emerging. FIT has entered into relationships in Shanghai, which is becoming a leading fashion capitol. We have active exchange programs for our Fashion Design and Advertising and Marketing Communications students in Zhejiang Sci-Tech University outside of Shanghai and Donghua University in Shanghai. Brazil, India and Russia are other countries that are growing for fashion design. The State University of New York system, of which FIT is a college, has a presence in Seoul. Our largest international student population comes from South Korea, and therefore, we have a growing alumni population there.

Fashion equals change. In this, how can an aspiring candidate have faith in their creativity where change is constant? What do you suggest to budding designers as well as students about this?

First, we teach them well. Our students learn the technical applications of design. They also learn to develop their own aesthetic vision. They know what “works”---both from a fashion point of view and a design perspective. If they are confident and able to rely on their knowledge and exposure, they will be flexible---neither trendy nor inconsistent in their image---and able to remain current in a rapidly changing market. Creativity can flow and faith can develop when you are prepared well and have confidence in your ability.

What do you think does it take for a student to succeed in the world of fashion?

It takes talent and a point of view; it takes exposure to and embrace of the technical requirements that make design work. It takes a sensitivity to and understanding of the body (female or male) to know how to build in flexibility and comfort to accompany the statement being envisioned. It takes a knowledge of textiles and how to choose the right fabric for the design. It takes a sensibility to the importance and nuance of the appropriate color and tone to complete the execution of the vision. And if all of that is in place, it must be accompanied by an understanding of the impact of social, cultural and economic forces on fashion and the psychological response of the consumer to the product. Critical thinking and communication skills are imperative.

What are the current job placement trends for recent graduates? Where are they working?

FIT has maintained outstanding job placement statistics, even during the difficult times we have been experiencing. As I reported earlier, a 2012 survey of FIT graduates found that nearly 80 percent of students who graduate with an associates degree find jobs in their areas, and a full 90 percent of students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree find employment. Our graduates work in many areas of fashion and its related industries. That same survey found that many graduates, especially those with bachelor’s degrees, were employed as assistant designers. Entry level jobs as assistant buyers remain in demand as are positions as stylists, merchandise assistants, product development assistants and sales associates. One trend we have noticed in recent years is a growing demand on the part of industry for professionals in compliance and sustainability issues. We have also seen the emergence of some new positions in the industry, such as in social media and multi-channel marketing. Internships are an integral component of an FIT education. We have 2,000 internships. Many of these lead to job offers for our students.

Students need the best skills in order to find jobs. In what ways can current students make sure that they are getting the best education possible? How can they best ensure that they will get jobs and have a career in the fashion industry?

Even the most talented and highly motivated students have to remain current if they are going to be marketable. They have to be passionate and dedicated to their craft and willing to devote the time and effort required to complete the full academic curriculum which is offered in order to have the best preparation for the markets in which they hope to distinguish themselves. At FIT we pride ourselves on our curriculum which provides students opportunities to study with industry experts as well as academicians distinguished in their fields by both research and teaching. Our curriculum is infused with liberal arts courses which round out the students’ experience and preparation for the global markets. We stress the importance of critical thinking skills and how to analyze facts and conceptualize projects and problem solve creatively. We stress writing ability and presentation and communication skills. We want students to read the work of diverse writers and thought leaders. Industries require students/employees to be adaptable, flexible and able to apply what they know to new and different situations. Talent, academic preparation and diligent pursuit of opportunities to remain current are essential for the innovation and creative solutions being sought today.

Are global competition and a poor economy affecting job placement at FIT?

Global competition has shaped and continues to reshape the types of positions that may be available, but it has not hurt hiring of our graduates. FIT’s job placement statistics remain outstanding. As referenced earlier, data show that of the students responding to our surveys, nearly 80 percent of our associates degree graduates find jobs in their areas and 90 percent of those with bachelor’s degrees find employment upon graduation. Our graduates can be found in many areas of fashion and related industries as well as some of the newer positions that have emerged as a result of the profusion of social media outlets and multi-channel marketing.

What kind of events do you organize for FIT students?

Multiple events take place every day and evening at the college. These include but are not limited to symposia, moderated panel discussions with industry experts, Deans Dialogues with invited industry experts with whom students can interact, student mentoring by industry executives and designers, contests and competitions sponsored by major companies, and the activities of the major-related student clubs. Recent guests have included Calvin Klein; Tommy Hilfiger; Martha Stewart; Kenneth Cole; Mickey Drexler, chairman and CEO of J. Crew; and Terry Lundgren, president and CEO of Macy’s, Inc. Major brands and corporations routinely sponsor competitions solely for FIT students in which industry designers and executives mentor the students, giving them invaluable feedback about their work. Prizes are awarded, and often the winning product is produced and sold by the sponsoring company. Recent contests have been sponsored by Stark Carpets, Cotton, Inc., DSW shoes, LVHM, Macy’s, Loehmann’s, Harris Tweed and Lululemon Athletica. During their final year, students prepare a graduation (capstone) project. For instance, at the college’s annual runway show (supported by Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein, Inc and Cotton, Inc), graduating fashion design students present their collections to sold out audiences made up of industry professionals, designers and fashion journalists. Designers such as Carolina Herrera, Dennis Basso and Narcisco Rodriguez mentor the students as they create their collections. Judges also are industry professionals. Students must also develop social media strategies and concepts for branding, marketing and selling.

Do you organize any trade fairs and international/global events? Please explain.

Several times a year, the college organizes a trade event called City Source EXPO, at which New York-based garment industry manufacturing companies are available to meet and take orders from designers and brands. This is a free event that is open to students and the public. Students attend the Magic Show in Las Vegas, which is the largest apparel sourcing exhibition in the Americas. They also take FIT-sponsored trips both in the U.S. and abroad---to such locations as Paris, London and Florence--- where they visit trade shows, designer studios, factories and corporate offices. Our Fashion Merchandising Management students participate in a competition sponsored by World Retail Congress in locations such as Barcelona and Berlin. Students can – and do – study abroad at locations all over the world. FIT’s own program in Italy allows students to immerse themselves in the culture while studying at Polimodo in Florence the Politecnico di Milano in Milan. The Textile Development and Marketing program and the Fashion Design program have dual-degree programs with Istanbul Technical University (ITU).

Published on: 25/06/2013

DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.