FIT vs. Pratt: World Premiere Event!

FASHION SCHOOL COMPETITION: The Fashion Institute of Technology and Pratt Institute will be going head-to-head on May 5. Both fashion schools have scheduled their annual fashion show for the same night, which could lead to editors having to make the difficult choice on where to show their allegiance.

Pratt’s 117th runway show will spotlight student designs from graduating seniors and honor Harold Koda with the Pratt Institute Fashion Award for Lifetime Achievement. Simon Doonan, Barneys New York’s creative ambassador-at-large will be presenting the award to Koda. The runway show and awards ceremony kick off at 6 p.m. (it goes until 7:30 p.m.) at Spring Studios at 50 Varick Street, with a cocktail reception afterward.

An ambitious editor could conceivably hail a cab and get to FIT (27th Street and Seventh Avenue) and catch FIT’s “The Future of Fashion” runway show, which will be hosted by Leandra Medine. The festivities start at 7 p.m. The show will feature looks created by FIT’s top graduating students, including the Critics’ Award and People’s Choice Award-winning looks in sportswear, special occasion, knitwear, intimate apparel and children’s wear.

“We are very excited for this year’s show and the talent that will be featured on the runway. The venue will certainly be filled, and it is a testament to the quality of the work that press outlets are seeking to cover the students’ collections. It is going to be a great night for both Pratt and FIT,” said Jennifer Minniti, chairwoman of the fashion department at Pratt.

Joanne Arbuckle, dean of the School of Art and Design at FIT, said, “Of course we would prefer to showcase the exceptional designs of our extremely talented graduating Fashion Design students on a different night from any of the other schools, but the reality is that there are many competing considerations the schools have when setting a date, including academic calendars and the Met Ball, which sometimes necessitate overlap. 

 Fortunately, the design schools located in New York City have the luxury of being in the heart of the industry with enough of a concentration of leaders, designers, and media to attend both events. In addition, technology also allows us to broaden the reach. I am confident that both FIT’s and Pratt’s students will get the attention they deserve.

“Our goal, of course, is always to have as many industry leaders as possible attend. We want them to see the work of the new talent about to be launched into the industry. These young designers will be the lifeblood of fashion as it continues to move forward, and it benefits the current leaders to see their work,” she said.

Ladies and gentlemen, pick your school.