FIT Students Speak About the Future of Fashion

By Yadira Gonzalez

Lee Haskett wearing handmade pink tulle gown outside of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Big-name designers have dominated conversations about issues in the fashion world, especially during events such as New York’s Fashion Week and the Met Gala. Young designers may offer a new, refreshing perspective regarding the future of the industry.

Four students attending the Fashion Institute of Technology gave their input on the current state of the fashion industry and what the next generation has to offer.

Lee Haskett modeling handmade gown made of tulle with a patch that says, “Why look simple when you can look stunning.” Haskett is sitting on the Met Museum steps.

The fashion industry’s effects on the environment have become a pressing matter for environmentalists. Freshman Lee Haskett, majoring in fashion design, finds monetary greed to be a leading factor in the lack of sustainable practices within the industry.

“As a whole global industry, it’s run by money. The cheaper you can get stuff put out, the more waste you have,” said Haskett. “If they actually did care, we would have seen more change, and prices go up drastically.”

The present state of the industry has left a lasting mark on ecosystems. The fashion industry was responsible for ten percent of the world’s carbon emissions. It is also the second-highest user of water as of 2018, according to a report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.

Senior Isabel Yagerman, majoring in fashion design, finds that a power shift may lead to solutions to environmental crises.

Isabel Yagerman, senior attending the Fashion Institute of Technology, modeling black handmade corset.

“We’re at a transitional period of the newer generation starting to push out the older generation,” said Yagerman. “And with that is this push for sustainability, this push for inclusivity, this push for ethics and human rights.”

Isabel Yagerman shows a piece of muslin she sustainably made using muslin selvage and natural dyes.

Students like Yagerman and sophomores Ben Halunen and Parran Spivey, majoring in fashion design and fashion business management, respectively, are learning more sustainable practices when it comes to design, including buying supplies second-hand.

“The corset Parran is wearing was a blanket I found in a thrift store,” said Halunen.

Ben Halunen (left) and Parran Spivey (right) standing in front of the Fashion Institute of Technology on the corner of Fashion Avenue. Both are wearing pieces created by Halunen.

However, it’s not only big companies that are responsible for the industry’s negative impact on the environment. The demand from consumers for more options at an affordable price has encouraged the mass production of garments.

Clothing production has roughly doubled since the year 2000, according to McKinsey and Company. With the price of labor and, subsequently, clothing being so cheap, it has never been easier for consumers to purchase the latest styles at such an affordable price. With apparel retailers like Zara, who produce a new collection every two weeks, the temptation can increase.

Corset made by Ben Halunen out of a blanket that he found while thrifting.

As young college students with little money, fast fashion is a quick solution to get trendy pieces for cheap.

“We’re young, we’re broke, and we want to look good,” said Spivey.

“People are more focused on quantity rather than quality when they buy a lot of the time,” said Yagerman. “I learned that it’s so much better to save up your money and buy one or two quality pieces rather than going on Shein and buying 15 for the same price.”

Yet, it’s more than just a problem of over-consumption. The prevalence of fast fashion also threatens tradition and the cherishing of past generations.

“Nowadays, it’s not going to be a thing we pass down,” said Halunen. “Our kids aren’t going to be able to do that because our clothes are made so poorly.”

For the sake of ethical clothing and tradition, investing in fewer, well-crafted garments is a wiser way of spending money in the long run.

Fast fashion gained much attention on social media platforms, with influencers wearing pieces or even multiple pieces in hauls from these retailers. But alongside these big names are smaller designers establishing their businesses, as well.

Haskett, Halunen, and Yagerman have each amassed thousands of followers on TikTok and Instagram, where they post videos of their creations. For them, social media has played to their advantage.

Isabel Yagerman displays a handmade corset (left). Yagerman displays a top made for using stretch material (right).

“Social media is probably the best business tool right now that anyone can have,” said Yagerman. Posting content can draw attention to individuals who could help emerging artists.

“I think it connects people to all these great opportunities. I’ve gotten DM’s from different people who are giving me opportunities in the future,” said Haskett.

Many small businesses have flourished after going viral, but they still could use all the help they could get.

Ben Halunen standing in front of the Fashion Institute of Technology wearing a set he made himself.

“There needs to be more help for smaller, independent designers because there are so many insane brands out there,” said Spivey. “They never get a chance or exposure.”

Initiatives have taken place to include younger, more deserving people in events like the Met Gala. Racing Driver Lewis Hamilton purchased a table at the Met Gala for emerging Black designers.

Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer at Condé Nast and honorary chairman of the Met Gala, lauded the inclusivity in the fashion industry on a panel hosted by NYTimes Events.

“I think over 70 percent of the designers in the Costume Institute exhibition are young designers that represent the future of American fashion,” said Wintour. “So I actually feel, speaking particularly from the American point of view, that it has never been more inclusive.”

Yet, there seems to be a consensus. Among young designers, what’s missing from the industry are the smaller voices.

Onlooker praises Lee Haskett for modeling his creation and “embracing femininity.”

“Those large brands are very overdone, very tired. Their stuff isn’t inspiring anymore,” said Yagerman. “It’s time to see some new people.”

Inclusivity of younger, different individuals might be what the fashion industry has been lacking. Students like Yagerman and Haskett are among those ready to get their ideas out into the fashion world. FIT is one of the many fashion schools that offer foundational skills while also harnessing creativity.

Isabel Yagerman shows designs that she has created throughout her years for the Fashion Institute of Technology (left). Yagerman shows her sketchbook filled with inspiration that she has researched for her pieces. (right)

Yagerman has been working on her senior thesis inspired by her family, loved ones, self-doubt, and insecurity. “I wouldn’t be here without them at all.”

Although Haskett couldn’t disclose much information about upcoming projects due to details still being up in the air, he offered a glimpse at prospective projects, mentioning having a fashion show by Fall 2022.

Lee Haskett stands in front of fountain in a handmade pink tulle gown outside of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The mercuriality of the fashion industry is what makes it so fascinating and daunting at the same time. It’s reassuring to know that among young designers, there is hope.

Ben Halunen wears a denim jacket with shoulder cut-outs, which he made himself.

“We’re going to be the next people working in the industry,” said Halunen. “If we’re this young and feel this strongly about it already, I definitely feel that there’s good to come.”