The First Eighteen was a showcase of work by the first graduating students of the new MFA in Fashion Design and Society at Parsons The New School for Design, a highly selective program for talented, emerging designers that was initiated through the support of alumna Donna Karan. In the exhibition, which was held in a raw space in New York's Garment District from May 15 -- 23, students presented their personal vision, with a focus on process and identity, through a body of work that encompassed highly executed, innovative clothing, film and other multimedia presentations. The MFA in Fashion Design and Society is studio-based and fosters experimentation, providing students with the design and research skills they need to become successful in the field, including a critical awareness for self-development and growth. The program is directed by Shelley Fox, an award-winning designer who has created innovative women's wear collections that have been exhibited in the U.S. and internationally. Since the program's inception, students have showcased work internationally, receiving global recognition and awards through participation in select events and competitions. This includes representing the United States in the International Fashion Showcase during London Fashion Week (February 2012); two presentations focused on knitwear at Pitti Filati in Florence (July 2011); and placing as finalists and the winning design in a competition organized by the Met Costume Institute in connection with Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty (May 2011). To learn more about the MFA Fashion Design and Society Program, visit www.newschool.edu/mfafds.

• published: 30 May 2012
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