Revolutionary Fashion Program at Pratt: Redefining "Radical" in the Industry's Heartbeat!

Ever wonder what happens when fashion meets radical innovation? Dive into this game-changing program at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, where the notion of "radical" is being totally redefined!

Lisa Z. Morgan, the rebel fashion department chair, dropped jaws when she said, “I believe in radical positions.” What's that about? She's leading the way with Pratt's Fashion Collection + Communication MFA program, now in its thrilling debut with its first 16 students. And trust us, this is not your run-of-the-mill fashion school.

This program dares budding designers to critique not just themselves but the entire fashion industry, tackling the burning issues of climate, social justice, and tangled supply chains. Picture a mix of pattern cutting and mindful classes like Contemplative Practices—yes, that’s right, students learning to connect with their inner zen through breathing and meditation!

Pratt, sitting proudly alongside NYC's iconic design schools like Parsons and FIT, stands out with its legacy of boundary-pushing alumni like Jeremy Scott of Moschino fame. Curious how care-filled and tender practices can rock the fashion world? Morgan explains it as a tension that brings fashion to life like never before.

Former fashion chair Jennifer Minniti—considered the program's "mother"—chimed in from her sabbatical in Florence, raving about how the MFA extends the undergrad conceptual fun into a game-changing, studio-focused journey.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York's fashion scene, the program is open to people from all sorts of backgrounds—not just fashion undergrads. Take Eliza Corderman, a psychology and art grad from the University of Vermont. She's here because Pratt fuses the critical lens of fashion with hands-on creative chaos. She exclaimed, “I love the theory combined with the actual making.”

Got a passion for fashion design's nuances? Pratt is your playground! Students explore everything from draping to reinventing vintage masterpieces. Their final thesis? It's not just any fashion collection—it could take many surprising forms.

Located in a sweeping 33,000-square-foot space in the once-industrial Pfizer building, the program boasts legendary instructors like fashion-designer-turned-artist Susan Cianciolo. She can't wait to dive into a studio course packed with independent projects. Her motto? "I’m never telling anyone how to design; it's about joining the conversation."

Lead professor Dean Sidaway is thrilled about rethinking fashion systems, urging students to embrace the much-needed holistic approach to design. As he and Morgan emphasize, fashion today has enormous ripple effects—and Pratt's taking the plunge in style! Want more insider fashion news? Check this out: "Chasing the $100 Lift Ticket: 6 Mountains Where You Can Ski for Less".