Course General Description

You were born knowing that it's the shoes, belt, handbag, and hat that make the outfit. Some people just notice the clothes, but for you, it's the accessories that make the difference. Top designers know this too; that's why so many have lucrative accessory collections. The center of the accessories world is New York City—home to the major design studios and sales offices. And FIT has close ties to the industry: to the people and places that can help you launch a great career. At FIT, you will design and produce a full range of accessories, from high-fashion shoes and handbags to athletic footwear. You'll create boots, belts, billfolds, and carrying gear for sports. If green is your color, a new course in nontraditional footwear focuses on sustainability. Your faculty are active in all areas of the industry, from sports bags to pedorthic medicine to illustration, and they'll help you master the technical, design, and business skills you need. In hands-on classes you will learn about materials, construction, and presentation—and produce a professional-quality accessories line.

School General Description

One of New York City’s premier public institutions, FIT is an internationally recognized college for design, fashion, art, communications, and business. We’re known for our rigorous, unique, and adaptable academic programming, experiential learning opportunities, academic and industry partnerships, and commitment to research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. While our pedagogical mission is to prepare our students for professional excellence in design and business, our broader ethos is to foster creativity, inspire leadership, impart a global perspective, and educate students to embrace inclusiveness, commit to sustainability, and engage with community. We encourage students, scholars, teachers, and industry colleagues to cross traditional boundaries of both geography and disciplines. Together we strive to develop innovative design and strategic business solutions that will upend the status quo, create personal and professional opportunity, and have a lasting and sustainable global impact.