The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City is currently showcasing Latin American and Latinx designers’ works, who hail from Latin America or those of Latin American descent residing and working in the United States. The exhibition titled “Latinx Fashion Now! Artesanía, and Latinx Identity” highlights the contributions of Latinx fashion designers in contemporary fashion.
The Museum at FIT serves as an educational institution, dedicated to offering applications to students to pursue a career as professionals in the fashion industry. It aims to provide an in-depth understanding of fashion history, production, and design, and currently has more than fifty thousand garments and accessories in the permanent collection. Its current exhibit is part of its fall 2023, which runs from September 15, 2023, to January 6, 2024, and will be located at the museum’s Fashion and Textile History Gallery.
The Latinx Fashion Now! showcases 92 items, including clothing, accessories, and photographs. Among those featured are designers who have worked with leading fashion brands like Gucci, Carolina Herrera, and Oscar de la Renta. The exhibition participants are from various countries in Latin America, such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, with some of them residing and working in the United States.
The exhibition explicitly addresses the role of traditional artistry and craftsmanship in Latinx fashion, which significantly features the use of indigenous materials and techniques. It highlights how designers incorporate these elements while expressing their identity and cultural heritage in modern ways. Visitors can also learn about the evolution of Latinx fashion over the years, from the early twentieth century to the present day.
Aside from the exhibition, FIT also offers a range of programs for students to learn about Latinx fashion and culture. These include courses that explore Latin American and Latinx fashion design and theory, as well as connections with industry professionals and internships. FIT’s resources provide students and the public with a comprehensive insight into the Latinx fashion industry and its cultural significance, as well as career pathways.
The Museum at FIT and its exhibition, Latinx Fashion Now! Artesanía, and Latinx Identity, offers visitors an enriching educational experience. It successfully showcases the contributions of Latinx designers in the fashion industry and promotes the preservation of traditional artistry and craftsmanship. FIT’s programs and resources also make it a notable institution for students aspiring to become professionals in the fashion industry.
