The core of Parsons' curriculum is the designer critic program, which emulates the workings of a professional design studio, from conceptual drawing through the selection of colors and fabrics to the construction of finished garments. Core courses in design, design illustration, model drawing, draping, and pattern drafting include the study of diverse markets from moderate to designer, private labels, and licenses. And more than 30 leading professional designers , like Parsons alumni Mark Badgley and James Mischka, keep sharing their insights with Parsons students. Skills developed in the Foundation Year program continue through the senior year which focuses on Parsons' Fashion Critics Awards Show, a presentation of students' best work judged by New York's top fashion industry professionals. The new Fashion Selectives program, open to Juniors and Seniors, offers options in Shoe Design, Hand and Machine Knitting, CAD, Internships, and Electronic Retailing.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in industry partnerships .
Marie Essex , Chair , .