New York Fashion Week became a stage for the future of design, as Parsons MFA Fashion Runway Showcase highlighted Generation 14, a bold presentation of the program’s graduate students’ work.

A two-panel image capturing models wearing two different looks: on the left a pale yellow, floor-length lace gown with matching long sleeves and on the right a dark green strapless dress. — **ABEL MARTIROSYAN**
**ALEJANDRA PARRA PARODI**
**Photographer: Madison Voelkel /** **BFA.com**

Working in collaboration with partnering professionals, the students managed to put on an impactful show in which 15 designers shared their unique collections. Despite the collections being individual, the show was engaging and cohesive, and reflected the students’ shared vision.

A model walks the runway wearing a vibrant, asymmetrical dress constructed from multiple patterned fabrics, styled with a large headpiece. — **EFFE QI HE**
**Photographer: Madison Voelkel /** **BFA.com**

The different collections really spoke to each other on the runway, they all seemed like different parts of a puzzle that came together in a fresh way. The collections, which had their own individual details, all had their own bit of whimsy and playfulness. Collaged patterns, bold silhouettes, and abstract knitwear take the stage as the designers tell their own personal stories through the garments.

A two-panel image capturing two models wearing different looks: a vibrant, fringed magenta garment paired with red sandals and on the right a purple and blue dress with ribbons. — **JONTAY KAHM**
**KARINA NASYWA BAKRI**
**Photographer: Madison Voelkel /** **BFA.com**

Some collections really made use of colors and shapes while others focused more on textures, and rigid structured edges, like in the case of Yingdi Xiong, who through a Chinese technique used sugar-water to stiffen collars and edges to create sculptural pieces for her collection.

A model walks the runway wearing an all-white ensemble incorporating a collared top layered over a flowing, floor-length skirt. — **CHI-AN YU**
**Photographer: Madison Voelkel /** **BFA.com**

The event’s casting was done by Anita Bitten, founder and director of New York agency Establishment Casting, who has worked with various notorious brands. For the show, Bitten worked closely with each designer as she helped them find models that aligned with their creative visions.

A model walks the runway wearing a light blue collared shirt layered under a pink and brown polka-dot pinafore dress. — **CAMILA BUSTAMANTE**
**Photographer: Madison Voelkel /** **BFA.com**

Among the collections, "From Framework to Freedom" is an award-winning MFA Fashion Design and Society thesis by Dina Mahrouz that received Parsons’ Student Research Award. With the collection, Mahrouz reclaims old memories of restriction, as she transforms the discomfort of ill-fitting clothing into sculptural silhouettes that blend sharp Iranian geometry with volume.

A model walks the runway in a deconstructed denim ensemble featuring a cropped, layered vest and patchworked wide-leg trousers. — **DINA MAHROUZ**
**Photographer: Madison Voelkel /** **BFA.com**

Generation 14 was a show built on collaboration from start to finish. Student biographies and show notes were shaped under the guidance of Fashion journalist, critic, and lecturer Katharine K. Zarrella. Leadership from the Parsons MFA program including Tuomas Laitinen, Director of Parsons MFA Fashion, Design, and Art, Paris, and Liliana Sanguino Co-Director of MFA Fashion Design and Society, NY played a key role in guiding and shaping the showcase’s creative direction. The minimalist white runway, paired with the carefully chosen soundtrack curated by the students, further helped set the event’s tone.

A two-panel layout showcases a structured green padded ensemble with an avant-garde, sheer metallic chainmail look. — **MIKAERU MO**
**SKNDLSS**
**Photographer: Madison Voelkel /** **BFA.com**

If the MFA Fashion Runway Showcase shows us anything, it's that new designers aren’t holding back with their visions. Blending different cultures, identities, and ideas, these Parsons graduates have no creative barriers looking forward.

A model walks on the runway wearing a highly textured, multicolored crocheted garment. — **YINGDI XIONG**
**Photographer: Madison Voelkel /** **BFA.com**

Interview by Sabine Obermoller, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Follow along on Instagram: @parsons_mfafds
All Images Courtesy of Parsons

Runway Showcase Creative Directors: Liliana Sanguino and Tuomas Laitinen

MFA Fashion Design Leadership:
Liliana Sanguino, Donna Karan Co-Director, MFA Fashion Design and Society
Lucia Cuba, Donna Karan Co-Director, MFA Fashion Design and Society

School of Fashion Leadership
Fiona Dieffenbacher, Interim Dean Co-Dean, School of Fashion
Geoffry Gertz, Interim Dean Co-Dean, School of Fashion

Anne Gaines, Executive Dean of Parsons School of Design
Catherine Cacho-Leary, Associate Director, Operations

Runway Show Credits

Casting: Establishment Casting
Makeup: Marcello Costa
Hair: Hair by Chrystoph Marten @beautick_official @beppedeliaofficial
Production: Trew Productions
PR: PURPLE PR

Parsons Generation 14, Bold and Whimsical