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US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.20.4.9.10.5 · item · 2016 June 27
Part of Academic Affairs records

In this interview, Karen Trivette interviews fashion curator Harold Koda about his life leading up to his work in New York with fashion collections. Mr. Koda discusses the classes he took at FIT to meet Diana Vreeland, how he submitted some of his designs to Geraldine Stutz at Bendel's, and finally wound up working as an assistant for Diana Vreeland for The Glory of Russian Costume at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. He goes on to discuss his work as a curator at the Fashion Institute of Technology with Robert Riley, Richard Martin, and Laura Sinderbrand. Koda then discusses Vreeland's curatorial style, how fashion is art, and reverse chic. He then recalls fashion exhibitions that stood out to him throughout his career, and describes some of the discourse that took place between himself, Andrew Bolton, Richard Martin, and Laura Sinderbrand for the various exhibitions they brought together at both the Museum at FIT, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, and describes the differences between curating exhibitions at each institute. He then discusses his transition to Boston after 20 years in fashion curation to obtain a graduate degree at the Graduate School of Design at Harvard, and how he was called back after three years to New York when Richard Martin became gravely ill. He finally discusses his retirement, a restoration project in the Bahamas, and the passing of Bill Cunningham.

Koda, Harold
US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.20.4.9.1.20 · item · 1981 April 17 & May 15
Part of Academic Affairs records

Hazel Bishop, a pioneer in the cosmetic industry, was the founder of Hazel Bishop Inc., which developed an early indelible lipstick. She was the administrative head of Cosmetics, Fragrance, and Toiletries Curriculum of the Fashion Institute of Technology and a financial analyst covering the cosmetic-and-health-related securities for Evans and Company. This interview, conducted in May, 1981, explores Bishop’s career growth, her invention of a long lasting lipstick, her experience as a stockbroker/expert on cosmetic stocks, the fragrance/beauty industry as a whole and the opportunities it provides for FIT graduates.

Bishop, Hazel, 1906-1998
US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.20.4.9.4.31 · item · 1995 February 22
Part of Academic Affairs records

Helen Xenakis, the Internship Coordinator at FIT at the time of this interview, began as an adjunct professor in theFashion Buying and Merchandising Department (FBM) in 1988, following a 25-year career in buying. She talks about the inception of the internship program at FIT and its growth ten-fold. She sees the program as mutually beneficial for employers and students, which explains its exponential success. At the time of the interview, FIT had over 900 company sponsors including Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Made in America, major television networks, and New York-based start-ups. She discusses networking through alumni and what the internship process entails. Xenakis then describes a successful candidate for the internship program and how eligible students have a conversion rate of over 40% following the internship. She discusses the especial success of the program with international students and delves into the demographics of most interns. She mentions that she is optimistic about the future of the program and how grateful she is for her time at FIT. Finally, Xenakis discusses her education and buying career during which she worked for Kresge’s, Sears, and Bamberger’s before developing a fashion merchandising program at Rockland County BOCES, a vocational high school.

Xenakis, Helen
Home sewing I, 1970-1980
US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.20.7.1.87 · folder · 1970-1980
Part of Academic Affairs records

Photocopied, pasted, and laminated articles concerning the home sewing and pattern trade, including articles from Fabric News and Homesewing Trade News.

Home sewing II, 1980-1992
US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.20.7.1.88 · folder · 1980-1992
Part of Academic Affairs records

Photocopied, pasted, and laminated articles concerning the home sewing and pattern trade, including articles from Chain Store Age and Fabric News.

US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.20.4.9.4.9 · item · circa 1994-1995
Part of Academic Affairs records

Chair of the Textile Development and Marketing Department Ingrid Johnson discusses developments in textile studies since her start at FIT in 1981. Johnson notes that course work has evolved from a more science-oriented approach to one that favors reverse-engineering textiles to fit end-use applications. She then illustrates the end-use applications of various fibers. Johnson describes her work as a home furnishing fabric developer before being recruited by Arthur Price to join FIT, and goes on to discuss successful alumni placement at companies such as Liz Claiborne, J. Crew, and Patagonia. Johnson notes the complexity of international sourcing and product development, and then describes the invention of EcoSpun, a recycled polyester textile, patented by alumni of the program. She discusses close connections with the industry and professional organizations such as the Textile Distributors Association. Finally, she describes the demographics of FIT’s student body and how the school attracts students with its international reputation.

Johnson, Ingrid, 1951-
US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.7.13.1 · digital folder · 2013-2021
Part of Academic Affairs records

The Integrated Service-Learning Project is an extension of the Interior Design Relief Project which was founded in 2013. It aims to integrate the efforts of like-minded interior designers, architects, and contractors who believe that the design of the physical environment matters, shapes lives, and can empower people. Documents relate to projects conducted with FIT Interior Design students and various New York and New Jersey area organizations including the Bowery Mission Women’s Center in the renovation of their laundry room, the Community of Friends in Action of Leonia, NJ, the Leonia Presbyterian Church, and Hug-it-Forward, to build a “bottle school” in Guatemala, presented proposals for the renovation of the communal kitchen at Hephzibah House in New York City and Living Waters Community Center in Brooklyn, Restore NYC during the Spring semester and moving on to summer with The Bowery Mission Men's Center and St. Paul's House and more. These projects became part of the curriculum and the content is now taught in the 6th semester in liaison with New York Cares

US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.20.4.9.4.22 · item · 1995 February 27
Part of Academic Affairs records

This is an interview with three professors of the patternmaking department at FIT: Christine Pupillo, Leonard Trattner, and Harry Greenberg. At the time of the interview, Trattner was chair of the department. Greenberg started at FIT in 1947 and describes an incident that occurred during the Board of Education’s two-day exam, which was a prerequisite to patternmaking instruction. The three delve into FIT’s uniquely specialized program wherein students learn to make slopers. Trattner, a 9th generation textile worker, started as an FIT student in 1964. He discusses his upbringing and life-long connection to the garment industry. They talk about what the union has done for the industry at large and innovations of their department, including classes taught in foreign languages for international students. The three discuss the department’s highly successful VFI program which brings in students who have dropped out of high school or had minor encounters with law enforcement. Greenberg and Pupillo describe their experiences as first-generation immigrants, how that experience often relates to their students, and their own very early starts in the garment industry. As most faculty do, they remain involved in the industry to stay abreast of technological advancements. Greenberg talks about meeting his wife and how he came to be recruited for his initial position. The three discuss the minutiae of patternmaking and the skills their students take to the field. They then talk about changes in student demographics and their hopes for an upper division. Finally, they discuss the Irving Curtis Scholarship Fund and the Harry Greenberg Scholarship Fund, as well as the scholarship provided by Symphony Fabrics.

Trattner, Leonard
US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.20.4.9.10.13 · item · 2018 January 9
Part of Academic Affairs records

Lawrence Abrams met with April Calahan of FIT Special Collections on January 9, 2018 to discuss his mother Miriam Abrams' career in fashion. Ms. Abrams grew up in the industry; her family owned and operated a girls coat manufacturing business, but lost it during the depression. To bring in extra money to help her family, Abrams found a position sketching designs for Billy Gordon, an American couturier. After leaving Billy Gordon, Abrams worked for other influential American designers, such as Hattie Carnegie and Adele Simpson. Lawrence Abrams imparts that even though his mother’s designs were big sellers, she was relatively unknown because before the 1970s, designers rarely had their name on the label; most often it was the manufacturer/owner of the business’s name inside the garments. Miriam Abrams was particularly successful designing for the half size market (garments for a “mature” figure). Later in the interview, Lawrence Abrams reveals that he too is a designer, starting out designing jewelry before moving into fashion. His jewelry was sold at major department stores, including Macy’s, Altmans, and Lord and Taylor. After leaving the jewelry/accessory business to take care of his mother in her old age until her death in 1993, Lawrence joined an Italian fashion house and worked with them creating one-off garments.

Abrams, Lawrence
US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.20.4.9.4.19 · item · circa 1994-1995
Part of Academic Affairs records

This is an interview with Marc Rosenberg and Raoul Nacinovich of the Department of Physical Education and Dance. Rosenberg and Nacinovich met while teaching at DeWitt Clinton High School. Nacinovich was the basketball coach at FIT and would later become the athletic director of the school. The two discuss the familial feel of FIT in the 1960s and how much of that intimacy has been lost, perhaps due to the fact that the school is moving toward more part-time employees. They fondly remember activities such as an annual Thanksgiving scavenger hunt wherein Marvin Feldman was constantly interrupted by students darting into his office to ask questions. Then the two discuss the athletic program’s development and mention how many of their students go on to receive athletic scholarships at 4-year institutions. They talk about course offerings and athletic seasons, as well as the source of their funding. Rosenberg and Nacinovich talk about how they dealt with space constraints and the advantages of team travel. They then launch into a humorous story about Marvin Feldman’s encounter with a group of Hell’s Angels and his devotion to the athletic department. The two discuss student body changes over time and remember successful alumni. They finish the interview with another story on Feldman’s special connection to the department.

Rosenberg, Marc
US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.20.4.9.4.11 · item · 1994 November 17
Part of Academic Affairs records

Carol Poll interviews Nancy Grossman, Philip Milio, and Lynn Glazer about their work in the Student Life office at FIT. Glazer, the program coordinator, began at the office in 1969 in a clerical capacity. Grossman, the director of Student Life, began in 1973 when it was known as the Student Activities office. Grossman discusses their 1975 move to 242 W. 27th Street, a shared building with the counseling office. Grossman then discusses early programming such as a disco night at a student pub called “Binsky’s,” named after labor leader David Dubinsky. Philip Milio joined the office as a student in 1971. After matriculating at FIT thanks to a portfolio of photos taken during his service in Vietnam, Milio became involved in student government, ultimately becoming their President. Milio discusses his internship under Grossman and the founding of FIT’s craft center, which began with a pottery wheel and darkroom and eventually hosting classes on belly dancing and ethnic cooking among other activities. The group discusses the benefits of programming for students, especially as diversity has increased at the school. Many students find a home for their identity while others have discovered a true passion and redirected their careers. The group then introduces the annual leadership retreat, begun in 1971. Faculty advisers are required to take an 8-week training course before leading the students on retreat, and the program has been so successful that Student Life paired with the Sociology Department to develop a course based on the same tenants. Grossman discusses barriers to teaching for “non-classroom faculty,” and then they launch into an in-depth discussion on student government at FIT. They then describe the birth of “Icon,” FIT’s literary magazine. Launched in 1977 as “There’s a Future in Plastics,” the magazine has expanded beyond literature to include student artwork. The group discusses FIT’s first talent show in the early 1970s and then shares special memories such as a list of couples who met at FIT and the dramatic demise of FIT’s dress code. Finally, they talk about how the relationship between the union and student government has grown and how grateful they are for the community at Student Life.

Milio, Philip
US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.20.4.9.12.1 · item · 1984 November 1
Part of Academic Affairs records

Rosalind Snyder, Founder Dean Emeritus 1944-1963 of FIT, discusses the Institute’s inception at the Central High School of Needle Trades, it’s founding vision, and it’s progression to a college-level institution. Snyder describes the educational trajectory that led to her initial post as Assistant Director alongside Dr. Mortimer Ritter at the Fashion Institute of Technology (New York, N.Y.). She describes the early demographics of students and the evolution of the Fashion Institute of Technology (New York, N.Y.)’s curriculum and educational policy, detailing close relationships with the fashion industry itself. Snyder discusses the spirit of collaboration and creativity in the early days of the Fashion Institute of Technology (New York, N.Y.), listing founding educators and innovators who helped the Institute flourish. Snyder pays particular attention to the 1950s wherein the Fashion Institute of Technology (New York, N.Y.) found a home on 27th street and, in 1951, was authorized as a community college; cementing its status as an academic institution of note. Snyder retired from her post in 1963, but asserts her continued belief in the permanence of the Fashion Institute of Technology (New York, N.Y.)’s unique vision of creative exploration.

US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.20.4.9.7.4 · item · 1982 September 2
Part of Academic Affairs records

American fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert is interviewed by Mildred Finger, where they discuss fashion designer Normal Norell and his contributions to American fashion. Miss Lambert personally knew Norell for a number of years and provides insight into his personality, presence, fashion preferences and designs.

Lambert, Eleanor
US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.20.4.9.4.4 · item · 1994 November 14
Part of Academic Affairs records

This is an interview with four executive members of the Union of United College Employees (UCE) at FIT: Joseph Garofalo, Judy Wood, Juliette Romano, and Arthur Levinson. The four begin by explaining their backgrounds and initial involvement with FIT in the 1960s and 1970s. They discuss how difficult it was to get promotions under the administration of Lawrence Bethel, and how the union had to fight for many rights such as faculty status for “non-classroom faculty.” They also discuss the crowded state of the FIT offices before 1976 and the steadying role the union played in such chaos. The four then describe their connections to the NYC labor movement and close relationships with the Central Labor Council and the Municipal Labor Coalition. State and federal connections also played an important role, and Judy Wood describes her active political involvement with councilman Ed Sullivan. The group then mentions their parent organization, the AFL-CIO, and further union connections with the United Federation of Teachers. They take a moment to remember a strike at Radio City Music Hall, and how they convinced a union to pause the strike to facilitate an FIT graduation, kick-starting a long friendship. The group pays homage to Marvin Feldman, an FIT president they found especially supportive. They mention an upcoming negotiation and go one to detail how union negotiations with the school and city work. Finally, the four describe the union’s relationship to students and the creation of the George Levinson Scholarship Fund in fond memory of his legacy.

Garofalo, Joseph
US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.20.4.9.10.31 · item · 2019 October 30
Part of Academic Affairs records

Professor Irene Buchman is interviewed by Karen Trivette on October 30th, 2019. Buchman opens up about how she did not have a vision growing up and how that vision eventually came to fruition through her educational experiences and people she had met along the way. Eventually, she started in the Remedial Department at FIT and established the Department of Educational Skills. She continues to discuss the students of FIT, her experience as Dean of Liberal Arts, and her future plans.

Buchman, Irene
US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.20.4.9.4.24 · item · circa 1994-1995
Part of Academic Affairs records

Dean Emeritus at the Department of Business and Technology at the time of this interview, Jack Rittenberg discusses his many roles while at FIT between the years of 1963 and 1992. He talks of the development of degrees within the baccalaureate program such as those in advertising and menswear, the latter being a degree that Rittenberg co-developed with Ted Roberts. He talks extensively about the school’s early existence in the C Building and the growth of the physical campus as FIT became more than a commuter school. Rittenberg remembers the building of the library and how space for the clothing collection allowed them to split from a storage arrangement with the Brooklyn Museum. Formerly a buyer for Bond Stores, Rittenberg has enjoyed showing FIT’s collections off to friends and visitors. Though Rittenberg was retired at the time of the interview, he was still teaching a spring merchandising course as well as industry seminars. He talks about strong relationships with alumni of the school and how retirement has allowed him to keep in touch with many of them through travel. Rittenberg talks about the faculty tendency to continue to work in the Industry so as to remain current. He also discusses the uniquely driven nature of the FIT student body. Rittenberg then goes into detail about the liberal arts program and gives a deep history of the founding and development of FIT from its roots as the Central High School of Needle Trades. He briefly discusses international students and changing demographics of the school and then launches into a discussion of the evolution of attitudes within the industry in regards to race and sex. The interview ends with a brief discussion of the decline of the fur industry.

Rittenberg, Jack
US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.20.4.9.10.1 · item · 2014 January 6
Part of Academic Affairs records

April Calahan, Curator of Manuscripts at the Special Collections and College Archives unit of the Fashion Institute of Technology library, interviews street style fashion photographer Jamel Shabazz. Mr. Shabazz talks of his life growing up in New York City as a child of divorce. He recalls how he started learning photography in Germany while serving in the armed forces. He began documenting his world in 1980 when he began taking photographs of young people who reminded him of his own life growing up, and found his camera facilitated his ability to engage with and mentor young people. He talks about the importance of mentorship, the trust that he honed between him and his subjects. He discusses how discounted clothing was often purchased from stores around Delancey and Orchard streets in the 1970s as well as other hubs where urban fashion originated from. He compares the photographic work he's done in the studio to his preference to shooting on the street. Calahan and Shabazz review the specific processes behind a number of Shabazz's favorite photographs. He finally discusses his respect for FIT, and his reasons for donating a collection of photographs to FIT's archive, and how important he believes photography is for documenting history. Alex Joseph, editor of Hue Magazine, joins in as interviewer to ask Mr. Shabazz about his personal clothing collection, which consists of pieces he designed himself or has kept over several decades, and which he uses in his fashion shoots. Finally, Mr. Shabazz recalls how fashion has changed over time.

Shabazz, Jamel, 1960-
US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.20.4.9.6.6 · item · 1993 August 26
Part of Academic Affairs records

Interview of James Preston, Chairman Avon Products about Annette Green and the Fragrance Foundation, 1993 August 26. This interview discusses Preston's opinions and admiration for Green and the work she did for the Fragrance Foundation.

Preston, James
US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.20.4.9.5.48 · item · 2011 June 21
Part of Academic Affairs records

Gonet reflects on his career as an agent working for top modeling agencies in New York during the late 1970s and 1980s. In the second half of the interview, Gonet shares his experiences as the owner and president of his former male modeling agency, Nytro Models. Gonet begins the interview by covering his arrival in New York in 1978 subsequently discussing breaking into the industry with his first job as an agent for Wilhelmina Models. Gonet reflects on his experiences working under the supervision of agency founder, Wilhelmina Cooper, recounting learning experiences which helped him to become a better agent. Gonet moves on to discuss moving to Elite Model Management, working with agency founder John Casablancas, and managing the agency's male model division. Gonet moves on to discuss opening his own male modeling agency, and for the remainder of the interview, Gonet reflects on changes and developments he has experienced working within the industry for over 20 years.

Gonet, Jan
US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.20.4.9.5.41 · item · 2010 September 14
Part of Academic Affairs records

In this interview, Meehan reflects on her career as a booking agent for Ford Models between 1977 and 1983. Topics covered include Meehan’s life and background prior to working for the agency, her role and responsibilities as a booker, her friendships with many prominent models and fashion photographers, and her relationship with Eileen and Jerry Ford.

Meehan, Jane
US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.20.4.9.9.2 · item · 1990 February 20
Part of Academic Affairs records

Estelle Ellis interviews Saks Fifth Avenue's former Senior Vice President Jay H. Rossbach, Jr. about his time at Saks Fifth Avenue, including the goals of Adam Long Gimbel for the department store as well as the names of those who worked for Saks at the time.

Finger, Mildred
US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.20.4.9.4.17 · item · 1994 November 21
Part of Academic Affairs records

Jean Ellen Giblin, the Vice President of Academic Affairs at the time of this interview, explains how she came to FIT as an economics professor in 1970. She was later Chair of the Social Science Department as well as the curriculum committee. After a time, she was asked to work on the development of the new upper division program which had a marketing option in international trade. She talks fondly of that creative work and how it led her to become the acting Dean of the Business and Technology Department, and ultimately led to her role at the time of the interview. Giblin reflects on the intimate nature of FIT when she joined and how that has evolved due to the growth of the school and its development of a 4-year program. Industry pushed for the creation of a 4-year program, though FIT maintained an upside-down approach to education wherein specialties were taught before general liberal arts. Giblin discusses FIT’s approval by the Board of Education and SUNY, and then talks about the support provided by the Educational Foundation. She talks about how industry advisory boards keep each program relevant, and then launches into a discussion about FIT’s international and domestic student body and how it has evolved through the years. FIT has also evolved its own programs to serve a wider array of industries in the city. Giblin praises the wide-ranging work of unions at FIT. She then discusses statutory campuses and FIT’s graduate program launched by Bob Gutman. Finally, she talks about the inherent creativity of the faculty and discusses the future of the school.

Giblin, Jean Ellen
US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.20.4.9.4.15 · item · 1994 December 20
Part of Academic Affairs records

Jeannette Jarnow, former Chair of the Fashion Buying and Merchandising Department (FBM), discusses the small and intimate nature of FIT when she joined in 1956. She discusses the founding of the school by Morris Haft, Virginia Pope, and a handful of fashion industry insiders. She then describes the birth of the FBM department thanks to an endowment by Bergdorf Goodman as well as close relationships with Lord & Taylor, Abraham and Strauss, and Bloomingdale's. Jarnow touches on influential people from each department store and then goes into the student demographic make-up of the 1950s. Jarnow describes the changes at FIT over her 38 year career such as the former dress code. She then describes fundraising events and field trips to wholesalers and retailers. Jarnow also remembers famous speakers coming to the school such as Yves Saint Laurent and Givenchy. She recalls that Virginia Pope used to take students to the opera and other public events to experience fashion and culture. Jarnow briefly touches on her time as Chair and describes the publication of her book, “Inside the Fashion Business.” Jarnow also emphasizes FIT’s international reach and the vast array of career options alumni have experienced. Finally, she mentions the Oral History of FIT taken by Mildred Finger which was housed in the library.

Jarnow, Jeannette A.
US NNFIT SC.FITA.3.20.4.9.6.7 · item · 1993 August 26
Part of Academic Affairs records

Interview of Jeanette Wagner, President of Estée Lauder. This interview discusses her career, Estée Lauder's fragrances, Americanization of Europe in regards of fragrance, and the use of fragrance in Japan.

Wagner, Jeanette