New York Seminar

Held each fall, the New York Seminar brings together thought leaders from across the U.S. fashion industry for a week-long intensive exploring leadership, innovation, and market dynamics. The program examines U.S. retail concepts, the influence of factoring and private equity, the evolution of digital commerce, marketing and technology strategies, and the intersection of design, brand, and retail innovation. Students also collaborate on a real-world case study, applying insights from industry sessions to address current business challenges. Through executive presentations, site visits, and discussions, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of trends shaping the New York fashion and business landscape.

Lectures and Site Visits

nyc seminar lecture
Students participating in a discussion with executives from Tiffany & Co. at the Tiffany & Co.'s 727 Fifth Avenue flagship store.

Past seminar activities have included:

  • Executive presentations from leaders representing fashion brands, retailers, luxury companies, financial institutions, and technology firms
  • Discussions on brand strategy, consumer behavior, marketing, and business transformation
  • Industry perspectives on retail innovation, digital commerce, and the evolving U.S. fashion marketplace
  • Sessions exploring entrepreneurship, leadership, growth strategy, and organizational change
  • Insights into private equity, investment, finance, and the business models that support fashion companies
  • Workshops focused on teamwork, design thinking, communication, and executive decision-making
  • Examination of global supply chains, sourcing, sustainability, and responsible business practices
  • Exploration of emerging technologies and their impact on fashion, retail, and consumer engagement

Case Study

Case Study
Students presenting their case study findings.

GFM students from FIT, HK PolyU, IFM and CENTRO—representing a diverse range of countries, cultures, and professional backgrounds—work in multinational teams to develop strategic recommendations for a real-world business case study focused on a U.S. brand. Teams present their findings and recommendations on the final day of the seminar to senior leaders from the participating company and receive direct feedback from key stakeholders.

Past projects have included:

  • Developing growth and market expansion strategies for fashion and retail brands
  • Evaluating opportunities for new products, services, and business models
  • Creating innovative solutions to emerging industry challenges
  • Assessing brand positioning, consumer engagement, and competitive strategy
  • Presenting strategic recommendations to company stakeholders

Networking

NYC seminar networking
Program participants have the opportunity to participate in a professional network with global reach. All seminars include social events to reestablish existing contacts and to build rapport among new colleagues, guest speakers, faculty, and alumni.

Related Links

Contact

Aaron Duncan, Associate Chair
aaron_duncan@fitnyc.edu 

For general admissions questions, please contact the School of Graduate Studies.