Public school fashion designers can look like some of the most famous and successful brands in the world. From Urban Outfitters to Nike to Tumi, these designers can learn about the secrets to becoming an iconic brand. But how do they do it? Here’s a quick guide to figuring out how to make your mark as a young fashion designer. But remember: these designers work in predominantly black colors and use a variety of textures and ideas.
Urban Outfitters
Students from underrepresented groups often have a difficult time finding jobs in the fashion industry, but that shouldn’t stop them from trying. Urban Outfitters is one of the companies that are hiring public school fashion designers, and is attempting to diversify its workforce. In an effort to increase diversity at its company, it hired students from HBCUs for a summer internship. The program included mentorship programs and hands-on experience in every part of the design process.
The designers of Public School were selected by the CFDA for their emerging talent in menswear, and also received a grant from the CFDA and the Vogue Fashion Fund. Founded in 2008, the company has since grown to more than 30 locations around the world. In addition to retail stores, Public School designs are sold in top department stores such as Harvey Nichols in London, Isetan in Japan, and Ssense in Canada. Recently, the brand expanded to denim.
Milk Studios
Public School’s fall menswear collection offered an intimate look behind the scenes. In the Meatpacking District, the studio is visible to pedestrians on West 14th Street. While most public school fashion shows do not include political content, the designers offered this behind the scenes look with photographer Mark Hartman. Guests included Alexander Wang president Rodrigo Bazan, as well as the press. Designers at Milk Studios are committed to creating timeless, high-quality clothing with contemporary details.
For decades, Milk Studios has served as a creative playground for young designers. Its MADE Fashion Week program has thrown big-name designers on stage and expanded to include a slew of talented young artists. Today, it is a biannual spectacle of art and fashion. And while the show has become an upscale affair, it is also accessible to the masses. A recent event featured Timo Weiland, a designer who was inspired by the juxtaposition of day and night.
Nike
During the past decade, Nike has made huge investments in the public school fashion designers and brand. Public School has collaborated with hip hop mogul Nas and Jordan. But what makes the Public School fashion designers unique is the way they handle themselves. They remain humble and professional, yet their designs pay homage to the dynamic city slicker and their roots in New York City. The two designers’ designs have earned them spots on the CFDA/Vogue Fashion fund and have resulted in collaborations with some major companies. They are set to release their latest collaboration with fitness tracker Fitbit later this year.
Last year, Nike and Public School collaborated on an Air Force 1 sneaker. The sneaker marked the 35th anniversary of the iconic shoe, but it was never made available for the general public. But today, the sneaker will be sold at a PSNY pop-up store in Manhattan. It will be available for purchase worldwide on February 21. However, Public School has not collaborated with any of Nike’s core collections in the past. They have, however, collaborated with the Jordan brand since 2014.
Tumi
For her latest collaboration, Tumi has teamed up with Public School, a New York City-based menswear label. The pair won the International Woolmark Prize last year, and their latest collection features statement-making accessories and trainers. Tumi’s collaboration with the Public School is sure to be a hit with the streetwear set, and her new collection is no exception. Her work is both edgy and refined, making it perfect for every adventure.
The collaboration marks a new chapter for the brand, which was shut down in 2012 but rebooted itself the following year. Public School quickly grows to 30 stockists, and her designs are now available in J.Crew and Nike stores. The brand even wins the CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year Award. With the success of this collection, Tumi expands into womenswear, launching her first resort collection. In 2014, the New York Times featured her work, and the two have collaborated with many more fashion brands.
