The landscape of fashion education is changing rapidly, reflecting shifts in industry expectations and student aspirations. Today’s fashion students seek much more than mere knowledge transfer; they desire relationships with their professors that extend beyond classroom lectures. This evolution presents both a challenge and an opportunity for fashion schools as they strive to attract top-notch talent from the industry.
Michelle Francine Ngonmo, founder of the Afro Fashion Association and a visiting professor at several fashion institutions, emphasizes that students view their professors not just as educators but as mentors and connectors. These mentors play a crucial role in helping students navigate internships, industry dynamics, and the complexities of a post-college world. Students expect their instructors to remain current with industry trends and to understand the nuances of careers in fashion today.
A vital aspect of this shift is the growing demand for diversity in both faculty and course content. Ngonmo explains that today’s fashion professionals must possess a holistic understanding of how fashion intersects with various domains, including politics, entertainment, and social issues. As a result, professors are expected to inspire students to develop their insights rather than simply pass down traditional knowledge or share personal anecdotes.
Fashion schools are increasingly turning to industry professionals as potential professors, given their real-world experience and industry-specific knowledge. However, this transition is not without its hurdles. The recruiting process can be arduous, especially since many established professionals must weigh their prestigious titles, brand status, and potentially higher salaries against the more stable environment of academia. For example, Naama Doktofsky, a former adjunct professor who recently transitioned back to the industry as a design director, noted the difficulty of balancing a teaching commitment with the demands of a fashion career.
To attract accomplished individuals from the fashion industry, schools like the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and Central Saint Martins in London must play the long game, focusing on creating appealing opportunities for prospective professors. These institutions are not only competing on salaries and benefits but also emphasizing inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation in their academic offerings. Joyce Brown, president of FIT, has stated that the institution is attracting incredible résumés from professionals engaged in groundbreaking work, highlighting its commitment to fostering a new generation of fashion talent.
Moreover, schools that recognize the inherent qualities that make a successful educator can significantly enhance their recruitment efforts. As Brown points out, the best professors are often those who possess a genuine passion for teaching and guiding young minds. Identifying individuals ready to tackle the challenge of influencing students shaped by digital innovation and global crises is crucial for fashion schools today.
Creating diverse pathways into academia is another strategy employed by fashion schools. By offering adjunct positions and guest lectures, schools can attract industry professionals who may be hesitant to commit to full-time teaching roles. This approach provides students with firsthand insights from the current fashion landscape while allowing experienced professionals to test the waters of academia. Ramona Dunlap, a former veteran marketing professional who became a full-time professor at FIT, shared how industry colleagues often express interest in guest speaking roles but may subsequently seek adjunct positions after enjoying the experience in the classroom.
Fashion schools can leverage their prestigious reputations to attract talent effectively. The well-established brand names of institutions like FIT, known for producing influential designers, and Central Saint Martins, home to numerous fashion icons, resonate strongly in the industry. Dunlap noted that being a professor at FIT often carries more weight than a brand affiliation from her previous roles, underscoring the respect and regard for educators in fashion.
The technological advantage is also evident in these institutions. FIT’s D-Tech Lab, for example, serves as a collaborative hub for students and faculty to tackle real-world problems faced by fashion brands. Additionally, the establishment of the Social Justice Centre signals a commitment to increasing representation and equity within the industry—a factor that speaks directly to the values of today’s students.
However, despite the appealing aspects of teaching, salary remains a contentious issue. As Ngonmo highlights, the compensation for teaching roles in fashion education still lags behind industry standards, which can deter potential candidates. The recognition and valuation of educators within the industry context is an area that requires improvement to attract and retain talent.
Understanding the student profile is crucial for educators aiming to make a lasting impact. Today’s fashion students are often characterized by their impatience and the immediacy with which they seek knowledge—a change driven by technological advancements. Consequently, effective educators must prioritize nurturing curiosity and encouraging students to solve problems independently.
Davies, from Central Saint Martins, reinforces this idea by explaining that professors need to inspire students to envision change within the industry rather than simply instructing them on existing practices. Engaging students in meaningful dialogue rather than lecturing them promotes a collaborative learning environment that can produce a new wave of innovative ideas.
The journey for aspiring fashion educators is often shaped by personal aspirations, as many like Ngonmo are motivated by a desire to provide representation in the classroom. The connection that students feel to professors who share similar backgrounds can be particularly powerful, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning atmosphere.
Fashion schools have a pivotal role in shaping the minds of tomorrow’s industry leaders. As they adjust their recruitment strategies and curriculum offerings to meet the needs of students and industry demands, the relationship between educators and students becomes more vital than ever. By investing in faculty who inspire, mentor, and guide students, these institutions can cultivate a new generation ready to revolutionize the fashion industry.
