Bambuser x FIT MFA Live Shopping

A model with windswept dark hair huddles in a layered oversized beige coat on a rocky shoreline, grey sea behind, framed by circular crops.
Introducing the first-ever shoppable graduate fashion show hosted by the Lab and Bambuser
FIT is advancing its investment in experiential learning through the launch of DTech:Live, a series of interactive events that will connect designers with consumers in a digital live shopping experience. As a pilot program, FIT DTech Lab hosted "7 Collections - Emerging MFA Fashion Designer Virtual Showcase," collaborating with eight School of Graduate Studies alumni who shared their extraordinary work.

DTech:Live intertwines media and retail

Through the launch of DTech:Live, we intend to connect designers directly with consumers and to build deeper connections between the two.

Our industry partner Bambuser powers the DTech:Live video shopping experience; its video player enables viewers to seamlessly add items to the cart and complete the purchase without leaving the show.

Once on-air, viewers may join the live stream from desktop or mobile devices. The format of the videos is in portrait format, particularly optimized for smartphones.
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A model in a voluminous collage-print ball gown with an orange and white wig and blue face paint, posing in a gilded mirrored hallway.
A model in a white cage-structured corset over a colorful abstract print, against a starry backdrop with blue and red light trails.

What will be the future of fashion shows?

The global health crisis influenced the incentive to launch a virtual showcase.  Working from home in isolation became the new lifestyle; many industries and schools — including FIT's MFA fashion design program — shifted to remote learning.

As a result, the Lab organized a digital fashion show called "7 Collections," in which we were not just able to showcase the graduates' work but also make it shoppable.
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The original online live programming showcased the work of eight MFA Fashion Design of the class of 2020: Bing (Bingjin) Zhu, Justin Chi, Margarita and Cristina Ng Ng, Qiuyi Luo, Anabella Bergero, Youngjun Lim, and Brit Shaked.

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The pilot goes On-Air

In the pilot, Michael Ferraro, the Lab's executive director, explained to the audience members how to participate in the live experience and buy pieces from the collections during the show.

Following the introduction, Dr. Valerie Steele, Director & Chief Curator at The Museum at FIT, and Cathleen Sheehan, Acting Chair & Professor, FIT MFA Fashion Design Program, engaged in the student conversations.

The Q&A, accompanied by videos of models wearing the garments, featured each designer's inspiration of their pieces, the thought process, and more information about personal and professional backgrounds.
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A model in a glossy black vinyl jacket over a mesh skirt, photographed from below amid drifting smoke.

Catch Up and See the Show

Even if customers missed the live event, they can still catch it up and shop while watching.

Team Members

MFA Fashion Design Students
Bing Zhu
Justin Chi
Margarita & Cristina Ng Ng
Qiuyi Luo
Anabella Bergero
Youngjun Lim
Brit Shaked
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FIT Administration
Dr. Joyce F. Brown,
President

Joanne Arbuckle,
Acting Dean, School of Graduate Studies
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Hosts
Dr. Valerie Steele,
Director, The Museum at FIT

Cathleen Sheehan,
Acting Chair/Professor, MFA Fashion Design

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Event Production
Alan Jacobsen,
Director of Photography

Jim Berman,
Creative Director

Julian Catasus y Brueggemann,
DTech Design Research Assistant

Max Bowens,
Editor

Samantha Olinsky,
DTech Design Intern
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Technology Partner
Bambuser.com
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Sponsors
Mimaki
Swarovski Foundation

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