Grad Style: 2015 FIT Shoe Moments

Comfort might be a popular footwear trend these days but for students graduating from New York City’s fashion schools, graduation day has been all about stilettos and heel styles that test the willpower of even the sternest ankles.

When Footwear News stopped by the Fashion Institute of Technology’s (FIT) commencement exercise last week, we couldn’t help but to notice the graduating class’ shoe pizazz.

And, would you expect anything less from students who earned degrees from the same college that Calvin Klein and Brian Atwood attended?

FIT’s 2015 graduates received their diplomas at two separate ceremonies on May 21. One was a morning event, for the School of Art & Design, during which actress, author and Princeton University graduate, Brooke Shields spoke. The second ceremony, for the School of Business and Technology and School of Liberal Arts, featured a keynote address from freshly minted Saks Fifth Avenue president Marc Metrick.

Graduates also heard remarks from professors, faculty, the student body president, and board of trustees’ representatives.

Among FN’s favorite pieces of advice offered to outgoing students were comments made by chair of FIT’s board of trustees, Elizabeth Peek, reminding graduates of the importance of turning off their cell phones and taking in the world around them.

“Manolo Blahnik didn’t produce his greatest works with his nose glued to a cell phone!” Peek told the graduates.

And speaking of shoes, join FN for a look at some of the 2015 class’ best footwear moments on their big day.