Parsons School of Design showcases 2026 graduates at NYFW

Parsons School of Design is presenting GEN 15, a runway show featuring the 2026 graduate collections from its MFA Fashion Design and Society program at New York Fashion Week. The presentation is held within the students' own studios, the same spaces used for research, fittings, and construction.

The graduating cohort utilizes diverse cultural and personal inspirations, including Pakistani folklore, the African diaspora, French-Canadian legend, post-Soviet domestic life, and Scandinavian Romanticism. These influences are interpreted through contemporary perspectives to create new silhouettes and techniques.

Material experimentation is a core component of the collections. Designers employ a wide range of processes, including traditional tailoring, deconstruction, leatherwork, 3D technology, and upcycling. The work frequently incorporates secondhand garments, deadstock textiles, and reclaimed materials to explore how a material’s history influences its future use.