So You Wanna Be the Next McQueen, Desi Style? A (Mostly) Practical Guide to Cracking FIT from India
Namaste, fashion aspirants! Ever daydreamed of swapping samosas for street style, chai for cappuccinos, and rickshaw rides for runway strutting? Yeah, me too. Enter the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York City's temple of all things trendy, where dreams are stitched with sequins and ambition is ironed out with a steamer. But getting into FIT from India is like squeezing into a size zero lehenga after devouring a plate of gulab jamuns – challenging, but not impossible.
Step 1: Polish Your Portfolio Like a Maharaja's Crown Jewels
Forget those angsty charcoal sketches of brooding models. FIT wants fireworks, not flickering diyas. Show them your range, your desi dazzle! Got a sari draped into a space-age gown? Sketch it. Did you turn mom's old dupattas into a disco-ball dress? Snap it! Remember, creativity trumps perfection. Think quirky, think bold, think "Bollywood meets Blade Runner."
Pro Tip: Invest in decent lighting and photography. No grainy cellphone pics under auntie's tube light, please.
Step 2: Ace the Tests Like You Ace Samosa Day
QuickTip: Scan the start and end of paragraphs.![]()
SATs, TOEFL, IELTS – the alphabet soup of academic hurdles. Don't fret, friends! These tests are basically your fashion police uniform. Brush up on your English (bonus points for knowing the difference between "saree" and "sorry"), and remember, time management is key. Think of it like haggling at Chandni Chowk – quick, sharp, and always leave them wanting more.
Pro Tip: Channel your inner DDLJ Raj. Romance the test, woo it with your vocabulary, and leave it breathless with your essays.
How To Get Into Fit New York From India |
Step 3: Essay? Slay!
QuickTip: Let each idea sink in before moving on.![]()
This is your chance to spill the chai on your fashion soul. Why FIT? Why you? Don't just list your achievements like a wedding CV. Tell them stories, paint pictures with words, and make them laugh (bonus points if it's at your own expense). Remember, you're not just an applicant, you're a walking, talking sari-clad fashion phenomenon.
Pro Tip: Proofread like your life depends on it. Typos are the fashion faux pas of the essay world.
Step 4: Interview? Namaste It Away!
Tip: Break long posts into short reading sessions.![]()
The final frontier. Picture it: you, in your most fabulous lehenga, facing a panel of Vogue editors who haven't slept in a week. Stay calm, be confident, and let your personality shine. Talk about your inspirations, your design process, and even throw in a witty Bollywood movie reference for good measure. Show them you're not just about the clothes, you're about the entire fashion ecosystem.
Pro Tip: Research FIT, its faculty, and current trends. Nobody wants to hear about last season's palazzo pants.
Bonus Round: The Desi Advantage
Reminder: Take a short break if the post feels long.![]()
Hey, don't underestimate the power of your heritage! Embrace your cultural quirks, let your desi flag fly. From incorporating traditional textiles into your designs to rocking a bindi with your power suit, own your uniqueness. FIT loves diversity, and you, my friend, are a walking kaleidoscope of color and creativity.
Remember, getting into FIT is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes hard work, dedication, and a whole lot of chai. But hey, if a girl from Delhi can conquer Wall Street, you can definitely conquer the catwalk. So chin up, fashionistas, and get ready to paint the Big Apple with your desi design dreams!
P.S. Don't forget to pack your dancing shoes. FIT's got some killer Bollywood nights, and you don't wanna miss out on showing them how we groove in India!
This is just a starting point, of course. Feel free to add your own personal touch, humor, and experiences to make this guide truly your own. And hey, if you do make it to FIT, don't forget to send me an invite to your debut fashion show!