Today, Roc Nation and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) announce an exciting partnership on a student design competition aimed at empowering and uplifting the next generation of fashion designers. This initiative brings together two iconic New York institutions, underscoring the city’s legacy as a global capital of culture and innovation. Fashion has long been inseparable from music, adding a powerful visual language that amplifies and defines the sound, transforming an auditory experience into a full expression of identity and artistry.

Starting the Fall 2025 semester, students enrolled at FIT will be invited to create, design and submit clothing capsules for the chance to win a $20K prize – representing the approximate cost of tuition. The winning student will also have their winning concept developed into an exclusive Roc Nation 2026, limited-edition collection.

“This initiative is designed to identify and invest in FIT’s brightest minds to help them shape the future of fashion,” Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez said. “Our hope is to provide students with real-world industry experience while equipping them with the confidence and knowledge to bring their creative concepts to life and build sustainable businesses around their ideas.”

By joining forces, Roc Nation and FIT celebrate their shared commitment to creativity, individuality, and the cultivation of emerging talent. Representing diverse cultures and influences, FIT students are perfectly positioned for this mashup of fashion, music, and urban identity. As the next generation of trendsetters, they are rooted in youth culture, alive to influence, and fearless in self-expression—qualities that make them invaluable partners as Roc Nation taps into FIT’s greatest asset: young designers who don’t just follow trends, but define them.

“This design collaboration between Roc Nation and FIT is an example of how talent can span boundaries—those between fashion and music or classroom and industry—to inspire creativity on a global scale,” said Dr. Joyce F. Brown, president of the Fashion Institute of Technology. “We look forward to extraordinary results from our students as they think boldly, connect with new audiences, and embark on their creative journeys.”

The first round of students’ designs must be submitted by Oct. 13 at 11:59 pm ET and the pieces will be judged by the creative design, selling potential, adherence to brand identity and the effective presentation of technical features.

The top five students will be selected to produce new designs in actual materials consisting of one of each – a hoodie, sweatshirt, pants, hat, and an accessory. Roc Nation will provide $800 to each finalist for funds for the creation of designs and production will be supervised by FIT Assistant Professor Zoran Dobric, who will arrange progress reviews, muslin fittings and more.

Additionally, the five finalists will need to present their concept to Roc Nation’s judging committee in December. The winner, along with the second and third place runner ups, will be announced and unveiled in Jan. 2026.

This collaboration bridges FIT’s legacy of design innovation with Roc Nation’s global cultural reach to create a powerful educational experience for aspiring designers. With the competition, students will be equipped with the tools to shatter the mold, set new trends and reimagine fashion.

The limited-edition Roc Nation collection will be developed in 2026.