Fashion Institute

Exploring Fashion Through a Global, Ethical and Social Lens

Rooted in St. John’s University’s Global, Catholic, and Vincentian mission, the Institute of Fashion Studies explores the impact of fashion on people, communities, and the environment worldwide.

The Institute serves as a hub for research, education, and collaboration, supporting students across the University as they explore the many dimensions of the fashion industry and prepare for meaningful careers.

What We Do

The Institute examines fashion as a dynamic global industry shaped by culture, technology, economics, media, law, and society. Through research and education, the Institute promotes a fashion industry that is more:

• 🌎 Global — examining fashion across cultures, regions, and markets
• ⚖️ Ethical — exploring fair trade, fair labor practices, and social justice
• 🌱 Sustainable — considering fashion's environmental impact and responsible practices
• 💡 Innovative — exploring the role of emerging technologies and changing consumer behaviors
• 🤝 Socially Responsible — examining the impact of fashion on consumers, employees, and communities

Areas of Focus

The Institute explores a range of issues affecting the fashion industry, including:

• Fair trade and ethical sourcing
• Labor trafficking and workers' rights
• Sweatshops and fair labor practices
• Sustainability and environmental responsibility
• Design and brand ownership
• Brand hijacking and intellectual property
• Global differences in fashion industry regulations
• The social, economic, legal, and technological impacts of fashion

Fashion at St. John’s

St. John’s University and the Collins College of Professional Studies are uniquely positioned to examine fashion through multiple disciplines, including:

🌎 Global Communication & Media
Understanding how fashion brands communicate and influence audiences around the world.
⚖️ Social Justice & Ethics
Exploring labor practices, human rights, sustainability, and ethical responsibility.
🔎 Crime & Security
Examining issues such as labor trafficking, counterfeiting, brand hijacking, and intellectual property.
📈 Economics & Business
Understanding the global fashion marketplace and the economic forces shaping the industry.
🏆 Sports & Culture
Exploring the intersection of fashion, sports, entertainment, identity, and popular culture.

The Institute supports students across the University interested in fashion research, education, and careers in this evolving industry.

Fashion Studies & Student Engagement

The Institute of Fashion Studies offers a B.S. in Fashion Studies and a minor in Fashion Studies. Through coursework, research, events, and industry connections, students have opportunities to explore the many facets of the fashion industry and prepare for careers in this dynamic field.

The Institute also supports two student organizations dedicated to fashion: Red House and Club Couture. Throughout the year, these organizations host lectures, events, and activities that connect students with the fashion industry while exploring the intersection of fashion, culture, technology, and social issues. Programming has included events connected to New York Fashion Week, fashion and technology lectures, club fairs, and visits to leading fashion institutions.

Connecting Fashion to Careers

Located in New York City, St. John’s University provides students with access to a wealth of career-focused programs, internships, industry professionals, and networking opportunities. The Institute leverages these resources to create interdisciplinary learning experiences that connect fashion with fields such as business, communications, media, technology, social justice, and entrepreneurship.

Students can also participate in career fairs, networking events, lectures, and industry programming designed to help them explore career paths and build professional connections within the fashion industry.

Experiential Learning & Global Opportunities

The Institute of Fashion Studies connects academic study, research, service, and industry engagement to provide students with opportunities to explore fashion from a global, ethical, and interdisciplinary perspective.

As a hub for fashion studies at St. John’s University, the Institute supports fashion-related coursework, academic advising, research, and experiential learning across the University’s campuses.

The Institute also contributes to St. John’s established Fair Trade initiatives, building on the University’s commitment as a Fair Trade Campus and its participation in the national Fair Trade community. Through collaboration with Academic Service-Learning (ASL), students have opportunities to apply what they learn through service projects with Fair Trade and other fashion-related organizations.

Students may also have opportunities to pursue:

• 🌎 Global learning and travel experiences
• 💼 Internships and industry placements
• 🎓 Collaborations with fashion schools and academic institutions
• 🤝 Service-learning opportunities with Fair Trade and fashion organizations
• 🎤 Networking with fashion professionals and industry experts
• 🔬 Research opportunities with faculty

Research & Industry Engagement

Through faculty and student research, the Institute seeks to examine and help improve fashion industry practices while promoting ethical business practices, human dignity, sustainability, and social justice. The Institute engages with fashion organizations and professionals in New York City and beyond to encourage dialogue, share research, and identify opportunities for positive change within the industry.

The Institute also provides a platform to highlight and promote faculty research and scholarship in fashion business and related fields, helping connect academic expertise with industry needs and emerging issues.

Advancing the Fashion Industry

The Institute seeks to recognize ethical leaders and innovative organizations in the fashion industry while identifying and sharing best practices to foster a more responsible and sustainable industry.

This approach allows the Institute to move beyond studying fashion as an industry and instead connect students, faculty, researchers, and industry leaders in developing solutions for the future of fashion.

Our Mission

The mission of the Institute is grounded in St. John’s University’s Global, Catholic, and Vincentian foundations.

The Institute examines the role of fashion in people's lives around the world and supports research and scholarship aimed at making the fashion industry more responsible to consumers, employees, and the global environment.

Through ethical oversight, scholarly study, and engagement with industry and academic communities, the Institute seeks to better understand the challenges and opportunities shaping the fashion industry.

Upcoming Fashion Events & Opportunities

📅 University Student Club Fair
September 10, 2026 | 12–3 p.m.
📍 Great Lawn, St. John’s University
Setup begins at 11 a.m.

Stop by the University Student Club Fair to learn more about student organizations, including Red House and other fashion-related opportunities.

👗 New York Fashion Week
September 10–15, 2026

Interested in volunteering during New York Fashion Week? No prior experience is required. Students interested in volunteering for Fashion Week or related events should contact Dr. A. Andrea Licari at [email protected].

Please note: Fashion Week-related events and opportunities may take place before or after the dates listed above.

🎨 Red House Events
The Red House calendar of events will be announced soon. Check back for upcoming programs, activities, and opportunities to get involved.

Explore Fashion & Sustainability

🔗 Important Links

📰 Fashion at St. John’s
The Collins College of Professional Studies Fashion Program was featured in the Queens Chronicle. Read the article.

🌱 Fair Trade & Fashion
St. John’s University is a Fair Trade Campus. Learn more about Fair Trade and its connection to fashion and lifestyle.

👗 The Museum at FIT
Explore The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, one of New York City’s leading museums dedicated to fashion and design

🌎 EcoCult
Discover EcoCult, a resource focused on sustainable fashion and travel for the conscious consumer.

Past Events

The Institute and its student organizations have participated in and hosted a variety of educational and industry-focused experiences, including:

• TEXWORLD Textile Conference — Participation in the New York City Fair Trade Coalition table.
• Fashion & Technology Lecture Series — Programs examining the relationship between fashion and emerging technology.
• Student Club Fairs — Opportunities to connect students with fashion-focused organizations, including Red House.
• Museum at FIT Visit — A student visit to the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology and FIT.

Contact Us

A. Andrea Licari, D.P.S.
Institute of Fashion Studies
Collins College of Professional Studies
St. John’s University
St. Augustine Hall, Room 43
Queens, NY 11439
718-990-7458
[email protected]