Faculty

Profile

Francesca Sammaritano received her BFA Degree in Fashion Design from Parsons in 1989; and has worked as a fashion designer and part‐time adjunct professor at Parsons since 1992. She later became full-time faculty at Parsons in 2007. In fall 2016, Francesca was appointed to the role of Associate Director for AAS Fashion Design. In January 2018 she was appointed as Program Director of the AAS FD. She led the Cristóbal Balenciaga project: The Revolution of the Silhouette. Students produced their garment using Balenciaga’s couture and tailoring techniques while understanding fabric qualities as a basis for their research and inspiration. Jury selected student’s work was showcased in the TRANSMISSIONS exhibition at the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum, in the brand’s birthplace of Getaria, Spain from May – September 2018. The collaboration was a success and the museum secured Parson’s participation through 2021 which culminated into a second exhibition from December 2021 – February 2022.

This collaboration led to participation in the: International Council of Museums ICOM Kyoto Conference (September 1 – 7) For the presentation of collaborative paper: Promoting the Educational Function of International Fashion Universities Museums in Collaboration with the Cristobal Balenciaga Museum.

Her special interest in promoting sustainable fashion practices as the fashion industry continues to be one of the leading polluters in the world, students need to understand the severe impact this is creating on our environment. Rather than discouraging growth in our industry, she believes we need to engage in very strong and meaningful teaching practices, which make the students aware that fashion can continue its development while maintaining a strong sustainability objective. Whilst joining forces with technical design and 3D development such as CLO. (3D fashion design software program creating virtual, true-to life garment visualization with cutting-edge simulation technologies for the fashion and apparel industries clo3d.com). As a direct result of her interest in this 3D system, she taught the inaugural Parsons SOF BFA Specialized Studio 1 & 2 courses with a focus on designing with CLO in 2019-2020. Pioneering this technology as the university embraced online learning due to COVID, therefore making course deliverables & learning outcomes accessible for SOF students and faculty in different programs, immediately starting in fall 2020.  

In April 2020 she was designated by Parsons Executive Dean to the Interim Associate Dean position and later promoted to Interim Dean at Parsons School of Fashion for the academic year 2020/2021. In July 2021 she was appointed as Professor Emeritus and continues to be involved in design, research and fashion education, she is currently teaching part-time in the BFA program at Parsons School of Fashion.

Professionally she has worked as a designer, product development consultant, and creative director for various fashion companies including Donna Karan Company, Calvin Klein, London Fog, Halston Baby and Rock Star Baby.  

Research Interests

childrenswear, couture, design research, fashion design, womenswear