Established in 2018, the Sustainability Fund supports the work of students who are developing scientific and design solutions to the most critical environmental issues.

She hosted the FIT Foundation board’s 20 awards galas, both of which were focused on sustainable solutions and innovation, and she has donated a percentage of her contract fee with Zara/Inditex to FIT’s Sustainability Fund. In addition to mentoring Biodesign Challenge students, Valletta is active in recruiting industry mentors, spearheading fundraising efforts for the FIT Sustainability Fund, and planning the 2022 Sustainable Business and Design Conference. The discussion focused on the significance of biotechnology in fashion, how brands can incorporate sustainable materials into their products, and how biotechnology will impact the future of fashion. In 2019 Valletta delivered the conference’s keynote speech for 2021’s Sustainability Awareness Week, she moderated a roundtable discussion among previous FIT winners of the Biodesign Challenge, an international competition for students who partner with scientists, artists, and designers to envision and critique transformational applications in biotech. The wide-ranging program features keynote speakers, panels, and projects that delve into pressing issues and exciting developments in the field. In recent years, breakout sessions have included topics such as farm-to-fashion, textile development, sustainable fashion supply chain, mindfulness in design, and packaging materials and recycling. Environmental and social challenges and potential solutions are explored through innovative student projects, cross-institutional research, and industry partnerships. The event provides a platform for collaboration and discussion throughout the creative industries, highlighting advances in sustainable design and thought leadership. As sustainability ambassador, Valletta works closely with the college community, alumni, and partners, and serves on the FITFoundation board.Įach spring since 2006, the Sustainability Council at FIT has hosted the Sustainable Business and Design Conference. In addition to her storied modeling and acting career, she has found extraordinary success as an activist and social impact entrepreneur and has given her time, voice, and energy to issues of sustainable fashion. Valletta’s ambassadorship is a natural extension of her ongoing contributions to FIT. Vogue covers in history-to be the first to hold this title. In 2021 we asked Amber Valletta-a celebrated supermodel who holds the record for the most U.S. In addition, we created the role of FIT sustainability ambassador.

To further support these efforts, we have established two broad sets of initiatives: increasing community awareness of sustainability and expanding sustainability education. Since becoming the first institution to meet-and exceed-the 2007 Mayor’s Carbon Challenge, we have continued to reduce our carbon footprint while expanding our other sustainability initiatives, from installing green roofs to using healthier construction materials to improving campus recycling. As a large urban campus, we ensure that our infrastructure, architecture, and operations integrate sustainable practices. FIT faculty and students work together to embrace and create innovative materials, invent alternative methodologies, and make the world better for generations to come. These core ideals are reflected in our academic programs, our physical environment, and our campus culture. Sustainability and innovation-especially as they impact the creative industries-are at the heart of FIT’s strategic mission.

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