A Unique Industry Collaboration
In September 2025, the New York School of Design partnered with Amtrak on a groundbreaking design challenge. The project invited NYSD students to reimagine the classic tracksuit — creating both couture and ready-to-wear collections inspired by Amtrak’s new NextGen Acela fleet.
The designs were unveiled at a press event in New York City, where media, fashion leaders, and industry insiders witnessed our students’ creativity shine on the runway.
Beyond Fashion Education
At NYSD, we don’t just teach fashion design — we give students real opportunities to apply their skills in the industry. Collaborations like this ensure that what students learn in class translates directly into experiences that prepare them for their careers.
Why It Matters
Through the Amtrak challenge, our students gained invaluable real-world experience and a sense of professionalism within the industry. This included:
- Hands-on collaboration with a national brand, with practical experience in client relations and project management.
- Industry-level experience, working under real-world deadlines and navigating the demands of a high-profile commercial project.
- Portfolio-ready work with global visibility to showcase to future employers.
- A direct, hands-on role in commercializing their creations, offering a comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end business process.
Students in the Spotlight
Six of our rising designers — Konstantin Sozinov, Sedef Biricik, Melanie Chaves Guevara, Luisa Fernanda Ramírez de Santiago, Alexa Dumitru, and Anastasiia Lukinskaia — brought their visions from sketch to runway.
Couture Winner: Sedef Biricik
Ready-to-Wear Winner: Anastasiia Lukinskaia, whose design will be sold in the Amtrak Store.
This kind of recognition doesn’t just showcase creativity — it gives students a platform to launch their careers.
Anastasiia Lukinskaia
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Alexa Dumitru
Konstantin Sozinov
Luisa Fernanda Ramirez de Santiago
Melanie Chaves Guevara
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Sedef Biricik
As Featured In
Our partnership with Amtrak has drawn coverage from respected news and design media, reflecting the significance of this milestone for the creative community.”