Parsons’ alumni network spans the fashion, design, and art industries globally — and includes some of the most recognizable names in American creative culture. Understanding where Parsons graduates actually end up, by field and by industry, helps Korean students evaluate whether Parsons’ network will serve their specific career ambitions.
The Most Famous Parsons Alumni
Fashion Design:
- Marc Jacobs — Creative director of Louis Vuitton (1997–2014); founder of Marc Jacobs brand
- Tom Ford — Creative director of Gucci and YSL; founder of Tom Ford brand; filmmaker
- Donna Karan — Founder of DKNY; designer of women’s wear
- Alexander Wang — Founder of Alexander Wang brand; former creative director of Balenciaga
- Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez — Co-founders of Proenza Schouler
- Anna Sui — Fashion designer with internationally recognized brand
Architecture and Design:
- Multiple graduates at major New York and international architecture and design firms
Art and Culture:
- Ai Weiwei — Chinese contemporary artist (attended The New School broadly); connects Parsons’ institutional history to international contemporary art discourse
- Tennessee Williams — Playwright (attended The New School); represents the broader New School tradition of supporting creative thinkers
Where Parsons Graduates Work by Field
Fashion Design graduates: The Parsons fashion alumni network is the most industry-specific of any US art school. Graduates work across luxury houses (LVMH brands, Kering brands), ready-to-wear brands, sportswear companies, and increasingly in sustainable fashion and fashion technology. Many Parsons fashion alumni return to Korea to work in Korean fashion industry — bringing international credentials into the K-fashion market.
Communication Design graduates: Major New York advertising agencies, branding studios (Pentagram and similar), in-house design teams at major companies (Google, Meta, Airbnb), and editorial design (major magazine mastheads). The New York concentration of this network is its primary asset.
Design and Technology graduates: UX/UI roles at technology companies; product design at startups and major tech companies; interactive design and digital experience roles. This program’s STEM designation creates extended OPT eligibility (36 months vs 12 months) — a significant advantage for international students who want to work in the US after graduation.
Fine Arts graduates: Gallery representation, studio practice, teaching, and art world-adjacent careers. New York City’s gallery ecosystem is a particular asset for Parsons fine arts graduates.
Employment Rates and Outcomes
Parsons reports that over 90% of graduates find employment or pursue further education within one year of graduation. Major companies that hire Parsons alumni include: Louis Vuitton, Google, Apple, Nike, Vogue, Disney, IKEA, Chanel, and many others.
For Korean Students: The Alumni Network in Practice
Korean Parsons alumni in Korean industry: Parsons graduates who return to Korea work across Korean fashion brands, design agencies, entertainment companies, and at the intersection of Korean and international creative industries. The Parsons name is recognized and respected in Korean creative professional contexts.
The New York fashion network for Korean fashion students: For Korean students who want to work in New York’s fashion industry — as opposed to returning to Korea — Parsons’ alumni network provides the most direct and extensive access of any US design school.
The re:D alumni magazine: Parsons’ alumni publication connects current students and graduates with the broader Parsons community. The alumni network is active and organized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Parsons Fashion Design alumni typically work in New York or globally? Both — but the New York fashion industry is the strongest immediate career context for Parsons Fashion Design graduates. Many later move to European fashion centers (Paris, Milan) or return to their countries of origin. Korean Parsons fashion graduates are represented across all three trajectories.
Is Parsons’ alumni network as strong in Korea as RISD’s? In fashion specifically, Parsons may be better recognized in Korean fashion industry contexts than RISD — because Parsons’ fashion alumni roster is more famous within Korean fashion culture. In broader design and art, RISD has comparable recognition.
Can Korean Parsons graduates work in the US after graduation? Yes — using OPT (12 months standard; 36 months for STEM-designated programs like BFA Design and Technology). BFA Fashion Design is not STEM-designated, so Fashion Design graduates have 12-month OPT. Continuing to work in the US beyond OPT requires employer H-1B sponsorship.
Royal Blue Art & Design는 압구정에 위치한 유학미술학원으로, 19년간 한국 학생들의 RISD, Parsons, CalArts 등 미국 최상위 미술대학 입시를 도와왔습니다. [상담 문의하기 →]