LIM College commencement highlights the human skills shaping fashion’s future

(l to r:) Andrea Garrido Torre; Tamika Young, CCO at Hinge; LIM President Ron Marshall; Elyce Arons, CEO of Frances Valentine; Fernanda Mannarino Brasil Siqueira Credits: Thornton Studios. LIM College used its 2026 commencement ceremony to emphasise the evolving role of education in preparing students for a fashion industry increasingly shaped by technology, globalisation and changing career pathways. Speakers throughout the ceremony focused on adaptability, creativity and human-centred leadership as essential qualities for graduates entering a rapidly transforming fashion and lifestyle sector. Preparing students for a changing industry During the ceremony, LIM College President Ron Marshall told graduates they are entering an industry where “old playbooks are no longer relevant” and career paths are becoming less predictable. He stressed that while artificial intelligence and data continue to reshape fashion and retail, interpersonal skills and critical thinking remain central to long-term success. Marshall highlighted that fashion education today must extend beyond technical knowledge, encouraging students to combine creativity with communication, accountability and adaptability. He described these skills as increasingly valuable in a business environment where automation and digital systems continue to expand. Education grounded in professional practice The commencement also reflected LIM College’s broader educational philosophy of combining classroom learning with practical industry exposure. The institution, founded in 1939, positions itself around the “business of fashion and lifestyle,” with programmes built around internships and experiential learning. This approach mirrors wider shifts across fashion education, where universities are placing greater emphasis on employability, industry partnerships and real-world professional preparation alongside creative development.…

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