Designer-in-Residence Bach Mai Concludes Residency after Transformative Year with Berkeley College Fashion Program
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
WITH BERKELEY COLLEGE FASHION PROGRAM
Photo Caption: Students celebrate the mentorship of fashion designer Bach Mai with a Last Atelier Night sendoff event on June 17, 2026, at Berkeley College in New York City. The event marked the conclusion of Mai’s time as the College’s third designer-in-residence. Pictured (L to R) are students Lou Desoblin, Lili Gross, Constance Lamiruad, and Cleo Recoque; Mai; and students Alicia Fidanza, Sara Kara, and Elina Reynaud. The students, from MODART International and EIML Paris in France, recently completed a study abroad exchange program. (Photo Credit: Robert Duffy)
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Students celebrated the mentorship of fashion designer Bach Mai with a Last Atelier Night sendoff event on June 17, 2026, at Berkeley College in New York City. The event marked the conclusion of Mai’s time as the College’s third designer-in-residence. The Designer-in-Residence program reflects the College’s commitment to bridging academia and industry, providing Manhattan-based workspace to fashion talent while offering students real-world experiences that prepare them for career success.
“It has been such a gift and honor to be the designer-in-residence at Berkeley College,” said Mai, who launched his label of luxury, ready-to-wear, and made-to-order collections in 2019. “Engaging with the students through experiential learning classwork and internships in our studio has brought new perspectives and a refreshing energy into the Bach Mai world.”
Through the Designer-in-Residence program, students work directly with fashion professionals, gaining insight into every facet of fashion – from concept and design to production and marketing. Berkeley College students have prepared garments for New York Fashion Week, created public relations campaigns, and helped support the designers’ creative visions while receiving real-time feedback.
The Last Atelier Night was organized by Berkeley College students in the Fashion Public Relations and Events course, bringing influencers, fashion media, and industry professionals to campus. The students, from MODART International and EIML Paris in France, recently completed a study abroad exchange program.
“We wanted to make sure the event truly honored Bach Mai and reflected our appreciation for everything he shared with us,” said student Lou Desoblin, who is studying the creative and business aspects of the jewelry industry. “It is extremely valuable for students to connect with industry professionals like Bach Mai. Meeting people who have built successful careers in fashion makes our own goals feel more attainable and inspires us to pursue our ambitions with confidence.”
Read More: Click here to read an article about the Last Atelier Night from Women’s Wear Daily.
“I learned that luxury fashion requires just as much business discipline as it does creative vision,” said student Alicia Fidanza, who hopes to become a fashion buyer or brand director. “This direct exposure to a top designer is an opportunity that confirmed my career goals.”
Berkeley College offers an Associate’s degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and Management, with concentrations in Digital and Social Media, International Business, Supply Chain Management, and more.
“It has been a privilege working with the students to bring this event to life,” said Aila Hernandez, Professor, Fashion, Berkeley College Larry L. Luing School of Business®, who instructed the Fashion Public Relations and Events course. “Bach Mai’s approach to design and his multicultural inspirations resonate across audiences, which clearly emerged across the students’ work.”
Berkeley College will welcome a new designer-in-residence for the 2026-2027 season.
Learn More: The Fashion Experience at Berkeley College is a four-week intensive summer program offered by Rennert International in New York City. Students will explore styling, trends, merchandising, and product development while building a fashion portfolio. The program begins on July 6. Click here for more information.
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.
Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 4,000 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans for 13 consecutive years. Berkeley College is also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North in the 2026 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.
The mission of Berkeley College is to empower each student to achieve lifelong success.
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