The proper name of the annual display of Fashion Design Department student work has changed several times since its inception. For consistency, the yearly event is designated "Annual Fashion Show" here, but it was also referred to as the "Annual Fashion Critics Awards Show" and the "Fashion Critics Awards Benefit."

The Golden Thimble Award is the name of an annual honor given to student designers by visiting critics from the fashion design industry. Critics over the years have included Claire McCardell, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, and Chester Weinberg, who received a Golden Thimble Award as a Parsons student.