F.I.T. HOSTS ANNUAL AWARDS GALA AND FUTURE OF FASHION RUNWAY SHOW
The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) held its Annual Awards Gala last week, which included the Future of Fashion Runway Show presented by Macy’s, at The Glasshouse in New York City. Hosted by Carolyn Murphy, the gala honored Norma Kamali, Kenneth Cole, and Rebecca Hessel Cohen, and the runway show featured outstanding looks from the Fashion Design BFA class of 2024. The event benefited the FIT Foundation, which is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of FIT students by facilitating programs, developing new initiatives, and providing scholarships. Additionally, Tamron Hall announced the creation of the new Kenneth Cole Social Impact Award, to benefit a student who shows outstanding engagement in social impact.
Norma Kamali received the Outstanding Alumni Award, presented by Matthew Yokobosky, Kenneth Cole received the Social Impact Award from Tamron Hall, and Rebecca Hessel Cohen was honored with the Entrepreneurship Award, presented by Jordan Roth.
Guests included Frederick Anderson, designer and founder of Frederick Anderson Group LLC; Ken Downing, creative director, Halston; Victor Glemaud, designer, Victor Glemaud; Mara Hoffman, designer, Mara Hoffman; Candice Huffine, model, and activist; Noah Kozlowski, vice president and head of designer relations, N4XT Experiences; Fern Mallis, entrepreneur, and philanthropist; B Michael, designer, and author; Jean Shafiroff, philanthropist and author; Ramon Singer, personality and philanthropist; Amber Valletta, model, and activist; Constance White, fashion journalist and author; and Zaldy, designer.
“Our talented students really are exceptional. They arrive at our doors, bursting with talent, energy, creativity, and intelligence, with a firm belief that they know exactly what they want to do with the rest of their lives. They’re highly motivated and they are deeply determined. They have big dreams,” said Dr. Joyce F. Brown, president of the Fashion Institute of Technology. “Tonight, we have the privilege of honoring three trailblazers and influencers, and that was before being an influencer was a thing. Each of them has left a lasting imprint on the aspect of the industry that they represent.”
Future of Fashion
The annual FIT Future of Fashion runway show presented by Macy’s featured 82 designs, showcasing the work of 73 students selected from FIT’s class of 2024 Fashion Design BFA program. This diverse group of students represents four continents, 20 countries, and 21 US states from five concentrations: childrenswear, intimate apparel, knitwear, special occasion, and sportswear. The designs were inspired by the students’ personal stories and addressed wide-ranging themes such as sustainability, gender fluidity, and size inclusivity. Student interviews are available upon request.
To see the entire class of 2024, please visit fashionshow.fitnyc.edu. Makeup services for the runway show were provided courtesy of DIOR Beauty and hair services were provided courtesy of Bumble & Bumble.
Image at top: Rebecca Hessel Cohen, Kenneth Cole, Norma Kamali, and Joyce F. Brown (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images).