Last night, the Fashion Institute of Technology lit up New York City’s elegant event space The Glasshouse for the college’s annual gala, celebrating 27 transformative years under its president, Dr. Joyce F. Brown.
Hosted by renowned FIT alumni Michael Kors and ELLE editor-in-chief Nina Garcia, the gala drew over 500 guests, including fashion industry notables like Tommy Hilfiger, Christian Siriano, and Kenneth Cole.
“Tonight is not just about looking back at an incredible legacy,” Garcia said. “It’s about recognizing the lasting impact Dr. Brown has had on FIT and the future of the creative industries.”
Kors echoed this sentiment, emphasizing, “Dr. Joyce F. Brown has built an institution where dreams become careers, where innovation thrives, and where students from all backgrounds find their place in the world of fashion, design, and business.”
Distinguished guests delivered standout tributes, highlighting Dr. Brown’s contributions across innovation, sustainability, and social impact. Hilfiger commended her visionary approach: “Her legacy is one of empowerment and turning bold dreams into real-world impact. She’s built an institution that doesn’t just keep up with the future—it helps define it. The global fashion community is more dynamic, inspired, and inclusive because of her enduring vision.”
Throughout the event, FIT students, faculty, and alumni created live fashion sketches and murals, auctioned later to amplify the evening’s fundraising. The new Dr. Joyce F. Brown Legacy Fund and the gala have raised over $2.4 million to support scholarships, new initiatives, and more programs shaping the next generation of fashion innovators.
Dr. Brown, FIT’s longest-serving president and its first female and first African-American leader, reflected warmly on her tenure. “FIT is really a powerful place,” she shared. “We hold the key to the future of the creative industries.”
See some of the unforgettable moments from the gala below.
Inside FIT’s Anuual Gala Celebrating President Joyce F. Brown
Moriel is the editorial and social media assistant at ELLE.com, covering celebrity, culture, and fashion. She previously wrote for The Daily Front Row. When she's off work, you can find her with her nose in a book, taking a dance class, or online shopping.
