Beneath a dusky pink skyline, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows at the soaring Glasshouse, the Fashion Institute of Technology’s annual gala unfolded in grand fashion. Industry leaders, alumni, and honored guests gathered to celebrate both the institution and Dr. Joyce F. Brown’s extraordinary 27-year tenure as FIT president.
“We’re here to honor Dr. Brown, who has been a force of nature in this industry. I’m an alum of FIT—without the school, I don’t think I would have been launched into fashion in the same way,” Michael Kors shared during the evening’s opening reception.
Hosted by Kors and ELLE Editor-in-Chief Nina Garcia, the night began with a warm welcome and video tribute from New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Interspersed throughout the program, notable alumni including Grace Chen, Francisco Costa, and Brandice Daniel offered personal reflections on their time at FIT and the impact of Dr. Brown’s leadership.
Standing at her table, Grace Chen reflected, “FIT opened the door to my journey in fashion, where creativity meets tradition. As a couture designer, I bring modern elegance to Chinese design—I’m Grace Chen, and I am an FIT alum.”
The evening’s guest list featured a who’s who of New York fashion and culture, including designers Christian Siriano, Kenneth Cole, and Dennis Basso, along with Gabriella Khalil, Beverly Nguyen, and Isolde Brielmaier. Francisco Costa presented a tribute on behalf of Amber Valletta, FIT’s sustainability ambassador, lauding Dr. Brown’s unwavering dedication to the institution and its students.
The tone of the evening was one of admiration and gratitude, with speakers including Basso, Tommy Hilfiger, and FIT Board Chair Robin Burns McNeill toasting Dr. Brown’s legacy. Together, the gala and the newly established Dr. Joyce F. Brown Legacy Fund raised over $2.4 million to support future FIT programs and student scholarships.
“What better way for me to make a difference in the world than to seed the ground for others to have the same—or perhaps an expanded—opportunity to make their mark and leave the world a better place,” Dr. Brown shared in her heartfelt on-stage remarks.
The evening culminated in a standing ovation and a joyful call from Kors and Garcia to hit the dance floor—an invitation the crowd eagerly accepted, capping the night with celebration, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to creativity’s future.
