The Future’s Bright! Inside the Annual FIT Gala

On a remarkably warm spring night, guests made their way uptown to gather at the historic Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights for the annual Fashion Institute of Technology Gala. And while the backdrop is more than 120 years old, this year’s Threads of Impact theme felt like the ushering in of a new era for the university due, in part, to its new president, Jason Schupbach.

Schupbach is well aware of the level of design talent that has come out of FIT: Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Daniel Roseberry—the list is extraordinary, and yet, it doesn’t seem to faze him whatsoever. “We’re in an unbelievably transformational time for the industry right now, but that’s exciting to me,” Schupbach told Vogue. “We need to be in coalition with industry, we need to be partnering with industry; understanding how to prepare the next generation of talent,” he continued.

Schupbach’s vision for the future was not only made clear through his words—it was also underscored by the evening’s host. Ciara was an apt choice, and not just because of her love of fashion and self expression. As the co-founder of the Why Not You nonprofit, along with her husband Russell, she’s proven her commitment to advancing education. The multi-platinum Grammy-Award winning performer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, took to the red carpet wearing an all-white gown by Gap Studio as a nod to the gala’s guest of honor, Gap Inc.’s president and chief executive officer, Richard Dickson.

“There’s nothing better than when you have an impact on someone’s life and their journey, and especially their path to success,” Ciara told Vogue. “Because of what’s been made possible here tonight, FIT will continue to support students, advance creativity, and help shape the future of the industry,” she remarked on stage. (The glamorous event benefits the FIT Foundation; an organization dedicated to uplifting the next generation of students.)

In a room full of people with a shared belief in nurturing young talent, nearly $1.9 million was raised, which Dickson enthusiastically told the crowd. “When FIT shared that I was this year’s honoree, I was incredibly humbled and agreed on one condition: that we do more than raise funds,” he said. Dickson went on to announce The Doris Fisher Creators Program, a mentorship initiative where FIT students will have a chance to be paired with Gap Inc. leaders for hands-on, career-boosting experience.

Since taking over Gap in 2023, Dickson has been tasked with rescuing a storied brand and restoring its pop culture relevance. He has not only reinvigorated the label, but helped bring it back to the forefront of the conversation—with the help of creative director Zac Posen. “Having a partner in Richard and the trust to move forward, to take risk, to innovate, to really transform, and have this dialogue is deeply meaningful,” Posen said on the carpet.

Guests got a first-hand look at exactly what Posen and Dickson mean by “cultural relevance” too. At the venue, five custom Gap Studio custom red carpet looks recently worn by celebrities—think: Anne Hathaway, Laura Harrier, and Claire Danes—were on display for all to see. One lap around the venue and you could also catch a glimpse of industry veterans, like Calvin and Kelly Klein, Iman, Karlie Kloss, Steven Kolb, and Fern Mallis. But there was also a new wave of talent in attendance, like designers Jasmin Larian of Cult Gaia and The Park’s Sarah Bonello (both FIT alumni), Raul Lopez of Luar, LaQuan Smith, and Christopher John Rogers, whose collaboration with another one of Gap Inc.’s brands, Old Navy, just launched this week.

“In many ways, we’re just getting started, and I’m eager to use my platform to help ensure the next generation gets their shot,” Dickson said. The Doris Fisher Creators Program will launch in August 2026 and will pair 30 FIT students with Gap Inc. leaders for 10 months. It will be the first-ever collaboration between Gap Inc. and a public college, emphasizing their focus on emerging creatives.

The evening culminated in a musical performance by singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc, who sang his 2013 hit Wake Me Up.