Inside the FIT Annual Awards Gala With Michael Kors, Serena Williams, and Aerin Lauder

On Wednesday evening at the very top of the Shed—that shapeshifting arts center nestled on the west side of Manhattan—fashion’s brightest stars gathered to celebrate the Fashion Institute of Technology’s 2022 Annual Awards Gala. The glamorous event, which raised over $1.5 million, kicked off with a cocktail ceremony where guests were served caviar and crème fraiche tarts along with Champagne. Of course, there was a dazzling red carpet where names like Carolyn Murphy, Dapper Dan, and Richie Shazam posed for pictures before being whisked into the main room for dinner and the awards ceremony.

Hosts Michael Kors and Nina Garcia were more than excited to welcome attendees IRL, especially after more than two years of virtual gatherings. “F those Zoom tops and slippers,” Kors joyfully exclaimed, causing the crowd to erupt with laughter, applause, and cheers.

The first award of the evening was given out to legendary producer Debra Martin Chase, who you might know from films like The Princess Diaries and Cinderella (the iconic 1997 version starring Brandy and Whitney Houston). FIT honored her history-making service to television and film with the Vanguard in Entertainment Award.

Then, Harlem’s Fashion Row founder Brandice Daniel accepted the Outstanding FIT Alumni award with a moving speech that left many gala goers with teary eyes. “My dad used to always say, ‘If you want different results, you have to do something differently,’” Daniel shared. “And I’m glad the fashion industry is finally doing something differently.”

Before exiting the stage, Dr. Joyce F. Brown, President of FIT, revealed that there was a special surprise for Daniel, revealing that Daniel didn’t quite make it to graduation. “Now I know that you have heard about not having that actual paper more than a few times from your mother,” Brown elaborated. “That is why I’m so thrilled that your mother is in the audience tonight. Because tonight by virtue of the powers vested in me by the state of New York, I have the privilege to bestow upon you your actual degree from FIT.” Before Brown could even finish her sentence, guests started standing and cheering with excitement in anticipation of the unforgettable moment.

Serena Williams made a virtual appearance to accept her Fashion Icon Breakthrough Award. “I hope to pay it forward by encouraging the next generation of queens or kings of their court to be bold, unstoppable, and unconventional—like the students we are supporting tonight at FIT,” she explained.

And the ceremony culminated with the honoring of Aerin Lauder, who received the Business and Entrepreneurship Award. “FIT is an institution committed to supporting up-and-coming talent,” said Lauder, “and it is a mission I believe in so strongly. It is the spirit of mentorship that allowed me to learn from pioneers like my grandmother and Michael [Kors], and innovators like Jane [Hudis].”