FIT to honor Kenneth Cole: The prestigious awardees for FIT’s next Annual Awards Gala were revealed last Friday, in an exciting announcement. This glamorous event, which is scheduled to take place at New York City’s The Glasshouse on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, will honor the fashion industry’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility.

Retired FIT professor Norma Kamali, legendary fashion designer Kenneth Cole, and successful fashion businesswoman Rebecca Hessel Cohen are among the esteemed recipients. Their groundbreaking leadership and influential projects will be honored during the event, which will also provide an opportunity to celebrate their outstanding contributions to the industry.

To recognize the life-changing impact and lasting impact of fashion design pioneer Norma Kamali, the Outstanding Alumni Award will be bestowed upon her. Renowned for his tireless work in mental health and other social concerns, Kenneth Cole will be honored with the Social Impact Award for his dedication to creating a positive change.

Recognizing her innovative work in the fashion, fragrance, and retail industries, LoveShackFancy’s creative director and dynamic founder Rebecca Hessel Cohen will receive the Entrepreneurship Award.

The president of FIT, Dr. Joyce F. Brown, was overjoyed to celebrate the lives of these innovative trailblazers who would go on to change the face of fashion forever. The FIT class of 2023 will look to their motivational stories as they get ready to graduate and begin their own creative careers.

The gala will be even more spectacular with the announcement of additional presenters, including the renowned TV anchor, journalist, and philanthropist Tamron Hall, who will be presenting Kenneth Cole’s award.

The event will feature the Future of Fashion Runway Show, sponsored by Macy’s for the third year in a row, and it will also celebrate industry heavyweights. The Macy’s Empowered Design Award and the Macy’s Capsule Collection Award are two ways Macy’s will acknowledge exceptional student ability, giving students a chance to show off their innovative and creative side to the world.

The Annual Awards Gala at FIT is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime event, highlighting the transformational power of innovation and collaboration in the fashion industry with its lineup of distinguished honorees, riveting speeches, and celebration of rising talent.