FIT’s 2019 Annual Awards Gala, held April 3 at the American Museum of Natural History, raised more than $1 million for the FIT Foundation, which enhances programs, develops new initiatives, and provides scholarships to promising students. This year’s gala was tied in with the college’s 13th Annual Sustainable Business and Design Conference: Innovation in Sustainability, and it celebrated FIT’s commitment to educating the sustainable design and business pioneers of the future.
Hosted by model and activist Amber Valletta, the black-tie event honored two sustainability leaders. Nadja Swarovski, a member of the Swarovski executive board, was presented with the Social Impact in Sustainability Award by Lise Kingo, executive director of the United Nations’ Global Compact, for leading Swarovski’s global sustainability efforts, embedding responsible, ethical and environmental standards in the company’s business practices. Laurent Claquin, president of Kering Americas, accepted the Corporate Innovation in Sustainability Award on behalf of Kering for its excellence as a global leader in sustainable luxury. New York Times fashion director and chief fashion critic Vanessa Friedman presented Claquin with the award. Fashion Business Management student Kiana Brooks was honored with the new Trusteeship Award for her excellence in academics, athletics, and volunteer work.
Click through our photos of notable attendees, including Alec and Hilaria Baldwin, as well as FIT alumni Francisco Costa, Randy Fenoli, and Joe Zee.
