On Nov. 13, FIT hosted the Second Annual Live Art Duel in the John E. Reeves Great Hall, bringing together eight talented finalists for a fast-paced competition and fundraising event. Hosted by Kate McGuire, founder of Converted Closet, the evening showcased students studying Illustration, Fine Arts, Fashion Business Management, and more.
Participants qualified by submitting 4 to 6 pieces of artwork; from more than 120 applicants, eight finalists were selected. Over the course of three themed rounds, contestants were challenged to paint on surprise items provided by event sponsors.
Round One, sponsored by Burton, began as models entered the Great Hall dressed in full Burton winter gear and a white snowboard—the canvas for the first challenge. Each artist responded to the round’s theme, “Dream: The Surreal World, Alternate Reality,” transforming the blank boards into imaginative works of art. Four artists advanced to the next stage.
In Round Two, sponsor Alexander Wang supplied four unisex, all-white sweatsuits as the artists’ canvases, while sponsor Christian Dior Parfums provided makeup for the models who wore them.
The theme for the round was “Metamorphosis.” Ereden Cossia, Illustration, shared the inspiration behind her approach. “I have a deep connection with space and explosions. I thought of a supernova and the metamorphosis that occurs—turning into that big burst of light before death. I would like to have an explosive impact like that.”
Two contestants were left standing in Round Three: Hwalan “Abigail” Hwang, an Illustration MFA student, and Dylan Keessen, an undergraduate Illustration student. The final challenge, themed “Inspirational Places,” was sponsored by Rimowa in partnership with Tote Taxi, who provided two Rimowa suitcases for the artists to paint.
Hwang covered her suitcase in bold reds and yellows, later adding black outlines of a city skyline. Keessen began with cool greens and blues, taking a more abstract approach.
Kate McGuire announced the winner to loud cheers: Hwang took home the $5,000 grand prize, Keessen was named runner-up, earning $2,500, and Cossia received third place with $1,500. The remaining finalists were each awarded $750.
The crowd favorite, selected through a live QR-code vote, was Hwang. In addition to the grand prize, she received two tickets to the 2026 FIT Annual Gala.
Following the event, the artists’ one-of-a-kind creations were auctioned on Charitybuzz, with proceeds supporting FIT students and the FIT Foundation.
The host committee of Live Art Duel included Malitta Lacy, business development manager at Burton; Jackee de Lagarde*, vice president of global licensing for Kate Spade New York and FIT Foundation board member; Shawn Lanier, student advisor; Chloé Marsanne*, founder and creative director, Marsanne Brands; Stephanie Pierce, chair of Fine Arts; Mary Jane Puangco, co-principal, Other Monarchs; Troy Richards, dean of the School of Art and Design; Desiree Watson, founder and president, Wellness Interactive Branding; and Josef Zutelgte, adjunct assistant professor of Fine Arts. (Asterisks indicate FIT alums.)
The judges for the night were Ariel Adkins, founder of Artfully Awear; Isaac Boots, fitness and TV personality and creator of Torchd; Racquel Chevremont, art curator, advisor, model, and television personality; Kirstin Cole, Emmy-winning reporter and anchor at WPIX-TV; Kareem Gayle, senior vice president of Human Resources, Parfums Christian Dior and FIT Foundation board member; Rachel Glicksberg, women’s fashion and new initiatives lead at The RealReal; and Katie Kime, founder and CEO of Katie Kime.
In addition to the sponsors named above, QUI Tequila and El Museo del Barrio also sponsored the event.