FIT announces multi-platinum, Grammy Award–winning cultural icon, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Ciara as host of the college’s 2026 Annual Gala, with a musical performance by chart-topping artist Aloe Blacc. The event, taking place on Tuesday, April 14, at the historic Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, will celebrate the transformative career of Richard Dickson, president and chief executive officer of Gap Inc., while underscoring FIT and Gap Inc.’s shared vision of championing the next generation of creatives, a mission Ciara has long supported.
“I’m thrilled to be hosting the FIT Annual Gala in honor of the incredible Richard Dickson,” said Ciara. “As someone who has always used fashion as a platform for expression, I know how essential it is for leaders like Gap Inc. to foster creativity and invest in emerging talent. I’m proud to support an evening dedicated to connecting industry icons with the next generation, providing FIT students with the resources they need to bring their own visions to life.”
“I am excited to take the stage at FIT’s Annual Gala to celebrate the incomparable impact of Richard Dickson and Gap Inc., and to pay tribute to the inspiring FIT students who will soon make their mark across fashion and the creative industries,” said Blacc.
The 2026 Gala benefits the FIT Foundation, an organization dedicated to uplifting the next generation of FIT students through scholarships and innovative academic programs. This year’s gala specifically highlights FIT and Gap Inc.’s shared commitment to creative expression as a force for change in the future of fashion and global retail.
You can find additional coverage of this announcement in The Hollywood Reporter.
For more information on the 2026 Gala, including tickets and ad journal details, visit fitnyc.edu/gala.