Inside the 2022 FIT Awards Gala

On Wednesday night, FIT held its annual awards gala at The Shed at Hudson Yards. The event honored producer Debra Martin Chase, Aerin Lauder, Serena Williams, and Brandice Daniel, founder of Harlem’s Fashion Row.

Daniel, who left FIT before graduating to start her company, was also surprised with an honorary degree, presented to her by FIT president Dr. Joyce F. Brown.

The party soundtrack was provided by Marjorie Gubelmann (aka DJ Mad Marj), a familiar presence at fashion events from Bulgari to Baccarat, Tory Burch, and Tiffany & Co.

The evening, which was hosted by Michael Kors and Nina Garcia, raised over $1.5 million for the FIT Foundation, and also celebrated Amsale Aspire, a program founded in 2020 to continue the legacy of fashion pioneer Amsale Aberra by helping Black students develop entrepreneurial and executive skills for successful careers.