Ciara! Iman! Calvin Klein! Inside FIT’s 2026 Gala
2 min readFIT’s annual gala has long been a fixture on New York’s fashion calendar, but last night’s iteration felt especially prescient. Held at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the celebration drew in a packed room of industry leaders, designers, and cultural figures for an evening centered on shaping the future of fashion and creative industries.
This year’s event honored Gap Inc. president and CEO Richard Dickson, whose tenure has been marked by brand reinvention (think: headline-making collaborations with Summer Fridays, Sandy Liang, and Cult Gaia along with a forward-looking approach to fashion as both a business and a cultural force).
Hosted by Ciara, the gala brought together more than 650 guests, from fashion favorites like Iman, Karlie Kloss, and Calvin Klein to industry insiders including ELLE editor-in-chief Nina Garcia and Gap Inc. EVP and creative director Zac Posen, to celebrate the theme “Threads of Impact.” In her opening remarks, the singer set the tone for the evening: “Tonight we come together to celebrate impact, support students, and invest in the future of this industry,” she told the crowd. “FIT is where so many creative journeys begin—where talent is shaped, confidence is built, and ideas start to become real.”
The gala blended tributes, performances, and major announcements, including the launch of the Doris Fisher Creators Program, a new mentorship initiative connecting FIT students with leaders at Gap Inc.
Beyond the red carpet and notable guest list, the gathering carried a clear mission: Nearly $1.9 million was raised to support scholarships and academic programs for the next generation of creatives. Or, as Ciara put it, “That’s what makes this night so special.”
Keep scrolling to see all the standout looks.
Inside FIT’s 2026 Annual Gala
Moriel is the editorial and social media assistant at ELLE.com, covering celebrity, culture, and fashion. She previously wrote for The Daily Front Row. When she’s off work, you can find her with her nose in a book, taking a dance class, or online shopping.