FIT Talk: The Fashion Institute of Technology will begin new public programming under FIT Future/Forward, the strategic initiative launched by FIT president Jason Schupbach to establish the college as the premier laboratory for creative and creative business careers.
“FIT Future/Forward Conversations” brings together significant voices shaping the creative industries worldwide. Amid profound change across fashion, design, business, technology and culture, these discussions will examine the ideas and innovations defining how we create work, and lead.
“The launch of ‘FIT Future/Forward Conversations’ marks a thrilling next step in how FIT collaborates with the fashion industry and beyond,” said Schupbach. “These discussions will shine a light on the boldest ideas driving this era of change. From AI and sustainability to evolving consumer markets, we are bringing together the visionaries on the front lines because creative thinkers hold the key to shaping what’s next.”
“FIT Future/Forward Conversations” will be presented in two formats: the Presidential Speaker Series and the Innovation Speaker Series. The two series, which are free and open to the public, offer complementary perspectives on leadership and innovation — one from those who have shaped industries and the other from those actively redefining them.
The Presidential Speaker Series hosts internationally recognized CEOs, presidents and other business leaders in conversation with Schupbach, while the Innovation Speaker Series features journalists and thought leaders in conversations with designers and creators.
Sitting down with Schupbach to kick off the Presidential Speaker Series will be Felita Harris, executive director and cofounder, RAISEfashion and author, on Oct. 5; Ronnen Harary, cofounder, Spin Master and co-creator, “Paw Patrol” on Oct. 12; Ewa Abrams, president, Kering Americas, on Oct. 20, and Matthieu Befve, head of fine fragrance, Givaudan, on Dec. 2.
Chloe Malle, head of editorial content, Vogue, in conversation with Sally Singer, president, Art + Commerce, starts the Innovation Speaker Series on Oct. 19, followed by Tanner Richie and Fletcher Kasell, designers and cofounders of Tanner Fletcher, in conversation with industry consultant and author Fern Mallis on Nov. 3.
Events take place in the Bob Fisch Presentation Hall in FIT’s Joyce F. Brown Academic Building and will be livestreamed.
