JOE CARROTTA

On Thursday, the Fashion Institute of Technology marked a defining moment with the opening of the Joyce F. Brown Academic Building, its first new academic facility in nearly 50 years. Named after FIT’s departing president and trailblazer, Dr. Joyce F. Brown, the structure stands as a testament to her influence on creative education.

Celebrating the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, alumni and industry leaders gathered to honor Dr. Brown, who served a 27-year tenure as the first woman and first Black person to lead the school. FIT alum and ELLE editor-in-chief Nina Garcia delivered remarks and a toast, highlighting Dr. Brown’s impact on the college and the broader fashion landscape.

Slaven Vlasic // Getty Images Nina Garcia, Fern Mallis, and Jane Hertzmark Hudis

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