The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Announces 'FIT Future//Forward Conversations,' A Series of Live Talks with the Individuals Shaping the Global Creative Industries

NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), part of the State University of New York (SUNY) and a global leader in creative education, announces 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 President Schupbach, while the Innovation Speaker Series features journalists and thought leaders in conversation with designers and creators who are engaging courageously in ways formed and unformed. Both formats will provide a forum where audiences can learn and be challenged. 

Registration is now open for the following events:

Presidential Speaker Series 

• Oct. 5: Felita Harris, executive director and co-founder, RAISEfashion, and author, The Designer's Path, in conversation with President Schupbach
• Oct. 12: Ronnen Harary, co-founder, Spin Master, and co-creator, PAW Patrol, in conversation with President Schupbach
• Oct. 20: Ewa Abrams, president, Kering Americas, in conversation with President Schupbach
• Dec. 2: Matthieu Befve, head of fine fragrance, Givaudan, in conversation with President Schupbach

Innovation Speaker Series 

• Oct. 19: Chloe Malle, head of editorial content, Vogue, in conversation with Sally Singer, president, Art + Commerce
• Nov. 3: Tanner Richie and Fletcher Kasell, designers and co-founders, Tanner Fletcher, in conversation with Fern Mallis, author, and co-creator, New York Fashion Week

Dates will be announced shortly for events featuring the following special guests: Vanessa Friedman, fashion director and chief fashion critic, The New York Times; Corey Damen Jenkins, interior designer, CEO, and principal, Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates; Dylan Kelly, social media influencer and journalist; Emily Sundberg, creator, "Feed Me" newsletter, and FIT alum; and Edvin Thompson, designer, founder, and creative director, Theophilio, among others.

To register and learn more about "FIT Future//Forward Conversations" and FIT's collective efforts to shape the future of the college and the industries and communities it serves, visit fitnyc.edu/futureforwardseries. Events will take place in the Bob Fisch Presentation Hall in FIT's Joyce F. Brown Academic Building. For those who cannot attend in person, events will be livestreamed and recordings will be available.

For additional information and press assets, please contact Steven Bibb at [email protected].

About the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), part of the State University of New York (SUNY), is the global laboratory for creative careers, preparing students for leadership in the 21st century. Integrating human imagination and advanced technology, FIT provides a world-class education with deep industry connections and flexible, experiential learning—at a fraction of the cost of private institutions. Founded in 1944 as a talent pipeline for New York City's historic Garment District, the college now enrolls 8,000 students in nearly 50 degree programs for art, design, business, and technology, plus 3,000 part-time learners of all ages. FIT grants AAS, BFA, BS, MA, MFA, and MPS degrees, as well as credit and noncredit certificates. Fashion Design alums include Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Reem Acra, Stephen Burrows, Peter Do, Norma Kamali, Bibhu Mohapatra, Daniel Roseberry, and Ralph Rucci. Other prominent alums include Leslie Blodgett, creator of bareMinerals; international restaurant designer Tony Chi; actress and advocate Laverne Cox; Nina Garcia, editor-in-chief of Elle; and Kory Marchisotto, president of E.l.f. Brands. The Museum at FIT, an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums, is the only museum in New York City dedicated to the art of fashion. Find out why FIT is built for this moment at fitnyc.edu.

SOURCE Fashion Institute of Technology