Miss America Inside FIT’s Annual Gala, “Threads of Impact”

[NEW YORK CITY, NY] April 14, 2026 — Miss America was among the notable attendees at the Fashion Institute of Technology’s annual gala, “Threads of Impact,” an evening celebrating both established and emerging voices in fashion while raising critical support for the institution’s future. The event brought in nearly $1.9 million, including an impressive $328,000 generated through in-room fundraising.

 

Co-chaired by Missy Pool (Miss America 2026 Quality of Life Judge) and Gabriella Khalil and hosted by Ciara, the evening honored Richard Dickson, President and CEO of Gap Inc. Held within the historic Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the gala welcomed more than 650 guests, including leading figures across the fashion industry such as Zac Posen, Iman, Karlie Kloss, Calvin Klein, Frederick Anderson (Miss America 2026 Celebrity Judge), and Fern Mallis, many of whom share deep ties to FIT. Miss America CEO Robin Fleming, who serves on the board of the FIT Foundation, was also in attendance, alongside Miss Virgin Islands Executive Director Nicole Noonan. 

 

Founded in 1944 and based in New York City, FIT serves more than 8,000 students, 77% of whom are women, across programs in fashion, design, business, art, and technology. The institution has also been recognized among Vogue’s top fashion schools globally.

 

From appearances at New York Fashion Week to features in Vogue, and now a place among the industry’s most influential figures at FIT’s marquee gala, Miss America continues to expand her iconic footprint across industries, solidifying an increasingly prominent presence in the world of fashion.

 

For a behind-the-scenes access and an inside look at the dazzling evening, follow @OfficiallyHERMagazine, where Managing Editor Bailey Barger and photographer Mack Hopper covered the event.