FIT’S ART AND DESIGN GALLERY WILL HOST “ADAPT/EVOLVE” EXHIBITION, Sept. 18 – OCT. 26

The Fashion Institute of Technology will present Adapt/Evolve, a multidisciplinary exhibition that examines adaptive and inclusive design across programs within FIT’s School of Art and Design, including Fashion Design, Footwear and Accessories Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Jewelry Design, and Toy Design. Open September 18 through October 26 in FIT’s Art and Design Gallery, Adapt/Evolve considers various approaches to designing for accessibility as well as adaptive design’s relationship to culture and society. More than 60 pieces will be on display, many of which were developed by FIT alumni, students, and faculty. The show also features invited designers and artists, including the Adaptive Design Association (ADA), OFS —a family-owned manufacturer of socially responsible and innovative furniture —and the High School of Fashion Industries, as well as Alex Strada and Grace Jun. Underscoring FIT’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable future, Adapt/Evolve explores a network of care, interdependence, and access to good design for all.

The exhibition is free and open to the public daily 9 am–5 pm, including a related symposium October 16, 1 pm–6pm, featuring panel discussions and presentations. In preparation for Adapt/Evolve, FIT organized a roundtable discussion to explore a range of themes; highlights will be presented to visitors in a 20-page print booklet that accompanies the exhibition.

“Adapt/Evolve reflects FIT’s commitment to inclusive, human-centered design across all of FIT’s School of Art and Design disciplines—from fashion and footwear to interiors, graphic design, and toy design,” said Troy Richards, dean, School of Art and Design. “As a public college with deep industry ties and a mission rooted in innovation, we see adaptive design not as a niche, but as a powerful creative frontier that demands attention, empathy, and imagination. With 17 art and design programs contributing to this dialogue, FIT is uniquely positioned to lead in shaping a future where accessibility is not only functional, but stylish, expressive, and joyful.”

“We pride ourselves on creating equipment that is decidedly nonclinical in appearance,” said FIT alumnus Eric Gottshall, adaptive designer and fabricator at ADA. “There’s absolutely no reason why good, personalized design can’t permeate all realms of the built world, especially for durable medical equipment, and the settings in which it’s used. We also pride ourselves on considering the emotional aspect of our equipment, incorporating play anywhere we can.”

The exhibition opens with a dynamic exploration of Fashion Design, showcasing nearly 30 garments, from lingerie to outerwear, that redefine adaptive apparel to serve individuals with disabilities and diverse physical needs.