Last night, New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology lit up its Chelsea campus with its second Live Art Duel—an energetic, on-campus showdown that brought together student talent and industry insiders. Hosted by Kate McGuire of Converted Closet, the event drew a packed crowd that included FIT President Dr. Joyce F. Brown, Sunny Hostin, Cassie Donegan, Fern Mallis, Keli Goff, Heather Tazza, Brooke and Erik Parker, Mr. Wattson, and other leaders shaping the worlds of art, fashion, and design.
Eight FIT students went brush-to-brush over the course of three twenty-minute rounds, each one introducing a new theme and a new medium—from surreal snowboards sponsored by Burton, to metamorphosis-inspired sweatsuits backed by Alexander Wang and Christian Dior Parfums, to RIMOWA suitcases delivered by Tote Taxi that became canvases for interpretations of “inspirational places.” The rapid-fire format brought out a mix of instinct, imagination, and pressure-proof creativity that kept the audience fully locked in.
Hwalan “Abigail” Hwang ultimately claimed the top prize of $5,000, with Dylan Keessen earning runner-up and Ereden Cossia placing third. The remaining competitors—Nicole Sun, Yuxuan Han, Simon Ho, Seonwoo “Sun” Juong, and Yuqing Liu—each received $750 for their standout work. Hwang also swept the audience vote, taking home two coveted tickets to FIT’s 2026 Gala.
All pieces created throughout the night will be auctioned on Charitybuzz, with proceeds supporting FIT students and the FIT Foundation—extending the impact of the event far beyond campus. The Live Art Duel united talent from both the School of Art and Design and the School of Graduate Studies, marking an exciting moment in FIT’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries.
